Predestination is a theological concept that refers to God’s foreordaining of certain events, including the salvation of individuals, according to His sovereign will. It is a central topic in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about God’s sovereignty, human free will, and salvation. Several Bible verses explicitly or implicitly support the idea of predestination.
Key Bible Verses on Predestination
Here are some of the most frequently cited scriptures that support the concept of predestination:
Romans 8:29-30
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
- This passage outlines a sequence: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. It suggests that God predetermines the path of salvation for those He foreknows.
Ephesians 1:4-5
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
- This verse highlights God’s choice of believers “before the foundation of the world” and ties it to His love and purpose.
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.”
- God’s predestination is part of His sovereign plan, ensuring all things align with His divine purpose.
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
- Salvation is based on God’s purpose and grace, which were established before time began, emphasizing His sovereign choice.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
- Jesus emphasizes His initiative in choosing His disciples, suggesting divine selection plays a role in their mission and salvation.
Additional Bible Verses Supporting Predestination
- Acts 13:48: “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.”
- This verse indicates that belief in the gospel is linked to those “appointed” for eternal life by God.
- Romans 9:15-16: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”
- Paul emphasizes God’s sovereignty in choosing whom to show mercy, independent of human effort.
- Romans 9:22-23: “What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?”
- This passage highlights the distinction between those prepared for destruction and those predestined for glory.
- John 6:37: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
- Jesus speaks of the Father’s role in giving certain individuals to Him for salvation.
- John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
- Salvation is initiated by God’s drawing, further emphasizing His sovereignty.
- Isaiah 46:9-10: “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
- God’s sovereignty and ability to determine outcomes align with the concept of predestination.
Themes of Predestination in Scripture
- God’s Sovereignty
- Predestination reflects God’s absolute control over history and His divine plan for humanity.
- Romans 8:28-30 and Isaiah 46:10 emphasize that nothing happens outside of His will.
- God’s Foreknowledge
- Predestination is often tied to God’s foreknowledge, as seen in Romans 8:29. However, interpretations differ on whether this foreknowledge means pre-approval of faith or a relational knowledge of individuals.
- Grace and Salvation
- Salvation is not earned by works but is given by God’s sovereign grace. Verses like Ephesians 1:4-5 highlight God’s grace in choosing believers.
- God’s Purpose
- Predestination aligns with God’s purpose to glorify Himself and bring about His kingdom.
Conclusion
The Bible supports the concept of predestination through passages that highlight God’s sovereignty, foreknowledge, and grace. These verses emphasize that God chooses individuals for salvation according to His will and purpose, independent of human effort.
Whether viewed through the lens of divine election or human responsibility, predestination calls believers to trust in God’s perfect plan, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).