Predestination
One of the aspects that differentiates the Bible from the writings of Hinduism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and other “religions” are the prolific detailed prophetic statements that it contains. In addition to that the Bible speaks of the control God has over the thinking of an individual and individuals. For example: the hardening of the heart of Pharaoh. The Bible records 15 verses that speak of that hardening through which God planed for the total destruction of his army.
Exo 7:13 And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exo 14:8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
It would seem obvious that God is in complete control of the events of mankind. It would then be reasonable that something as personal to the Father as the wife of Jesus would justify His dedicated personal attention and control. The result will be a body of “firstfruits” that are complete with the ability to fulfill the work of the wife of Jesus the Christ.
This then gives rise to the idea that the doctrine of predestination has a valid place in the fulfillment of Gods purpose for mankind. The following speaks of the opinions that have besought various Christian churches.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/help-im-struggling-with-the-doctrine-of-predestination/
The doctrine of predestination is not the central theme of the Bible; the center is Christ and salvation through repentance and faith in him (Luke 24:44–47; 2 Tim. 3:15). Furthermore, debates about predestination have sometimes divided Christians and even split churches. Therefore, people might conclude that it is a doctrine best avoided.
Christians might reason, We can’t understand such deep theological questions. Let’s just stick to what the Bible says. Christians need to stop arguing about theology and tell the world about Jesus. Such reasoning leads people to fear predestination and to avoid studying what God’s word says about it.
There is no doubt that this doctrine would conflict with those that believe that mankind has free moral agency or free will. Yet the Bible clearly tells us in Rom 8:20-21 that the “original formation” was “made subject to vanity” and “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God”.
The following provides evidence that supports predestination as being a part of God’s plan for the development of mankind. Ephesians 1:4-11 speaks of the subject at some length. There is no doubt that in God’s plan there would be the “saints” that would become the wife of Jesus but the degree to which the Father controls that development is in question. There are those that believe the saints have the ability to “choose”, through free will, certain aspects of that development. The verses in Ephesians and elsewhere indicate how God is wholly responsible for the righteousness developed in those who will become the wife of Jesus. —- I’ll add comments for the verses that will be used .
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
We are familiar with the Bible speaking of the calling and sealing of the saints who will become the firstfruit and wife of Jesus. The question arises whether or not this is a foreseen general concept or did the Father have the capacity to foresee and prepare “individuals” to become that wife? The wording is specific in that “us” is relating to the saints being chosen before the foundation of the world. One could ask, how could that be? Jeremiah 1:5 provides an answer.
Jer 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
The ability of God to form an egg and a sperm to fulfill His will is the most straight forward answer that I can think of. Jeremiah 32:17 would give Him the ability to do it.
Jer 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
Is it possible that originally God could have had designs for the firstfruits and then do the same for them at the appropriate time? There is another way to consider on how God could fulfill His will. Matthew 13:8 shows us there is “good ground”. Through the centuries could God have prepared a “ground” (being a total environmental influence) for an individual’s development, so rich in value as God sees it, that the firstfruits could be created from that ground? Then we have verse 6.
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Verse 6 clearly states, in no unequivocal terms, that we will be made — to be accepted by Jesus. To what extent do we have the capacity to believe this statement? At this point I would naturally remember how the Father would have the greatest of desires to give His Son the best wife possible.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
God’s unbounded grace has formulated the plan to eventually bring the priceless future to the firstfruit through the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
The “us” is in reference to the church being given answers to the greatest of questions of mankind. It has been given access to the will of God for His creation.
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
This verse is one of many that affirm the resurrection of the saints. We can ask; who were those in heaven? Rev 6:9 provides an answer. Then we can also ask, was it only the souls of the slain that are under the alter? Ecc12:7 provides that answer.
Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
This last verse of Ephesians 1:4-11 reaffirms the ability of God to know ahead of time the details of the whole plan as originally conceived.
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Verse 11 has so much in it. We are predestinated to have an inheritance. An important question would be; what is that inheritance? As I understand it; during the millennium and the great white throne judgment period Jesus, his wife and the Spirit of God will be instrumental and responsible for bringing those, who are written in the book of life, to salvation. This salvation will have taken very much work and the change for this very great number to Spirit life will occur on the 8th day.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Rev 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (see The Eighth Day paper)
There are other verses relating to the subject of predestination; Rom 8:29-30, John 6:64, 2 Thes 2:13, Acts 15:18, I Pet 1:2, 2 Pet 2:9, Gal 1:14-16, Rom 9:11-12, Rom 9:16, Rom 9:23.
One of the most clear and straight forward statements regarding the work that God does in us is made in Philippians 2:13.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I do believe we will “do of His good pleasure” because our will has been formed by the will of God. Is there any question regarding how we have come to understand the “mysteries” that the world can’t have access to? Yet, if we are “to do of His good pleasure” it will require a personal work. The New Testament is complete in regard to how we are to conduct our lives that will be pleasing to Him. We are given the instructions and God’s Holy Spirit will give the help that is required to be a firstfruit.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
2Pe 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
