Predestination: The Search for Answers

I grew up in a family with a long line of Primitive Baptist ministers; my dad was one of them. Predestination is a prominent doctrine rooted in Calvinism, taught, and handed down for generations. The idea is that God chose people destined to be saved before they were born, or as defined in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, “To decide upon beforehand.”

This is the subject of many debates even before John Calvin. The opposition argues for free will. But when I did my research, I traced it back to Calvin, whose central theme in all his writings was the Sovereignty of God, which is where his beliefs in predestination are rooted. The Sovereignty of God refers to the biblical teaching that God is all-powerful and rules all things (Ps. 135:6; Dan. 4:34-35). Furthermore, “Scripture emphasizes God’s rule in three areas: creation (Gen. 1; Mark 4:35-41; Rom. 8:20-21), human history (Judg. 14:1-4; Prov. 16:9, 33; Ps. 22:28; Hab. 1:6; Acts 17:26), and redemption (John 17:2; Rom 8:29-30; Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1-9-10)” (Brand, 2015).

Paul writes in Romans 8:29, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Likewise, in Ephesians 1:5, Paul again teaches, “In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons [and daughters] through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” Paul also quotes the Old Testament: “Then Isaiah is so bold to say, ‘I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me’ ” (Rom. 10:20, English Standard Version). Talking about Israel, he continues that God held out His hands to disobedient people (v 21). What stood out to me was both sides of the coin being taught. Since the Bible is not contradictory, we must reconcile these passages.

The prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled; Gentiles who did not seek God have experienced God’s saving promises. Israel may have been disobedient, but God still extends His hand to them, inviting them to be saved. On the one hand, God predestines some to be saved; on the other hand, He still longs for others to be saved. Though it may seem impossible, both statements are correct. It is not a black/white either/or camp – putting limits on God – instead, there is a both/and concept to consider. I am not talking about moral teachings, which are non-negotiable; I am not debating that here. I am talking about doctrines on one’s salvation – both focused on grace. The issue is our ability to choose by free will. Humans can make willing choices that have actual consequences, good and bad. Notwithstanding God’s sovereignty, humans are still accountable to God for their actions (Rom. 2:5-11; 3:19). Paul raises the problem, but rather than resolving the tension, he affirms both (Brand, 2015).

I believe God chose me for this mission, preparing me for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Still, I had a choice. God does no evil nor approves of it. Nevertheless, He can use it for the good of His children and the fulfillment of His purposes (Brand, 2015). When I hit rock bottom – in my darkest hour – God brought me to Himself through a tragic year. We must also tell others about Christ so they can be saved (Rom. 10:14).

I spent most of my life in church but never received spiritual discipleship. Nor did evangelism surface because if one was predestined to be saved, there was no need in their mind. Predestination does not negate the necessity for human repentance and faith; it shows the possibility for both. God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to awaken faith in the elect (I Cor. 1:21). But He offers the Gospel to everyone without exception, hoping for them to be saved. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary states that the same God who predestines also sends His laborers into the harvest to carry out His purposes. There is no grain of justification to slack on evangelism – sinners would never be saved without preaching (Brand, 2015).

Additionally, although it is possible to be chosen by God, it is not based on anything God saw in the person. It is solely according to His purpose, unknown to human wisdom, so a people of the great multitude will be with Him in His eternal kingdom (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:3-6,11). The ESV Study Bible notes that God’s predestination comforts His people because they are assured that all who come to Christ do so through God’s enabling grace and appointment. Even though Paul affirms in Eph. 1:11 that every event that occurs has some sense of being predestined by God – it is also true that human responsibility is an essential factor.

Paul and other biblical writers never blame God for tragedies and evil (Rom. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:14; Job 1:21-22). Paul believed that personal evangelism and making conscious choices to obey God are necessary to fulfilling God’s plan. God planned the redemptive work of salvation through the death of Christ. However, those who killed Jesus did it of their own free will and evil intentions, not ordained by God, and will be held accountable for their crimes (Acts 4:28; 2:22-23; Rev. 13:8, Brand, 2015). Even as divine predestination is affirmed, so is spreading the Gospel to save others (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15). This is one of God’s mysteries to embrace.

The Sovereignty of God and human responsibility work together in the world, even if no one can fully understand it (ESV Study Bible). Brian Han Gregg points out in What Does the Bible Say about Suffering? God does not call one to trust in their understanding of Him, but He does call them to trust Him.

“For now, we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (I Cor. 13:12, emphasis added).

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Is. 55:8, emphasis added).