Context, Context, Context - Part 3

The Doctrine of Predestination – Another Point of Contention

This doctrine is an important aspect of an “olgy” and “ism” that I have major issues with. Those who believe differently from me I still call my brothers and sisters but unfortunately many on the other side of this issue fall into the “Believe as I do or you are a heretic” category. These are many of the same folk who accuse others of turning the Word on its head to fit their doctrine when they are guilty of the same thing when it come to predestination. This is indeed unfortunate.

Here is the scripture in dispute:

Ephesians 1:11 “ In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,”
NIV
Here are some scriptures related to this discussion to read and study:

Christianity 101 – John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Joel 2: 32, Acts 2-21, Romans 10:13 – “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 8:32a “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all”

One thing that stands out in these verses is that Christ died for us all. It doesn’t say he died for the chosen ones, or the predestined ones, he died for us all, loved us all, while we were all still sinners. John 3:16 clearly states "whoever believes in him" it does not say the predestined or elect that believe in him will be saved.
Who specifically is Paul talking about? He is talking about all those who have received Christ as savior. When we received Christ, of our own free will, we became part of the elect, the chosen, the predestined.
If we believe that God chose us individually, before the beginning of time to be saved, and others for damnation then we have a massive contradiction with the scriptures quoted above. Since the Bible cannot and does not contradict itself, this view is erroneous.
There is another view of this subject that adds clarity, at least for me. Again using the principle of using the bible to clarify itself lets look at Eph 1:11-12 in context:

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”

Paul was calling the very first believers the predestined ones. This view, is also acceptable and causes no contradiction with the rest of scripture.

But Dan, what about 1 Peter? I'll tackle that aspect next week.

This is a very difficult subject and I tried to simplify it. Keep in mind the most important thing to remember is that your salvation does not hang on believing one way or the other, it hangs on faith and trust and receiving Christ as savior.

I pray that this has helped somebody today and until the next time, may the LORD bless us and keep us, in Jesus name I pray.