I agree with you that individual predestination makes little sense, however please state why we should think that predestination is an inseparable part of Christianity. There is so far nothing but your word that this is part of Christianity. Is it from a verse in the bible? Is it from...
Scripture says, God works “all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians1:11).
God does all things.
we know that God always controls everything? My answer is that we know this because the Bible teaches it. It teaches it by direct statements and by clear and sufficient implication...
I did not mention determinism.
The Bible is clear:
Acts 2:23 Peter, on the day of Pentecost says, “This Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.”
God has planned it all.
And
In Him also we have...
Genesis 12:3 --- All peoples on earth will be blessed through Abraham.
Genesis 22:18 --- All nations on earth will be blessed through Abraham’s offspring.
Psalms 22:27 --- All the ends of the earth and all the families of the nations will acknowledge God.
Psalms 65:2 --- All men will come to...
Jehovah knows how situations will work out, but He doesn’t necessarily know who will be involved.
Jehovah sees what is in our heart, to be sure...and He’s aware of our inclinations. But He gives us humans dignity in making our own decisions, and He doesn’t see which choice we’ll make.
For...
No, I don't believe that freewill exists in the Bible. First, I'll explain my position by re-posting a couple of paragraphs of my OP in a thread I started awhile back. And secondly, I'll post a few scriptures about God predestining certain people to be saved.
According to the Bible, God is...
You totally misunderstand predestination. God doesn't predestine individuals, he chooses a plan that will include some individuals choosing him.
Look up the arminian understanding of scripture.
According to scripture, God predestines people for salvation before the foundation of the world, so there is no free will for them. It's written that many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). God predestines the people whom he will save from hell.
"To do whatever your hand and your...
Well, if you said I obviously don’t understand what Paul was talking about in Ephesians1:11-14, then, enlighten me with your understanding – surely, that should be easy for you since you claimed you do understand what Paul was talking about in that passage.
IMO, we as Christians all too often don't give enough credit to the Holy Spirit. Where you and I may disagree is that I don't believe the Holy Spirit just deals with us Christians as I feel God's spirit likely goes well beyond just us.
Funny that I was thinking about starting a thread on the...
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the...
I don't see these implying a lack of free will, only an inability for man to save themselves without God.
However, what about,
Deut 30:19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that...
You would have to ignore many of explicit citations in the Bible.
What Does the Bible Say About Predestination?
Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV / 412 helpful votes
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for...
Agreed.
I agree that "it involves"... just to make sure we are on the same page (because I think we are on it) - Genesis 3:15 - is the vehicle that gets us to Eph 1:8-14
Right on!!!
Yes on the Gentiles. Yes on the joint heirs. Ruling with Christ... but I believe not just heavenly kingdom...
@KenS you asked, 'What is the mystery of the Kingdom?' Mark 4:11
I hope you don't mind reading, becase I am going to ask you to do a lot... in the Bible, that is. :)
However, take your time, because we need to be on the same page, primarily where the scriptures are concerned. So happy reading...