19-21). We don’t even get credit for seeking the Lord because he sought us before we sought him. And when he did, he was saved. Eventually I came to an understanding that has freed me from the necessity to argue anymore. Rich or poor. In my article on Salvation, I already discussed what it means to be saved and I briefly touched on how grace relates to predestination. These verses use the term “remnant,” which describes a smaller group out of larger population. But Paul’s thought isn’t limited to those we consider gross sinners. It’s true that we are all created in God’s image which gives us dignity and worth. So we can conclude that Paul believed in predestination and that he understood the arguments for both sides. Does it have to be all or none? Educated or illiterate. No one can talk back to God and say, “You blew it.” Number one, he didn’t blow it. The Amazing Power of Prayer from the Inside Out, 4 Things to Know about "Jingle Jangle," Netflix's Epic Family-Friendly Musical, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2020, Crosswalk.com. They don’t like any doctrine that gives all the glory of God and none to us. “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ’Why did you make me like this?’ “ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Is there a middle ground? You can put on a red dress or a blue one. If you are a believer, may you find comfort and joy in believing both now and in the days to come. By the barest changing of pressure, the potter radically alters the shape of the clay. Someone has illustrated the truth this way. If God had said, “I’m only going to save the Jews,” he would still be fair because no one deserves to be saved. Yesterday I received the sad news that the brother of a dear friend died from a sudden heart attack. In his great mercy, God has opened the door and included the whole world in his invitation. I don’t expect to answer all them in the course of just one message. Anyone who wants to can walk right in. I think it is attractive. Our choice is a free choice, but it is made possible only by God’s Spirit enabling us to believe and be saved. In fact, God makes each one of us unique from everyone else in the world. We’re not supposed to understand all this. So I am forced to accept that doctrine. It basically consists of two points. Therefore Satan, demons, and man’s sinful nature are responsible for evil, not God. As I thought about it, I recalled a scene from the movie “Analyze This,” where Billy Crystal plays a psychiatrist who against his better judgment takes on a Mafia crime boss (Robert De Niro) who can’t control his emotions and starts crying at odd moments. (vv. You've planned for your future. Although our self-preservation and pride doesn’t want to admit it, the idea that God created sin, evil, and Satan makes much more sense. The lake of fire is a harsh purification that will restore everyone to righteousness so that they may enter heaven. God has determined to open the doors of heaven to the whole wide world. He will someday judge you for all of it. What can we say in such a situation? One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? Some have more intelligence, others less. If the answer is yes, then I’ve got good news, you’re predestined for heaven. The potter’s hands. Paul’s point is that we shouldn’t be surprised by Jewish unbelief because the Old Testament predicted it in several passages. What does it mean? For who resists his will?” But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Who are the Gentiles? Communion - 10 Important Things to Remember, The Trinity - Father, Son, Holy Spirit Explained, Predestination - Biblical Support and Facts, Armor of God - What is it and How to Use it, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. His first words after he prayed to receive Christ were, “I feel like a great burden has been lifted from my shoulders.” Who was behind that? From heaven and hell to baptism and communion, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about theological words and their meaning. Charles Spurgeon applied this great truth to himself: I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why he should have looked upon me with special love. So basically, the definition of predestination is that God has pre-selected or pre-determined who will be saved and who will not. However, these verses make it abundantly clear that not everyone is going to heaven. No one will be in hell who truly wanted to go to heaven by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Does it turn us into robots or puppets on a string? Hold fast to the bloody Cross as your only hope.     when it happens It’s easy to think of examples: Hitler comes to mind. Remember, no one can talk back to God. I think it displays God’s love. When in fact, God is already the leader, but you have been ignorant of it. You’ll have to take it up with the great apostle himself. Does the Bible really teach predestination? When you came to Christ, you made a decision of your will. Every decision you make is a free choice. Let me begin with a simple definition. In this first part of our 2 part series of articles we will dive into God’s word to discover the meaning of Predestination in the Bible. "A Book of Bible Study" is a free e-book that provides answers to many of the most common questions believers have as they seek to understand the Bible. But these verses specify two different groups within the human race. Like most Christians, I have wrestled greatly with this issue over the years. The same is true for us. Remember, truth is proven true by the harmony that comes from the sum of its parts. Should we not also be worried that if we reject the Bible’s teaching on election we will never be humbled enough to make Christianity look like anything worth having? If you are still without Christ, may he make you restless in your heart until you find your rest in him. If you want to be saved, then God is calling you. Why have so many Jews rejected Christ if he is indeed the Jewish Messiah? Armor of God - What is it and How to Use it, Bible Study Resources - Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions, Just Drop the Blanket: The Moment You Never Noticed in, 30 Best Thanksgiving Prayers to Inspire Gratitude and Give Thanks for Blessings, How to Be Thankful, Even When You Really Don't Feel Like It, 10 Ways to Turn Thanksgiving into Thanksliving, 10 Christian Hymns That Need to Be Put to Rest, When Do You Thank God? 22-23). He won’t just judge the “big” things; he’s going to judge the “little” ones too. Let’s apply this truth of freewill and predestination to your salvation. Self-Preservation “We are all ruled in what we do by impulses; and these impulses are so organized that our actions in general serve for our self preservation and that of the race. You think you can call me any time day or night?” Jelly replies, “You’re part of the family now.