Predestination

Proorizo (4309) Pro - prior, before; Horizo - "horizon" determine, decree, mark, establish, boundary

Verses – Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5-11

First Use: Romans 8:29-30 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image [understanding] of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He glorified.

Predestination is a prior determination. For the Christian it has been predetermined that once a person becomes a Christian, the end result will be the person being conformed to the image of Jesus. This is like an artist that with foreknowledge has predetermined the subject of a painting, or a sculptor, predetermining the shape he is going to mold. Predestination is simply knowing in advance what the final design or destination is. The final predestined destination for the believer is to be in heaven with Jesus and to be similar to Jesus. Similar in that we can interact with Jesus.

Destination is the end of a journey, the final destination. Biblically we are only predestined to heaven once we have acknowledged God. We are not predestined to individual fates in our life. In other words God does not predestine certain people to heaven and then others to hell. Our relationship with God is based on our own individual freedom and choice as God has already chosen to die for our sins the choice is now up to us to acknowledge Him. Therefore we have the freedom in our spirit to either acknowledge Jesus is God or to reject who He has proven Himself to be.

It is only after a person enters into a personal relationship with Jesus that then the person becomes “predestined” to a permanent reunion with Jesus in heaven. There are many factors that affect our daily life. We can make our own decisions and choices, we can let others influence us or make decisions for us. There are also Biblical factors such as we will reap what we sow. In other words, if we do Godly things we will receive Godly things, if we do evil things we will receive evil outcomes.

God also maintains control “providence” over His creation at all times, as according to God’s plan God will permit certain events and He will not permit other events. Our lives are filled with many events, accomplishments and even some failures yet none of these are a part of “predestination” as the Bible defines it but all of them are a part of our normal living conditions in a fallen existence and in the fellowship and company of the living God who oversees His entire creation.

Source: Basic Christian: Theology

A Study of Biblical Predestination

Note: There is a Biblical progression of the believer. 'Romans 8:30 Moreover whom He (God) did predestinate [as Isaac [a child of God] was predestined - children of God are predestined to become sons of God], them He also called [as Abraham was called]: and whom He called, them He also justified [as Jacob was justified]: and whom He justified, them He also Glorified [as Joseph was glorified].' First an individual has to answer the call of God to come out of the world to separate from this world and to walk in a relationship with God as Abraham was called to walk with God. Those who have answered the call having left the world and are 'born again' in the promise land [heaven] as Isaac was born in the land [promised to Abraham] and remain in the promise land as Isaac remained in the land they become children of God and once a child then predestined to become a son of God. The predestined children of God are justified (conformed into the image of God in Jesus Christ) and elected to an office a duty for God's Kingdom as Jacob was justified from Jacob to Israel and elected [duty to perform] to be the father of the 12 tribes (family groups) that would comprise the entire nation of Israel the nation that would safely bring the redeemer to mankind. In completing the task and honoring God the justified and elected Christian is also glorified (accomplished) as Joseph (a Biblical type of Jesus) was glorified [covered in clothing (righteousness) and given the (adoption) signet ring of Sonship and authority] having saved the family from famine and reuniting the family back together under one roof all while being raised up from the pit of prison (death and hell) to be a ruler in all of the world, all of Egypt. - Also Note: With the rape of Dinah their sister [Genesis 34:1-31] and in vengeance two of her brothers Simeon and Levi destroyed an entire city, [without the foreknowledge of Jacob who completely disapproved of their actions and later Jacob diminished their blessings because of their actions]. It might seem like a tall tale that only two men could destroy an entire city and it might seem like an ancient fluke that it could happen however the warfare that Simon and Levi practiced is now the concept of the most modern, most devastating warfare of our day. First nonlethal force is applied (the entire city being circumcised) in modern times loud piercing audio sounds and or accompanying noxious 'ray gun' type transmissions will easily incapacitate an entire neighborhood and then once incapacitated a few operatives like Levi and Simon can quickly and easily decide to dispatch, capture or leave alone each incapacitated individual. Coming later in Egypt we will learn how the entire nation, a very prosperous, diverse and secure nation, quickly became ruined and the possession of a single ruler (Pharaoh) yet another concept that is very important in our time and day.

Source: Basic Christian: Blog Bible Study

The Pierre Statement on Biblical Doctrines by Confessing Christians – A Declaration of Faith

#7: Only Christians have Salvation and are the Children of God, non-believers are separated from God by their own choice and actions and not by God’s choice

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we (Christians) are the children of God.

Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh (physical), these are not the children of God:

Only Christians are “Born Again – Born from Above” therefore only Christians have the Spirit of God making Christians “Children” of God and as Children in the Family of God partaking in an intimate relationship with God our Father.

Galatians 3:26-27 For ye (Christians) are all the children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

It is evident that people are humans and as humans we live within the limitations of humanity and as humans we also die within the limitations of humanity. There cannot be any dissension regarding the frailty of the human existence, no one physically lives much longer that about the span of 100 years.

The human lifecycle is clearly revealed in the Bible that All mankind has descended from Adam and Eve and therefore All mankind is inherently in the sinful condition passed on from Adam and Eve and All mankind is in need of an individual Spiritual rebirth from Jesus in order to overcome the physical death that is certain for everyone.

The Bible shows us that there are distinct and different categories of people

 Everyone is conceived in sin and therefore begins life separated from God

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.

God is calling out to everyone to no longer continue in separation but to be reunited to God through the cross and Resurrection of Jesus.

John 12:32 And I (Jesus), if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto Me.

Those that Respond to the Call of God by Faith acknowledging the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, these people are cleansed of their own sins and Jesus then Breathes His Spirit into this person creating a new Child of God.

John 20:22 And when He (Jesus) had said this, He breathed on them and saith unto them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (become a Christian).

The New Christian now has the Spirit of God and is now a Child of God no longer separated but is now in the family of God and in Spiritual fellowship with God Himself

 Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Romans 8:16-17 The (Holy) Spirit itself beareth witness with our [Christian] spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

The Children of God are now Predestined (appointed outcome) to the Adoption of God to become Sons of God

Ephesians 1:5 Having Predestined us [children] unto the Adoption of Sons (5206) by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.

A Child of God then becomes a Son of God in their own individual resurrection, after physical death, when the soul and spirit of the Christian enter into the perceivable presence of God in Heaven then God adopts the Child elevating the Child to a Son by giving the Son a new Spiritual body to replace the physical body that has just died. It is upon receiving the new unique Spirit body from God that the child (5043) of God become Sons (5206) of God and as a son (5207) the status and privileges of Sonship are then available.

Romans 8:23 And not only they (creation groans), but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit (Christians), even we ourselves groan within ourselves waiting for the Adoption, to wit the Redemption of our Body.

As a Son of God and now in Heaven (Perceivable presence of God) with God the Son receives an Inheritance from God his Father. The Inheritance includes an Abode (Place to live) an Occupation and resources to live and thrive on. We are Children of God while here on earth then we become Sons of God in Heaven in the Manifested presence of God. Another distinction between Children and Sons is that we Children on earth struggle with sin and the physical realm. Once a Son in Heaven we are freed from sin and enter the ease of the Spiritual realm.

Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children [lit. sons], and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage [lit. inheritance] of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call Me, my Father; and shalt not turn away from Me.

Jeremiah 4:22 For My people is foolish, they have not known Me; they are sottish (spiritually intoxicated) children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light.

The people here on earth are either non-believers or they are believers and when believers they are children of God, the non-believers that have lived and have now died and died in their own sins are now separated from God forever as there is no longer a remedy for human sin after human death. While the people in Heaven are now Sons of God.

Note: Once a person becomes ‘Born Again’ by receiving the Spirit breath Baptism directly from the resurrected living Jesus Christ we become ‘children of God’ and the entire time we are in our physical body we remain children of God. It is only after physical death and we separate our spirit and soul from our fleshy body of sin that we enter into the presence of God. Once in the presence of God and having met God face to face, the non-believer departs from God while the child of God remains and God adopts His children of God to become His ‘sons of God’ in heaven. We become sons of God only when we are in a spiritual body in heaven. To be Born Again in our physical body is to be a child of God the entire time we are physically alive on earth later only after meeting God and having a new spiritual body in heaven do we become sons of God. It’s possible to be an infant or a child of God and not know our Father face to face however it is not possible to be a son without having met and being able to recognize the Father through Jesus face to face.

Colossians 1:12-15 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (Jesus): In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Jesus) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn [inheritor] of every creature:

Colossians 3:10-11 And (Christians) have put on the new (Spiritual) man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him (Jesus) that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all [children of God – sons of God].

It is the Holy Spirit that seeks to bring people to God (Jesus) 

John 12:32 And I, if I (Jesus) be lifted up (cross and resurrection) from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.

Hebrews 3:7-8 Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts …

Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us …

The Holy Spirit covers the entire world and in conjunction with the work of the Holy Spirit all of creation also testifies to all of mankind about the glory, goodness and abilities of God.

Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him (God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit]; so that they (sinners) are without excuse:

Because the Holy Spirit is everywhere pleading with all mankind, all mankind is without an excuse as to why they do not accept the love and a relationship with the one True God revealed to mankind in Jesus Christ.

We can agree to agree that not all people are the same in the sight of God yet it depends on the individual as to their relationship or lack of relationship with God because God has made it clear that He is available for everyone.

Note: The Jewish people are in the redeemed presence of God and are heirs (inheritors) in the Kingdom of God. The Jews become children – sons of God in the resurrection while the “Born Again” Christian Church are now children [in the Spiritual image] of God and as children Christians a part of the family of God.

John 5:25 Verily, verily, I (Jesus) say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall [become Christians and] live.

John 11:23-27 Jesus saith unto her (Martha), Thy [Jewish] brother (Lazarus) shall [physically] rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall [spiritually] rise again in the [Jewish] resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the [Spiritual] resurrection, and the [Spiritual] life: he that believeth in Me, though he were [physically] dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never [Spiritually] die. Believest thou this? She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Also Note: The Jewish people are heirs (inheritors) of God because of the promises of God and through their faith in the promises of God and not by abilities, works or their keeping of the law.

Romans 4:14-15 For if they (Jews) which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Romans 9:3-5 … my (Jewish) brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob], and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

• Note this topic is mainly in reference to the Church and to the Gentiles as the Jews are a separate matter in regards to their relationship with God.
• Note the King James Version of the Bible often interchanges “child” (5043) and “son” (5207) a Greek language reference guide (Strong’s Concordance) may be used to determine if the original word is son or child.

Source: The Pierre Statement of Confessing Christians