“Therefore, if we respond to Christ’s invitation in a positive way, we can honestly say that we chose to respond to Christ while also saying that it was (in ways we cannot fully understand) ordained by God. If we can’t fully understand how these two things can be true at the same time, then we must acknowledge that there is mystery here.” (Wayne A. Grudem, Christian Beliefs, page 83, Zondervan, 2005)

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There is mystery at each point at which God interacts with His human creatures. Though there are areas, particularly regarding our salvation, which have been much discussed and debated, with attempts to fully articulate this relationship, it seems wise to learn to live in the tension of these mysteries beyond our finite ability to understand or express. 

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1. Scripture – It is the Word of God, yet set in the vocabulary and writing style of the human authors (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 3:15-16)

2. The Incarnation – Jesus as fully God and fully man (cf. Philippians 2:6-8, John 1:14, Hebrews 4:15)

3. Prayer – We pray but the Spirit moves us, expresses the heart behind our words (cf. Romans 8:26-27)

4. Sanctification – We are called to be holy, yet God is at work in us to enable that (cf. Philippians 2:12-13)

5. Salvation – God’s sovereign election in choosing us, yet we are called to respond. (cf. Ephesians 1:4-5, Acts 2:37-39)