Tape Talk
by Colette Varanouskas

TAPE REVIEW: Choice
by Page Prewitt

"I understand that you are saying–and the Bible makes clear–that before we were born again we were indwelt by Satan and thus were Satan bossed. My question is how was I able to accept Christ if Satan was indwelling me and controlling me?"

The above is the question most frequently asked by those who hear or read the glorious message of our union with Christ. In the beginning of this tape, Page accepts such a question from a listener who is confused about how an unbeliever can ever accept Christ if Satan is the one in him doing his choosing. Page very swiftly gets to the heart of the matter and addresses how our ONE God given capacity is the capacity to RECEIVE. To receive truth or reject it. To receive Christ or reject Him.

She explains how God created us in His image, as vessels with the capacity for desiring (loving), willing (choosing) and knowing (spirit knowing). CAPACITY. We are receivers. When we say yes to the truth as God presents it, we are making our capacity for choosing available for God to operate through us. And, because God made us in His image, we were created free, as He is free. Page gives an outstanding and compact explanation of how our freedom is really the same capacity that God has, and how, in order for God’s love to be what it is, it must be grounded in a choice, or freedom. If we could do nothing but love, then that really isn’t love at all. If the option does not exist to be self-forself, then there really is no freedom. But God is forever choosing to be outpoured love for the universe-a self-giver, not a self-getter.

She goes on to explain that He did not give us freedom like a gift, a created thing which He could control. He made us like Himself-totally free. Our freedom is something which neither God nor Satan can control. Ultimately our only freedom is to accept or reject Christ and the truth. Page describes it like a curling iron switch, which has only two settings–on or off (rather than a thermostat dial which has numerous settings). So it is with us-yes or no to God. And when we say yes, Christ is the one who does His deeds/works through us. But because God created us free, our switch is not frozen in the "on" position. We are not puppets. It is not a total takeover. If it were, we would be puppets, unable to do any-thing except say yes to Him, and that is not freedom.

When we change the switch to the "no" position, by saying no to God, ignoring the truth, or not receiving it when it comes, Satan is then the one doing his deeds through us, via our unbelief.
 
Page continues by applying this understanding to everyday life-how do we choose into sin, and conversely, how do we stay out of it? She says that temptation is never (ever) to do a thing or be a thing. The temptation will be wrapped in "do this, don’t do that," but the real temptation is to see ourselves as an "independent I." When we believe this lie, then Satan is free to do his works through us. Thankfully, Page says that when we go Satan’s way, we eventually become miserable and turn back to Christ, who is ever in us to woo, love, and influence us to receive His truth. Conversely, Page says it best: "As I faith into who I am, it is Christ’s choice through mine… my choice, desire, knowing…is a capacity. Christ the doer is operative thru my capacity."

Of course, writing about the tape doesn’t do it justice. There are inter-actions with the audience, humorous stories, and life examples that all help to press the points home. It was also great to hear Norman’s voice on the tape as Page addressed him with a question or two. I highly recommend it as one of the most succinct and effective teachings I have heard on the subject of how we operate as "Union People."