Predestination

I 'spose there are many religious tenets open to interpretation.
Old John Calvin proposed another upon receiving inspiration,
When he propounded the ticklish matter of predestination,
Thereby, causing more angst concerning one's eternal salvation!

Most folks blithely saunter along live's treacherous path,
Trying their best to behave and avoid their Maker's wrath,
At times straying from the route the Creator has planned,
Assuming by good works they'll reach the Promised Land!

I reckon folks will seldom concur on spiritual potpourri,
And 'specially on predestination, theologians will disagree.
We can only plod the straight and narrow e'er doing His will.
Be it predestination or faith, only He our fate will fulfill!

We among the quick will never know how He judges our fate,
'Til we pass thro' that mysterious veil and enter Peter's gate!
Is it predestination that determines who draws the short straw,
Or does He use other methods for administering Divine Law?

'Tis a profound homily that John Calvin did compose.
As for my stone this epitaph I would humbly propose:
"If predestination it be, eons ago I pray Thou has destined me,
To enter Thy heavenly abode to be at eternal rest with Thee!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Taylor Avatar
March 14, 2010 at 8:32 AM
Very interesting and thought provoking. Let me get back to ya' Sarge!
Strand Avatar
March 12, 2010 at 12:03 AM
A well balanced view Robert,& well put.Of course ,as God is outside of time (as we know it),He would know who in Christ, ('predestined 'for a purpose),will turn to Him.Look forward to more of your poetic theology.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments.
A  Avatar
March 11, 2010 at 9:12 PM
A very intresting poem, I find this one just a bit down. Not as happy, or charmmming like some of your poetry..Your not ready to meet Saint Peter..I'm not ready my self . A great write enjoyed...
Devonshire Avatar
March 11, 2010 at 7:05 PM
Cleverly written, Bob, but I couldn't help focus on the serious side of this message. If we believe in predestination, we may as well do whatever we feel like doing and relax, thinking we already have our ticket through Peter's gate. I can't accept the concept of predestination, but I admire this compelling poem! One for my favorites, Bob! Love, Carolyn
Dufresne Avatar
March 11, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Interesting Robert! That's covering all the bases eh? :) A fine rhyme. -Robert
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