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“Predestination”
Categories: Bible, SalvationPredestination
Jarrod Jacobs
Predestination is a popular doctrine. This doctrine basically states that God has predetermined who will be saved and lost eternally before the world was created. Therefore, one cannot change his eternal destiny. “What saith the Scripture?” The Bible teaches that Christ died for all people, not a select, predestined few. Jesus came, “to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). In Hebrews, we read that Christ, “should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). Peter told Cornelius, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). God’s predestination is not something forced upon certain people without their knowledge or consent!
The word “predestinate” means to set boundaries or limits beforehand. God’s predestination is seen in that He has already established the way by which people can come to Him in order to be saved and remain His children. Paul said the predestinated people are the called people (Rom. 8:30). How are men called? They are called through the gospel (II Thess. 2:14)! Hearing the gospel produces faith (Rom. 10:17). This leads to repentance and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
Yes, the Bible teaches predestination, but not what the denominations teach! God has predetermined the way by which man can be saved. He has not predestined certain ones to be saved or lost eternally without their knowledge or choice! (Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17)
