Why are some people deaf to the truth? Romans 10:17 KJV says, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. This is a clear answer, but it raises additional questions. In fact, it makes me think about predestination and the mercy of God.

Because of the mercy of God I was raised in a Church that understood baptism. Baptism is a matter of salvation, it’s not just for show. It cleanses our past sins and brings us into the family of God.

The Lord was merciful to me. I was baptized at age 12. But nearly that very same week I fell back into sin. I continued being addicted to porn for over thirty years. Around 18, I acquired an additional addiction in the form of smoking cigarettes. During much of this period I still attended Church on a regular to sporadic basis. In a long process that began with a healthy fear of the Lord, I started reading the Holy Bible. With Jesus help I broke free of my addictions. I have finally became a born again Christian.

Am I saying I’m predestined for Heaven. I hope so. What I can say is that the Lord has been merciful and long suffering for me. He watched over me all those years of living in sin and not even attending Church at all. He led me to him through opening my understanding while reading his Holy Bible KJV. He gave me the strength to confess my sins. I confessed to the Church, to the police, and even to family and friends. He has been true to his word in 1 John 1:9, which offers forgiveness after water baptism. There is hope if we trust in the Lord. He will help us overcome our sin. As Jesus said in John 8:32 KJV, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Is there anything we can do to open the ears of the deaf? I don’t know. I think it is up to the Lord. Is predestination the answer then? Maybe. Some are predestined for eternal salvation in Heaven while others are predestined for eternal damnation in Hell.

However, I wouldn’t us this as an excuse to give up, an excuse to continue in your sin. He has given us freewill and until the day I die I will follow the Lord striving against sin and attempting to walk in the light.

Besides, predestination is largely a POV, point of view. God already knows where we are going and what we will do. He is omniscient or all knowing, but we live in time. Redeem the time. Pray to the Lord to open your ears and your understanding. And that he will grant you the mercy and strength to walk in the light.