Biblical Predestination
Followers of the Lord Jesus Christ have within themselves (or should) a strong desire to better know and serve their creator. It naturally follows for us to go back to the beginning of time, learning as much as possible regarding the plans and purposes God has for mankind in general, and for ourselves in particular as His adopted children.
Many have come to believe in a type of predestination for God’s creation. The Bible gives us clues for our consideration of these matters, yet there isn’t any one passage that really “spells out” for us what took place. For this, we would need some awareness of God’s thoughts or intents prior to His creative work, and there really isn’t much to go on!
We need to begin by defining the term predestination. Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary (1983) gives us this: (1) In theology, the act by which God supposedly foreordained everything that would happen; God’s predestinating of certain souls to damnation and others to salvation. (2) A predestinating or being predestinated; destiny; fate.
All that we can know, or surmise about God must be based upon how He reveals Himself through His Word. Yet even as we might strive to understand, we also need to acknowledge that numerous things will retain a certain mystery about themselves; ours is a walk of faith, and not sight. It is not my intent to act as a “know-it-all” concerning the issue of predestination. I intend to share what the Lord has revealed to me though much prayer, within the framework of His Word.
There was much to look directly at regarding this subject! My focus is mainly upon the New Testament, though key areas of the Old Testament also need to be tied in. We cannot begin to know the heights and depths of our creator, but His Word gives us a solid foundation to build upon. We need His entire Word for proper comprehension; far beyond a few isolated passages and phrases, and without an undue respect of persons to influence our interpretation of what we read. Related articles for your consideration; Origin of Sin and Satan, and A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.
The real questions which we are asking regard the eternal destiny of each person. Does God predestine certain individuals for salvation, and others for damnation? Is it actually the Lord making those choices for us, beyond our ability to perceive? Did God create us, planning in advance to send billions of souls into the Lake of Fire, and at the same time choosing relatively few (Matthew 7:13-14) to inherit “eternal life”?
At this time in my life, the Lord has challenged me to again examine the issue of predestination; this time though an acquaintance. I was comfortable in my previous understanding which had already been expressed clearly on our website. Many times I have reacted in the flesh when confronted with this matter; a follower of Christ ought to be founded upon the rock of God’s Word, and react through the Holy Ghost which inhabits us (Romans 8:9-14).
In all fairness to both sides of the issue, I don’t think that we will ever fully comprehend God, not even in our resurrected bodies! He does, however, reveal His nature through both the written and manifested Word which He has given us (John 1:1-14). We know that God’s revelation is true.
There may be brethren in Christ reading this article who believe in the predestination of God’s creation; within a certain framework, I can see where this could possibly be taken from the scriptures. I don’t intentionally mean to alienate other members of the body of Christ! Yet after a far more extensive study on this matter, it is my perception that the holy scriptures do not teach the predestination of mankind. Please be patient with me, as I first explain my position, and then take a deeper look into God’s Word, showing the reasons for my conclusion.
Since the foundation of the world, the Lord has known the life and history of each person that has been, or will be born. He knows the parents; how they will meet and grow in their relationship. He knows how the genes and chromosomes will combine, and each person’s DNA. All that exists was created through Christ Jesus, and is held together by Him (Colossians 1:16,17). He knows what choices we will face every moment of every day, and how we will choose.
God also determines how to interact, and reveal Himself to each person. Since our Lord wants all of mankind to be saved, I believe that every individual will be given the opportunity to accept or reject salvation. Our God will make Himself known to us with certainty; and yet in His almighty wisdom, He will not remove from us the final say in how we choose. As followers of Christ, we seek God’s leading more and more directly, so His “interventions” gradually become greater, and more noticeable.
The term predestinate is used twice in Romans 8:28-30. Predestinated is the term used in Ephesians 1:3-12, also found twice. So what did God predestinate, according to these 2 passages?
Romans 8 is referring to the saints (8:27), whom God says He did “foreknow.” These are the ones He did predestinate; “to be conformed to the image of his son.” Verse 30 adds nothing new to the thought, stating that “whom he did predestinate, them he also called:” Therefore, in this passage, the way of salvation through Jesus is what God did predestinate! To say that God “foreknew” who would choose Him is not the same as saying God made the choices for them, or that these choices were made before the foundation of the world.
Ephesians 1:3-12 is a bit longer; I have listed the passage, but will focus on verses 3-5 and 9-11. Let’s look now at verses 3-5;
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:3-5
We see here that God the Father has blessed us spiritually in Christ (verse 3). God chose us in Him (Jesus Christ) before the foundation of the world. Why were we chosen in Him? So that “we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” It is not amazing to say that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world; all things are of Him, through Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36), so this phrase is merely a reference to God choosing to create us through Christ! And we were, in fact, created holy and without blame! This initial purpose of God, thwarted by the rebellion of sin, then “predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ.” So it is that we see here again, that the predestination employed by God is that of providing His Son to atone for our sins! Brethren, we need every word of God; let us read carefully, and rightly divide (II Timothy 2:15) the Word of truth. Even those original disciples stumbled over a similar matter (John 21:20-23); let us learn from a lesson provided for us, and revere the truth (John 17:17) actually given to us.
Now we’ll look at the next passage, from Ephesians 1:9-11;
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1:9-11
Verse 11 tells us that we were “predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” If these words are so, thereis still the decided emphasis on the atoning work of Christ as being that which is predestinated. Words could be argued over (I Timothy 6:3-5), but there is nothing plainly written here which would tell us that God has predestinated our choices!
God has given us many prophecies in His Word; we find these to be true, and it increases our faith. Dozens of such prophecies foretold of the coming messiah; Jesus Christ fulfilled these, revealing to the world the true nature of His identity! Our God knows the future as it will happen, and will also direct steps; causing events to come to pass. In all these things, He is in every way showing us His great power and mercy.
It is by God’s hand, then, that all things were made. God is the ultimate power behind everything that is devised. Still, God’s creation also creates; or rather, we fashion the materials God has made into many new devices. Our God did not invent a machine gun, a cannon, or a nuclear weapon! These destructive devices were invented by the hands of sinful men.
Our God takes credit, or responsibility, for all that happens in the universe He created. This is shown in places such as Isaiah 66:2,3; the Lord claims responsibility for even the man-made building of places of worship! Those who quote Isaiah 45:7 to support predestination theology are being irresponsible in their separation of this verse from the rest of scripture. Here it is;
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Isaiah 45:7
We find in this verse God’s claim of creating evil; this He has done, as in creating all things. Does He specifically “do” the evil? NO. When God saw everything He had made, He beheld it and said it was very good (Genesis 1:31). In James 1:13, we find that God does not tempt any man with evil. We also find that iniquity (synonymous with sin, or evil) separates us from the Lord (Psalms 66:18, Isaiah 59:1,2), and that He calls all men to repent of it. When one refers to God’s claim of creating evil, it is being said in the context of our Lord’s creation of all things. Even the anointed cherub (Lucifer, who fell to become Satan) was proclaimed to be “perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created” in Ezekiel 28:15! While our God is still the sovereign Lord of all, evil is allowed only as far as He permits; but there is no evil in our God!
We find a good template of our God’s sovereignty in relation to evil in the book of Job. It is easy to see from this example that Satan is the instrument bringing the affliction (Job 1:12, 2:6). Our adversary is limited, however by what God will allow. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God will not let us be tempted above what we can bear; this world belongs to the devil (II Corinthians 4:4), but God will still contend for His children.
The story of job is interesting; though Satan himself is the one attacking Job, God’s sovereignty is still evident. In chapter 2:3 God is claiming to have moved against Job; this is presumed to be by the removal of protection from Satan’s attacks (Job 1:9,10). Job 42:11 also refers to “all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him (Job).” So what is our conclusion? The account of the interaction between the Lord and His creation, Satan, does not indicate predestination by God. Rather, it shows the Lord interacting with His creation according to their own independent wills.
It is an easy thing to be persuaded by various isolated verses or passages regarding predestination. God’s Word powerfully asserts our creator’s absolute authority over all that He has made; nothing exists that His hands have not made. Yet there is a balance to be found in the scriptures—a balance that plainly indicates against the concept of predestination.
We find one such verse, suggestive of predestination, in Proverbs 16:9. Let’s look at this verse now, and then find its balance within the rest of the Bible.
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9
If we take this verse by itself, it can appear to claim that God is directing our every move; even our thoughts by which we consider those moves. Also, this verse also could appear to claim this supposed “predestination” for all of mankind; believers and non-believers alike. There are great problems with assuming that absolute predestination is the claim of this verse!
We find a type of companion verse to Proverbs 16:9 in the New Testament, James 4:15;
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. James 4:15
With this verse from James, we begin to get a clearer picture of God directing our steps. On a daily basis, it is true that we will “devise” the way(s) in which we will go. Yet our Sovereign God at times has other plans, and His will shall always trump ours!
Still, more clarity is needful, so we look next at Psalms 37:23 to further refine our search.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalms 37:23
This verse tells us that the Lord is ordering the steps of a good man. We should define the term “good man” as one who fears God, and keeps His commandments. As true followers of Christ, it should be our longing to have Him as our Lord—directing all of our steps. The closer we grow to Jesus Christ, the more this is happening! This is consistent with Luke 6:46; Jesus asks, “Why do you call me Lord, but do not the things that I say?” We can then confidently confirm from these two verses, that our God is not secretly ordering every action of His entire creation! God reveals Himself to His creation, and will help us; but we still must choose obedience.
One further scripture that follows our “choice” reasoning is found in Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5 and 6.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
Could it be any clearer? Will the Lord automatically “direct your path”? No, He will not! First you must trust Him with all your heart; then, lean not to your own understanding; and finally, in all your ways acknowledge Him. Obedience first, then you will be directed by the Lord (even if you are unaware of it).
Our world today is not the way God intended it to be! The sinful choices of His creation have brought death and destruction to all that we touch. God declared that all He had made was initially “very good”, according Genesis 1:31. We also know that all things were created for the Lord’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11), and that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). Therefore, mankind was not created to be cast into eternal damnation!
Some who profess to believe in predestination claim that God’s will is being 100% accomplished by everyone, every day! This not only goes against simple observations that anyone can make, but it contradicts the written Word of God. Many times, in many places throughout the Bible if predestination were true, God has forthrightly lied to us! Yet we know that lies and deceit are not a part of the God of the Bible, and we can presume no more about the Lord’s character than what He has revealed to us through His perfectly preserved Word (Psalms 12:6,7).
In Genesis 6 we find the beginning account regarding the flood. When God saw the wickedness of mankind, “it repented the Lord that he had made man,” and “it grieved him at his heart.” (verse 6). How could it repent the Lord (defined as to feel regret, or to change one’s mind concerning something) to have made mankind, if God had planned for the sin and wickedness? God would not be regretting such an action, nor would it grieve Him to have accomplished something which He arranged well in advance!
God has used the fall of mankind to reveal Himself in the fullest; Jesus was the ultimate accomplishment of that goal. It is not for us to instruct the Lord (Job 40:2)! We may not understand much about why God might seem to behave a certain way—how could we? We can tell from the Word that God has allowed for creation to continue beyond His absolute control for a certain time period. These thousands of years are but a mere few days to our creator! We are given one reason for the seeming delay to the Godly restoration of the world; it is to eternally save as many people as possible (II Peter 3:9).
At this present time, very little is happening (relatively) in the world the way our Lord would have it! We know that Satan is the God of this world (II Corinthians 4:4), and has been given authority in the earth (Luke 4:5,6). In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus tells us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—See Matthew 6:10, Luke 11:2. Why are we to ask for the kingdom to come, if it is already here? Why pray for God’s will to be done in earth, if He has predestined everything according to His will?
Of course, those who believe in predestination are always among the saved, and eternally secure—how convenient! God desires all of mankind to be redeemed, yet very few are; doesn’t this one simply observed fact refute an absolute predestination of God’s will? Are we to somehow consider that God has lied to us, in spite of passages like Numbers 23:19? Did the very Son of God pour out His life, with complete humility, never really intending that all of mankind could be saved?
Our God is incredibly longsuffering with us, in spite of our sinful ways. He is full of mercy, and ready to forgive, but the choice must be ours. Let’s look at a few more scriptures;
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once. Isaiah 42:14
In this verse, the Lord is indicating a tolerance for what He plainly dislikes! It is signifying of a time when all will be brought into submission to God’s will. We are not in this time now, it has yet to come.
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. Jeremiah 18:7-10
Obedience to the Lord is always the key. That key is in our hands, whether we use it or not! Aren’t these verses clear? The choice is up to us.
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 22:30,31
Another example is given here of a time when God’s will goes unfulfilled. Yes, God knew of the choices they would have, and how they would choose. He also tried to persuade them to do His will, and they didn’t! Our God can be very persuasive, but He has chosen not to force our obedience.
We will next take a look at a most startling quotation, this one coming directly from the Lord Jesus. Passages such as this are often used to show that God predestines some to be saved, and others to be damned. This account is from the book of Matthew, but you will also find it in Mark 4:11,12, Luke 8:10, and John 12:37-41.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 13:10-16
This quotation by Jesus is taken from a prophecy which our Lord gave to Isaiah, in chapter 6, verses 9 and 10. Jesus points out that His use of parables is being done because of the spiritual blindness which already exists in those He is speaking to! He also shows us that a prophecy is actually being fulfilled within these people; whose “ears are dull of hearing.” Does this passage truly declare that God has predestinated some people to eternal damnation in the lake of fire? Could there be any other explanation, as shown in God’s Word? Remember that we must consider all of the Bible in our attempts to understand. Eternal predestination is a weighty, important issue, and we need to avail ourselves of every word God has given us (Matthew 4:4). Let’s look at some other explanations which the Bible is suggesting;
1) The observations that this people’s heart had “waxed gross,” and that they were “dull of hearing,” is merely a reflection on mankind’s naturally bind spiritual state. In Mark 8:14-18 we again find Jesus using the words of this prophecy; this time it was regarding His chosen 12 disciples! Remember; even these selected disciples still needed the deliberate explaining of Christ’s parables, to understand them.
2) Matthew 13:15 is sometimes taken to mean that God doesn’t want these people to be saved; but the Bible doesn’t tell us why this spiritual blindness exists, or that God placed it upon them. We should be more inclined to think that it is Satan bringing this blindness, according to II Corinthians 4:4.
3) The “unconverted” condition is not necessarily permanent. We know that Jesus came to do His redemptive work through the cross; this work had to be carried out and completed prior to any large-scale conversion (such as in Acts 2). Thus, Jesus chose to reveal Himself to just a few select disciples in carrying out this mission; most other people would be kept “in the dark” until after the cross and resurrection were fulfilled.
Paul also uses this prophecy in Acts 28:23-28. We find that some believed, and some did not—apparently according to each person’s own choosing. The message of Christ is so awesome, and simple, that it is amazing how much resistance there is to it! I believe that is how Paul was led by the Holy Spirit in using these words in this passage. There is nothing in these verses which tells us that those unconverted will always be so, nor does it show that our God has caused their spiritual blindness; predestinating them to eternal damnation.
4) Those who are now spiritually blinded once had legitimate opportunities to be saved. There really is a time when God “gives up” on trying to reach a person!
We read of one such description in II Thessalonians 2:2-12. This prophecy passage speaks of the “strong delusion” which God shall bring upon the unsaved in the last days. Why were they given this strong delusion? Because they had “believed not the truth” and had “pleasure in unrighteousness” (verses 11 & 12). This example is not showing us a predestination by God, but rather that He “will not always strive with man”—Genesis 6:3 (Also see our article, Should Prayer Cease?).
When we get to this point, we find the true dilemma—why does God save only a very few, and not everyone? The most vile sinners may turn to Christ at the end of their lives and be eternally saved! Yet there are many who live relatively decent lives of service to mankind and never become saved. In general, mankind will not accept this type of reasoning (see Ezekiel 33:13-20, Matthew 20:1-16). It is for that cause God gave us Romans 9:15 (I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy), and 9:18, “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.”
Scripture makes it abundantly clear that God wants all men to be saved. So why then do only very few become saved? It is because the Lord has given to each one of us the ability to choose or reject Him. Ours is a walk of faith, and not sight—God knows where He must “draw the line” with each of us; that line is our own free will. To go beyond it would be to take away our own choice, and force us to serve Him. God has chosen not to do that.
An example of this is referred to in Matthew 11:21. Jesus is reproving the cities of Bethsaida and Chorazin for their lack of repentance—even though He had done most of His mighty works in them! Then the Lord says that if those same mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon (cities destroyed in judgment), that they would have repented! So then, why didn’t the Lord do such works in those cities, if they would have repented? It is because God, in his Sovereignty, knows where that “free will” line must be drawn; it is different for each individual, and it is different for each city or country. God knows this line, and no one else is fit to dispute with Him over it!
When we consider predestination in light of the scriptures, we are really saying that God knows the future. He knows each person on an atomic level, and nothing escapes His notice! He knows all of our choices in advance, and each decision we will make—but the Lord stops short of forcing us into our choices.
God takes credit for everything that happens within His creation, whether or not He did it directly. Did the Lord invent the machine gun? Did He invent the car, refrigerators, microwave ovens, airplanes, or nuclear weapons? Mankind fashioned all these things; from the raw material created by the Lord God Almighty. Yet within the scriptures, God always rightfully takes the credit.
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:1,2
In I Chronicles 17, we find King David considering the building of an house for the Lord. Did God give this idea to David? Some would say yes, but the scripture shows otherwise! God deliberately stops David from doing such a thing, and makes it clear that He is not behind the idea (verses 4-6). Furthermore, David is commended by God for having the intention (I Kings 8:18), though the Lord would not allow him to do it (see also II Samuel 7).
When we consider accounts such as this, it becomes fairly ridiculous to say that it was predestinated by God. First of all, why would the Lord give David an idea so that He could reject it? Secondly, the preserved accounts plainly affirm this to be David’s idea. Third, it would be deceitful for our God to tell us one thing, but really mean something else! We know that our God is not a liar, and how He feels about lies and deception (Jeremiah 48:10, Ephesians 4:25, Revelation 21:8). Are we not to emulate our heavenly Father? Why should we proclaim deception about the nature of God’s real character? Brethren, we can only proceed as far as we are shown in God’s Word; let us not add to the truths our Lord has given us!
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the verses which have a bearing on this subject. These are really but a very small sampling! Again, it is not my intention to interpret God’s Word according to my own desire. Rather, it is my intention to bring forth the Bible’s true position on predestination, as it is shown to be from the entirety of the scriptures.
Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. Psalms 106:39-46
We see here that God’s wrath came upon Israel due to their disobedience. At a point, the Lord abhorred his own inheritance! Did God cause His own displeasure? To me, this seems to be an absurd idea. God calls the evil works inventions, and counsel Israel’s own iniquity (there is no iniquity in God). God then used heathen nations to chasten His people (see our article, Godly Chastening Revisited). As His people then cried out to Him, God repented (change of mind, direction) of His punishment and delivered them.
These 8 verses indicate a number of things that strongly refute predestination. (1) God’s will is not being perfectly performed in the earth, not even among “His” people. (2) Even those chosen by God are free to serve or reject Him. (3) God is sovereign to interact with mankind in order to persuade obedience. (4) God’s regard for people changes due to choices they make. (5) It is clear from the history of God’s Word, that Godly chastening doesn’t always lead to repentance (see Leviticus 26:23,24, Jeremiah 44:1-23, Luke 16:27-31). Please read along with what isn’t printed out.
Psalm 139:16 and Jeremiah 1:5: These two verses show God’s foreknowledge regarding creation; and that it is indeed the Lord who physically forms us. God knows what the future outcome will be.
Matthew 13:24-30, 37-42: In this parable of the tares among the wheat, Jesus is being clearly opposed by the devil. These evil “tares” are not always uprooted immediately (it doesn’t mean that God put them there, or predestinated it!). Rather, the Lord is concerned for those which truly belong to Him, and doesn’t want them to be damaged in the uprooting. Jesus declared that a “kingdom divided against itself cannot stand”; so how could our God both represent Himself (the Son of man, Jesus) and His enemy (the devil)? This makes no sense, and would condemn the Lord for lying to us in several places throughout His Word—God forbid!
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. John 6:15
A sample verse, which shows mankind acting in contradiction to God’s divine purpose.
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. John 9:3
It should not be assumed that this man was predestined to be blind, although those in favor of predestination might say so! Jesus knew of this man and his blindness long before he was ever born, and intended to manifest the works of God in him while He (Jesus) was physically on earth.
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Romans 9:17-24
There is no doubt that our God made Himself known to the world by delivering Israel from Egypt. Did not the Lord also lead His people there (Genesis 37, 39-50)? This deliverance from Egypt became a cornerstone event in the spiritual lives of God’s people. Is this predestination?
God used a Pharaoh to save His people. In turn, God also saved Egypt (blessed through Joseph) during an incredibly bleak famine. The Lord knew that in time, Egyptian regard for the Israelites would change. He used this hurtful change to further His own kingdom, ultimately bringing salvation to man by His own arm.
While considering this example, let us not forget God’s promise in Romans 8:28; “…that all things work together for good to them that love God…” This promise has always been true, long before the Spirit moved Paul to put it into writing! Therefore God used the circumstances in Egypt for the ultimate spiritual profit in furthering His own kingdom! Exodus 3:18,19, shows that in Moses’ initial contact with Pharaoh, there was one last chance for him (Pharaoh) to do the right thing, before the “hardening of heart” had come. God did not cause Pharaoh to have the type of attitude that he had! The Lord merely used it for His, and our advantage.
Back in Romans 9:22, we see that God “endured with much longsuffering” while making Himself known. Doesn’t this show us, again, that God’s will is being often frustrated here on the earth? Yet He still uses even this shortfall for His glory!
Verse 23 refers to us (true followers of Christ) as “vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.” The bold type I have inserted into this previous passage may seem to also suggest some type of predestination. Yet in light of many other references throughout the Bible, I must disagree! The “afore” time would only reference the time before Christ’s atonement on the cross. I find the term “prepared” to be consistent with God’s knowledge of our future; who will choose Him (eternally), and who will not. To say that some were “predestined” by God for eternal damnation is directly contradictory to His stated desire for all to be saved (I Timothy 2:4).
Consider again the following; Ezekiel 33:11 tells us that God “takes no pleasure” in the death of the wicked. Revelation 4:11 tells us that it was for God’s pleasure that everything was created! By taking just these two verses together, we can be certain that mankind was not created to become wicked, and be eternally lost! Let us accept by faith the entirety of God’s Word.
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. Romans 11:8
We find here that “spirit of slumber” which God will sometimes bring to those who have rejected Him. This is also in reference to the nation of Israel and the Jews (as is the basis in chapters 9-11 of Romans). Even with this prophecy, some Jews did receive Christ (the disciples, for example). Therefore the words of this prophecy do not represent a predestination by God, as we had discussed earlier.
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. Romans 11:20-23
These verses come near to the conclusion of this section (Romans 9-11), and the role of the Jews/Israel in God’s plan of salvation. We can see within these 4 verses that it is possible for a believer to reject God, and also possible for an unbelieving Jew to turn to Christ for salvation. The Lord knows who will choose Him; which seeds fell into the good soil (Matthew 13:23) and will bear fruit. Verses like these in Romans 11:20-23 should remind us to be diligent in serving the Lord; it is about the choices we will make, and why we make them! Though Christ will not leave you, it is still possible for you to leave Him. Please see our section, A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.
I Corinthians 15:23-28: Right now, all things are not in subjection to the Lord! Casual observation will confirm this, and so do these verses. We may not understand why things are allowed to continue in this way, for what seems to be such a long time. Yet we trust God to know what is right, and His timing is always the best! By submitting to Him in faith, His name will be glorified in us.
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, II Timothy 1:9
God saved us according to His own purpose, and by grace. We find these things wrapped up in the person of Christ Jesus, even before the world began. That is, Christ is the creator of all. To me, this verse reflects the eternal existence of Jesus Christ, and His given authority over creation. This is noted briefly in the gospel of John;
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3
II Timothy 2:19: Yes! The Lord knows those who belong to Him; He has perfect knowledge of the future, and the final result of our choices.
Titus 1:2: There is no question, in my mind, that God always intended for us to have eternal life! The gift of His own Son is an unparalleled display of the earnest love which God has for us.
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. Hebrews 2:8
At this present time, not all is in subjection to Christ. That time will come, when God has declared it to be. Clearly, this was not originally “predestined.”
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:1-3
These verses show us choice, most of all! Why would there be warning for coming “short” of a promise, if predestination held true?
The bigger phrase to address is found in verse 3, “the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” That is to say from the world’s foundation, not before it was created! Numerous other verses use this type of phrase, including Matthew 13:35, 25:34, Luke 11:50, John 17:24, Hebrews 9:26, Revelation 13:8 and 17:8. The continual use of this phrase strongly suggests that all has not been predestinated to occur.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, I Peter 1:18-20
Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world; but for what? I believe it was to be the creator of everything. This is confirmed in places such as Colossians 1:12-18; please read!
Brethren, it will take us beyond an eternity to come to an understanding of all that God is! He has given us His Word, that we may be reconciled to Him, and merely begin on the path of eternal life. I do not want to place myself in the position of having knowledge which I cannot truly possess. With prayer, I read God’s Word and try to comprehend; this I share with you. May the Lord bless you as you diligently seek Him for a more complete comprehension of who He is; but please always remember, that ours is a walk of faith (Hebrews 11:1-6).
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:6-9
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.