In the Great Debate we are all participants.
It is the Great Debate because it is the most important of all debates. At stake is our present life and eternal destiny.
Paul describes the Great Debate with these words:
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;
23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. (Rom. 7:21-23 NIV)
The inner struggle is the Great Debate. Will I serve myself or God? Will I live to please myself or will I live to please God?
The struggle never ends till this life is over. As Paul stated, every day he buffeted his body and brought it under control. Every day was a continuing struggle to die to himself and allow his life to be controlled by the will of Jesus. It seems like a hopeless struggle, but it is not because Jesus has rescued us from this body of death and struggle.
The struggle and Great Debate is one indication of our desire to please God and our devotion to continually engage in the struggle to die to ourselves and live for Him. It shows we are striving to be His.
When we quit the debate and do as we desire, then we are in trouble.