In the history of the Christian church, few doctrines have been debated as passionately as predestination. Some call it a damnable doctrine, while others consider it the sweetest truth in God’s Word. Some reject it outright, while others say that if God is truly sovereign, predestination must be true.
Leaving the rarified air of theological debate, the rest of us face some difficult questions:
- If predestination is true, what happens to free will?
- Are we just puppets on a string, doing what God ordained in eternity past?
- Does God predestine some people to go to heaven? If so, does that mean He also predestines some to go to hell?
- Why bother with evangelism, if whoever is going to be saved will be saved anyway?
- If God predestines some to hell, how can they be guilty of sin if they are only doing what God predestined?
These are difficult questions, and I don’t expect to answer them all today. However, I want to establish one fact right from the start: The Bible teaches predestination. It is a biblical word, appearing several times in the New Testament, and we cannot ignore it.
I. Understanding Predestination
The word “predestination” appears multiple times in Scripture:
- Romans 8:29 – “For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
- Ephesians 1:5 – “He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ.”
- 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 his will.”
Simply put, predestination means God determines in advance the final destination of those who will be saved. But how does this align with free will? Are we merely puppets, or do our choices matter?
II. Predestination and Free Will
The Bible teaches both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Let’s consider:
- God is in charge of everything that happens.
- He does not violate our free will, yet free will serves His purpose.
- We are not supposed to fully understand this, only to believe it.
Romans 9:18-29 presents a tough reality—God is the Potter and we are the clay. Does the clay question the Potter? No. God has the right to do as He wills (Romans 9:20-21). This is a hard truth, but “it is what it is.”
III. Three Biblical Answers About Predestination
1. God has the right to do as He wills (Romans 9:19-21).
- Just as a potter determines the shape and purpose of his clay, God has the right to shape His creation.
- We are all made uniquely, for noble or common purposes, and we have no grounds to question God.
2. God delays punishment to show mercy (Romans 9:22-23).
- Some people reject God and are prepared for destruction, while others are prepared for glory.
- If God were only just, we’d all deserve hell. But because of His mercy, He gives people time to be saved.
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
3. God extends salvation to both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 9:24-29).
- Salvation is open to all—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, young and old.
- The door to heaven is wide open, and anyone who believes can enter.
IV. Three Key Takeaways About Predestination
1. Predestination is true because it is biblical.
- Like the Trinity, it’s a mystery we accept by faith.
- Our human understanding is limited, but we trust God’s wisdom.
2. Predestination humbles us and exalts God.
- Salvation is God’s work from start to finish.
- Spurgeon: “If God had not chosen me, I would never have chosen Him.”
- We do the running away, but God does the catching.
3. Predestination does not remove human responsibility.
- We are called to believe in Christ (John 3:16).
- Salvation is a free gift, but we must accept it by faith.
V. Application – A Call to Faith
- God wants you in heaven! He has made a way through Jesus.
- If you feel the call, don’t wait. “Whosoever will may come.”
- Run to the Cross – Jesus already paid the price.
Closing Hymn: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
If you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.
Final Thought:
If you are saved, rejoice in God’s grace. If you are unsure, God is calling you today. The invitation is open – will you accept it? Amen!
