Predestination is a popular doctrine. This doctrine basically states that God has predetermined who will be saved and lost eternally before the world was created. Therefore, one has no control or choice in his eternal destiny. "What saith the Scripture?" The Bible teaches that Christ died for all people, not a select, predestined few. Jesus came, "to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). In Hebrews, we read that Christ would, "taste death for everyone" (Heb. 2:9). Peter told Cornelius, "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him, and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35). God's predestination is not something forced upon certain people without their knowledge or consent!

The word "predestinate" means to set boundaries or limits beforehand. God's predestination is seen in that He has already established the way by which people can come to Him in order to be saved and remain His children. Paul said the predestinated people are the called people (Rom. 8:30). How are men called? They are called through the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:14)! Hearing the gospel produces faith (Rom. 10:17). This leads to repentance and then baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

Yes, the Bible teaches predestination, but not what the denominations teach! Man is a free moral agent. Therefore, God has predetermined the way by which man can be saved. He has not predestined/predetermined certain ones to be saved or lost eternally without their knowledge or choice (Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17)!

- The Old Paths, 6/16/13