Falling Short

Back in January 1979, my family relocated from San Diego, California, to Annapolis, Maryland, due to my father’s work transfer. I was in the middle of my junior year of high school, and, needless to say, I was not thrilled about the move. Everything I cherished at that time was tied up in the San Diego lifestyle—my friends, my girlfriend, my job, and my sports. Leaving behind my life there was devastating, and I was filled with fear and uncertainty about the unknown that awaited me on the East Coast.

In San Diego, before moving, I abandoned all my other sports activities in favor of springboard diving. I began diving in the AAU when I was 13 and continued until we left for Maryland. Since diving was a year-round sport, it left me with limited time and energy to explore other options. Although my high school, Patrick Henry, didn’t have a swimming pool during the first half of my high school years, they somehow managed to have a swim team, which I eagerly joined. As a sophomore, I achieved a significant milestone by winning the CIF (State) championship for our region, which was quite heady. This victory put me in a strong position to secure a sweep of my remaining years. However, our move came as a surprise and my high school diving career came to an abrupt halt.

Annapolis High School, where I spent the latter part of my high school years, lacked a swim team. Consequently, I had to find an alternative way to occupy my time. The previous year, the AHS football team had achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Maryland State championship. Naturally, I thought, “Why not join them?” So, I, along with a hundred others, attended tryouts and two-a-days with the same thought in mind. I quickly realized I wasn't alone in my enthusiasm and concluded that everyone was just as eager to jump on the bandwagon and become a part of a winning team as I was.

I was incredibly motivated to make that team. Despite the intense 100-degree plus temperatures, I gave it my all. I took salt tablets and still threw up on the field almost every day. Between practices, I was so fatigued that I couldn’t even lift my arms or walk. Somehow, I managed to make it through the first round of cuts and was even rewarded with my own number and some recognition from the coaches for my receiving ability. I felt like I was better than many of my fellow wide receivers and thought that I might actually make the team. Perhaps, just perhaps, all my hard work and dedication would pay off.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

As it turns out, I was "let go" in the final round of cuts. I was devastated, to say the least. I wasn't used to falling short in any endeavor, and felt that the coaches made a huge mistake... but what could I do? Rather than share in the glory of being a member of the State champion Annapolis Panther football team, I had to melt back into obscurity of being a failure - of not making the cut, and facing my newly minted friends with the shame of inadequacy stamped on my forehead. As it turns out, no one really cared but me, and as a side note, the team didn't even manage to make the playoffs that year.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Life is full of choices, some result in victory, some in defeat. When we turn to the matter of our own salvation, the stakes become significantly higher than making a football team! The team we strive to join is membership and acceptance into Christ’s kingdom, all its glory, and eternal life. While making the Annapolis varsity football team offers membership benefits that may last only three months, membership into Christ’s team is eternal, and being on the opposing team is not an appealing alternative. The question becomes, “What are the requirements to gain membership in this highly desirable club, and, as Christians, should it be our primary focus?”

We'll start with the first question. Jesus teaches that believing in Him is central to receiving eternal life. Salvation comes through faith in Him (Jesus), repentance from sin, and receiving God's grace. Jesus teaches that He alone is the way to eternal life and reconciliation with God, and that salvation is only found through faith in Him, not through human achievement or any other alternative path. Great... sounds good, but how is this achieved? This is the million dollar question.

From a strictly biblical perspective, salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God are made possible through the grace of God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, accompanied by repentance, spiritual rebirth, and a life transformed by obedience to God's Word. Salvation cannot be earned through good works, religious rituals, or personal righteousness. It is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For believers, it is the greatest gift ever given and is invaluable. For my part, I can't even comprehend the depth of the graciousness extended to someone so flawed - I suspect that most can't.

Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

This all leads to one of the most significant theological debates within Christianity - Is salvation through Jesus Christ predetermined? Scripture teaches both God's sovereign selection (predestination) and human responsibility to repent, believe, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as paths to salvation. Understanding how these teachings fit together is central to addressing this question, though there is really no easy answer.

Several Bible passages explicitly teach that God predestined believers for salvation.

...even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love,he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will... Ephesians 1:4-5

The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. Revelation 17:8

These verses convey that God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ existed even before the world was created. They are among the most compelling passages that support the pathway of predestination. However, as with all aspects of Christianity, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Scripture also emphasizes that human beings are accountable for their choices, including whether to repent and embrace Jesus Christ. Scripture repeatedly urges individuals to make significant decisions regarding faith and salvation. So, how can predestination and human free will coexist?

The challenge lies in reconciling the Bible’s teachings on both concepts, which appear contradictory. However, understanding their interconnectedness sheds light on this. In Ephesians 1:4–5, the Apostle Paul emphasizes God’s pre-ordained choice of believers in Christ and their subsequent adoption as His children. Similarly, Romans 8:29–30 outlines a sequence involving God’s foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. These passages establish that salvation is not a human endeavor; that God’s purpose precedes our response.

On the flip-side, Scripture also teaches human responsibility and choice - God commands humans to repent, believe, and obey. These passages present human beings as morally responsible for responding to God. Clearly there are consequences for our actions if a choice is made to deviate from God's word. Judas certainly found that out.

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:15

I warn everyone who hears the words the prophesy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of this book of this prophesy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. Revelation 22:18

This provides a biblical basis for understanding how divine sovereignty and meaningful human choices can coexist. There are many examples that present the two concepts operating together, Jesus' crucifixion being among the best examples. Acts 2:23 teaches that Jesus was delivered up according to God's definite plan and foreknowledge, yet those who crucified Him were responsible for their actions. If predestination alone was enough to ensure salvation, there would never have been a need for a Messiah. It wouldn't matter how one lived their life, whether one was a habitual sinner or whether one repented for their inadequacies in the eye's of God. You would either be saved or not, no matter how you lived your life.

It certainly doesn’t seem right, does it? The entire purpose of Christ’s crucifixion was to absorb all our sins and provide us with a path to eternal life through His grace. If predestination were the sole requirement, His coming and subsequent crucifixion would have been unnecessary. Therefore, it must be concluded that a combination of both predestination and grace is necessary.

On to the second question: Should a Christian be solely focused on salvation? Do we do what we do solely to be saved? Jesus teaches that the Christian life encompasses much more than securing one’s eternal destiny. Salvation through Jesus Christ marks the beginning of a transformed life—one dedicated to loving God, serving others, pursuing righteousness, and advancing God’s Kingdom. However, it goes beyond merely securing one’s entrance into the kingdom.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-10

Paul explains that believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works. However, salvation is not achieved through good works; rather, it is a gift from God. The intended fruit of salvation is a transformed life. In essence, Christianity is not solely concerned with our eternal destination. It also emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life in the present. While living a righteous life may ultimately lead to salvation, it should not be the primary focus of believers. Instead, our highest priority should be God’s Kingdom, not merely our personal admission into it.

My reasons for wanting to make the Annapolis High football squad involved my own hubris - all the effort, pain, and sacrifice would lead me to a spot on the roster, and glory in the eyes of my new classmates. I put forth all the effort, but it was for the wrong reasons, and I fell short. I did not make the cut. In the matter of personal salvation, I intend to learn the lessons of my youth and apply them to making the most important team. I will strive to live my best Christian life and give all glory to God without obsessing over whether or not I will make the cut. I either will or I won't.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus makes clear that following Him is not necessarily the easiest or most popular path. the popularity or ease of a particular way of life does not establish its righteousness before God. He calls His followers to choose the narrow path, even when doing so requires sacrifice, courage, and separation from worldly values.