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Originally posted by Contra_Mundum
Even the choice of Matthias (Acts 1) is quite a special circumstance, as well as falling within the era of special revelation.
Originally posted by webmaster
Yes, I believe that the Word is Final. We don't need lots today - just good exegetes.
Originally posted by Contra_Mundum
Is flipping a coin really the best way to make your final decision between the two? Or do you have to buckle down a little more, do a little more homework, visiting schools, examining curriculum, judging professors, self-analysis, asking hard questions of people who have been here/there for guidance, etc, etc.
Originally posted by Paul manata
The casting of lots doesn't mean that the outcome will be beneficial, for you (in the narrow sense of the "better" school).
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
I am of the opinion that there are today valid occasions under weighty or extraordinary circumstances for the proper and Biblical use of lots.
See this paper called Considerations on Lots by John Mason for further elucidation: http://www.covenanter.org/JMMason/masononlots.htm
Originally posted by Monergism
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
I am of the opinion that there are today valid occasions under weighty or extraordinary circumstances for the proper and Biblical use of lots.
See this paper called Considerations on Lots by John Mason for further elucidation: http://www.covenanter.org/JMMason/masononlots.htm
Thank you. That paper is full of information! I will get to digging as soon as I can.
Originally posted by Paul manata
...But, the lot casting may not choose the best school for you. Maybe God will want you to learn to not cast lots and so the lot you pick will be a school that wasn't the best for you. God's will would be done. You would pick a school. But your original question as to deciding between Schools (with the hidden assumption, I'd supose, is that you want to go to the best school) would not be answerd. The casting of lots doesn't mean that the outcome will be beneficial, for you (in the narrow sense of the "better" school).
Why don't you chart out what you want in your education. Make it detailed. Then put the competeing schools into the diagram (the appropriate ones into the sections you've created). See which school is in more sections. If two end up tying and so are equal in scholastic pay-off, then choose "lesser things." Such as weather, location, closer to friends and family, etc. Think about what you want in these areas. Make a chart. then put the two competing schools into this chart.
Would this have been true for the disciples in Acts 1 as well? What assurance did they have that Matthias was truly the "best" choice? Also, was this the same way lots worked in the Old Testament? If so, why cast lots at all?
4. It is farther observed in this Answer, that men take the name of God in vain, by sinful lots. This subject, however, needs explanation. Let it be considered, then, that when lots were an ordinance, by which God in an extraordinary manner determined things which were before unknown, they being an instituted means of appealing to him for that end, as in the case of Achan and others, were not to be used in a common way; for to have used them so would have been a profaning of a sacred institution. But as this extraordinary ordinance has now ceased, it does not seem unlawful, so as to be an instance of profaneness, to make use of lots in civil matters; provided we do not consider them as an ordinance which God has appointed, in which we think we have ground to expect his immediate interposition, and to depend upon it as if it were a divine oracle. In this view it would be unlawful, at present, to use lots in any respect whatsoever.
When is the lot proper?
In cases of importance; which cannot be decided by other means in the exercise of our reason; and for the prevention or termination of strife.
The case must be important; for appeals to the living God with thoughtless frequency, upon mere trifles, is an impiety which cannot be indulged with impunity, nor thought of without horror.
The case must not only be difficult, but such as our best discretion is unable to bring to a comfortable issue.
For if we appeal directly to the judgment of God in things which may be fairly and wisely settled without so appealing, we depreciate the value, by superseding the exercise of our rational faculties"”we endeavor to disturb the order which God has established, subjecting the tribunal of human reason to the tribunal of his supremacy; inasmuch as we attempt to abolish the inferior tribunal by withdrawing causes which are of its proper jurisdiction; and thus, impeaching his wisdom, not honoring his throne, we provoke him rather to inflict his curse than to command his blessing.
Cases in which the lot may lawfully be used, are such as these:
The division of property: when the portions of it are adjusted with impartiality and skill; and yet the claimants cannot agree upon the distribution. The appointment of men to a service of a peculiar interest or hazard; when more than the requisite number appear; and their respective qualifications or disqualifications are pretty equally balanced.
The selection of victims; when several, involved in the same crime, are under the same condemnation: but the government, leaning to mercy, and resolving to make an example, requires only a part to suffer, and does not name the individuals. The reader can easily add other illustrations.
I have only to answer the third question upon this head; viz.
How should the lot be conducted?
As it is an act of worship, the glorious majesty of Him with whom they have to do, should be present to the minds of the worshipers. Passion, levity, indifference, should be laid aside. The name of God should be invoked by prayer; and the lot cast as under his eye. When the issue is declared, the parties concerned should repress every feeling of resentment or dissatisfaction; and acquiesce with promptitude and reverence, as they undoubtedly would have done, had their Almighty Umpire rendered himself visible, and given sentence in their hearing.
There cannot be a happier elucidation of the right manner of applying the lot than the example of the apostles at the election of a colleague to fill the place of Judas. They knew that an apostle could be chosen only by the immediate act of their Master in heaven. They knew, however, that he must have certain qualifications which Peter mentioned. They looked round among their brethren, and found two thus qualified. They had gone as far as they could go in fixing upon the man by ascertained rules, and an insuperable difficulty presenting itself in the circumstance of two answering the general description, while only one was wanted, they refer the decision to their ascended Lord. Having set the candidates before him, they prayed and said, Thou, Lord, (it was the Lord Jesus to whom they prayed,) Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. The decision was received with profound submission, as the decision of the Lord Jesus himself. Not a soul disputed it; not a whisper was heard of discontent or doubt. Let Christians, in their use of the lot, go and do likewise.
Originally posted by Ivan
Andrew,
You are an incredible source of information. As a former reference librarian, I stand in awe!
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
Originally posted by Ivan
Andrew,
You are an incredible source of information. As a former reference librarian, I stand in awe!
Thank you, brother!
Originally posted by Ivan
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
Originally posted by Ivan
Andrew,
You are an incredible source of information. As a former reference librarian, I stand in awe!
Thank you, brother!
Would you mind sharing your educational background? I believe I call that you said your father was a professor.
[Edited on 1-1-2005 by Ivan]
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
I am of the opinion that there are today valid occasions under weighty or extraordinary circumstances for the proper and Biblical use of lots.
See this paper called Considerations on Lots by John Mason for further elucidation: http://www.covenanter.org/JMMason/masononlots.htm
Originally posted by Jeff_Bartel
Originally posted by VirginiaHuguenot
I am of the opinion that there are today valid occasions under weighty or extraordinary circumstances for the proper and Biblical use of lots.
See this paper called Considerations on Lots by John Mason for further elucidation: http://www.covenanter.org/JMMason/masononlots.htm
This is a great article, thanks Andrew!