WHAT IS PREDESTINATION? IS IT FAIR?

The concept of predestination I’m sure has perplexed people for years and will continue to do so for many more to come. Biblically what does it mean to be predestined by God, to be conformed into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29)? Predestination in the bible is the Greek term proorizō. The term means to choose beforehand, to foreordain, to predetermine ones destiny.

To get a better understanding of predestination, let’s examine the scriptures to gain more insight into this wonderful concept.

The apostle Paul in the book of Romans 8:29-30 said this, “For whom he foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he predestined, these he called, whom he called these also justified and whom he justified these He also glorified." These are all past tense verbs. Our salvation is secured in the mind of the Lord.

What Paul is describing here is the doctrine of sovereign election. Meaning that God chose those that would become heirs of the kingdom of God. As the gospel of John declares, “But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe on his name – who were born not of blood nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:11, 12 Emphasis added). There are those who believe that since God has infinite wisdom and knew beforehand who would receive Jesus in their lifetime, that God made his selection based on that reality; in other words, God looked through the annals of time and selected those who would choose him so he (God) chose them – foresight is what it’s also called. While it’s true God knew who would receive Jesus, the Lord didn’t chose man based on that premise. Had he made his selection that way, that would predicate salvation based on man’s merit not God. This view is absolutely tragic because that means faith dictates election, instead of election dictating faith. Also Romans 3:11 states, “none seek after God.” John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Basically God is the aggressor when it comes to man’s salvation because we are unable and unwilling to come to God on our own. God grants us not only salvation but the faith to believe God for that salvation so that no man can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

HOW DID GOD CHOOSE MAN? DID HE SELECT SOME AND REJECT OTHERS?

God chose man based on nothing that man has done. When I talk about choosing man, once again I’m referring to predestination. Predestination is an absolute when dealing with man’s salvation since the bible says we have been chosen before the foundation of the world, meaning God preordained our destiny before the world began ( Ephesians 1:4).

Now does this mean we had no choice in whether we accept the Lord or not since we were chosen before the foundation of the world? Of course we had a choice, however God knew who would come into the kingdom. But once again that wasn’t the basis for God selecting those whom he foreknew. God did so based upon his sovereignty. Not because one person was better than the other. God chose some because it pleased him to do so. It was part of his sovereign plan (Ephesians 1:5).

Someone would say of God’s character that’s not fair. To them it would seem that God is showing respect of persons – setting his love on some and not on others. Before I reply to that statement, let’s look at an account of God’s sovereignty in John’s gospel.

JESUS HEALS A PARALYTIC

In John chapter 5 we read about Jesus in Bethesda where there lay a great multitude of blind, lame, and paralyzed people desiring to be made well. In verse four it says, for an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water. Then whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who an infirmity thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, he said to him, “ Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “ Sir I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up and while I am coming another steps down before me” Jesus said to him, “ Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed and walked, and that day was the Sabbath (John 5: 5-9).

Going back to verse 3 we read there were a great multitude of sick people all desiring to be healed of whatever disease they had. However, Jesus healed only one man. Why would he do this? Everyone there needed healing yet Jesus healed one man. From all appearances Jesus was being totally unfair to the rest of the sick people there, but he was not. The doctrine of sovereign election was being demonstrated here. Jesus showed compassion on this one man and not on the others not because he was better or had greater faith, simply because it pleased the Lord to heal him. The reason why he chose not to heal the others we will never know. It’s not our place to know or to question God’s judgment in this instance. There are some things we can’t understand. “What shall we say then? Is there any unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:14-15).

Another passage reads, “And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls), it was said to her, The older shall serve the younger” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy – emphasis added (Romans 9:10-12;16).

GOD WILL DO WHATEVER HE WANTS

Once again the remark by man would simply be this, “God is not fair!!” Praise God he’s not fair. Because if he was fair all the time, then none of us would have any hope. We’d all get exactly what we deserve – eternal damnation and not mercy which we need and receive everyday of our lives. The word of God’s reply to fairness is this, Paul speaking to the Romans, “ You will say to me then, why does He (God) still find fault? For who has resisted his will?” What Paul is saying here is the antagonist’s question is since God knows what I’m going to do before I do it then why am I penalized for doing wrong? But indeed O man who are you to reply against God? Will the thing say to him who formed it, Why have you made me like this? Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel unto honor and another for dishonor?” (Romans 9:19-21)

What we must understand is God’s choosing is simply that – God’s choosing. For us to have the gall to question God’s intentions shows are ignorance of God’s sovereign will. This is a characteristic of God we can’t comprehend fully. It’s beyond us. God has absolute power in dealing in the affairs of man. No one can oppose him. It doesn’t matter rather we understand this facet of his character or not. Isaiah 55:8,9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Another passage of scripture dealing with God’s sovereignty, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Or who has first given to Him (God) and it shall be repaid him” (man) (Romans 11:33-35. Verse 34 quoted originally from Isaiah 40:13 and verse 35 quoted originally from Job 41:11). One last passage of God’s Sovereignty is Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but the things which are revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

0ne of the many problems that man has is his pride. Because of this fatal flaw man feels he’s okay in his own eyes when in actuality he’s wicked and beyond hope without God. Because man thinks he’s okay, he feels he has the right to accuse God for things he can’t understand when in effect his ways are offense to God and God for his holiness sake will judge him. Despite this attitude, God is tenderhearted and merciful and desires that all men are saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Will all be saved? No. Because of unbelief not because they never had the gospel preached to them (Matthew 24:14). There is a certain number for the elect of God that only he only knows. We don’t know so that’s why we must go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15,16). By man’s rejection of Jesus proves that he deserving of what he gets – eternal damnation. Praise God he saved some from this tragic reality and took us out of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear son (Colossians 1:13).

WHERE DO DEMONS COME FROM

Demons are real but I'm not presenting their origins as dogma. I’m sharing this article for those that can receive it and for the reader’s consideration. Because of the subject matter there is more conjecture and supposition in this article than any of the previous ones in the blog. As always be like the noble Bereans and search the scriptures daily to prove whether those things are so (Luke 17:11).

How long demons have been around it’s hard to tell. Many believe the fallen angels have transformed into demons in the rebellion before the dawn of time (Isaiah 14) so the terms fallen angels and demons are used interchangeably. While it’s possible it occurred this way, scripture is silent on the matter so we can’t be one hundred percent certain.

The Hebrew term for demon is*śēd. The Greek terms are dáimōn and diabolos. The terms simply mean evil spirits.

Demons are also called devils in scripture. They’re evil spirits that belong to the kingdom of satan. These creatures are worshipped as deity by all false religions. In the Old Testament we hear the term familiar spirits to refer to demons – meaning witches or wizards would consult with the familiar spirit at the request of someone desiring to consult with the dead. The sophisticated term for consulting with the dead is called necromancy. The mediator is called a Medium. Today we call them physics, clairvoyants (clair meaning clear and voyant from the French word voir meaning to see. When combined means to see clearly or clearly see), or gypsies.

These individuals conduct séances or use tarot cards or even perhaps Ouija Boards to divine the future. Some physics are nothing more than hucksters and charlatans who prey on the foolish and gullible to hustle them out of their money. They have no real power. The medium isn’t talking to a dead loved one, but a demon impersonating them. The consultation of mediums is forbidden in scripture and was punishable by death (Leviticus 19:31; I Samuel 28).

Unfortunately, television and motion pictures make these real horrors romantic and entertaining and that’s exactly what the enemy wants us to believe – to believe in the make believe of these evil forces and not the real activity of demons. If you can reduce demons to that of a mere “boogeyman”, then you can dupe the masses into being subconsciously desensitized to the real threat of these disembodied spirits looking for a willing host (that is your body). I believe much of the diseases, starvation and possession of human beings can be attributed to these wicked parasites.

By the time Jesus was on the earth, demons had infiltrated the world and had possessed perhaps millions of people. Keep in mind the glory of the Lord was in Israel during the era before Christ and therefore not once did you read of anyone being possessed. No doubt their power was suppressed because of the glorious light of God’s presence which demons can’t endure.

Once the Old Testament ended with the Prophet Malachi in 400 B.C., the Lord was silent; meaning he didn’t speak through anyone for four hundred until John the Baptist in the New Testament, the time Jesus Christ. During that parenthesis in history (i.e. four hundred years of silence), demons probably proliferated the earth like locusts. Jesus of course had the power to cast them out. The demons were terrified of Jesus and knew who he was (Mark 5; Matthew 12:27; Matthew 8:16, 28; Matthew 17:18; Mark 1:23-28, 32-34; Mark 7:24-30; Mark 9:25; Luke 4:33-35; Luke 7:20; Luke 8:2, 26-32; Luke 9:38-42; Luke 11:14; ).

In summary, the best way to combat demons is not give place to the devil, and the only way to do that is to be saved by repenting of your sins and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. Only then will you have power over the enemy (I John 2:13,14). Worshipping or consulting with evil spirits is an invitation to the destruction of your soul.

LORD LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION

Question, why would Jesus when teaching the disciples to pray in Matthew 6:13 say, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”. From the wording of the text it appears the Lord tempts us. James 1:13 states that God does not tempt any man by evil which is true. When reading any text –especially the scripture, it’s imperative to read the narrative in it’s context and define certain terms.

The word temptation in the Greek is peirasmos which means test or trial. Some trials have a beneficial purpose and effect (James 1:12) while others are designed entice us to sin and condemnation which the devil brings to us and also that by our own lust (Luke 22:3, 40; Matthew 4;1; James 1;14).

In actuality, the Lord test or tries us in the same manner he tested Abraham (Genesis 22). The reason is for the perfecting of our faith, the development of our character, for our total dependence on the Lord through the trial, and ultimately for the glory of God. The Lord does allow us to be tempted by the Devil for reasons often unbeknownst to us as he did with his servant Job (Job 1&2). Interesting note to make about Job; the Lord never answered his questions. It was only when Job confessed his sin of presumption against the Lord was he restored twice as much as he had prior to his hour of temptation (Job 42:6, 9-16). The Lord is never the source of the temptation when the enemy attacks although he permits the temptation. The Lord is sovereign, and he can do whatever he wants to do in the affairs of men. The Lord throughout scripture even uses evil to bring about his own ends (Genesis 50:20-21). Whether man comprehends the Lord’s intent or not is irrelevant for the Lord’s ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

The temptation that produces life

Listen to the wisdom in James 1:12, “Blessed (or fortunate) is the man that endures temptation. For when he is tried or approved he/she will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those that love him.” In this component of temptation, trial or tests, this can be what I call the perfect/direct will of God or the perfect/permissive will of God. The perfect/direct will is that test the Lord initiates and orchestrates himself. It has nothing to do with the enemy (i.e. Abraham, Genesis 22). The perfect/permissive test is when the enemy wants to destroy us but he is not allowed to do so because we’re protected by the power and providence of our God (i.e. Joseph In Genesis. Jesus in the wilderness Matthew 4:1). Therein lies the distinction between the perfect/direct and perfect/permissive. These trials are for our good and never our destruction for they’re providentially under the direction of the Spirit.

The temptation that brings death

The temptation that brings death is a ultimate result of us yielding to the evil desires of the flesh which results in sin, and sin is disobedience. We’re always tempted in the wrong way as well. This is the result of our enemy the devil, and our fallen nature. The scripture say, “every person is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed (James 1:14). Because of our unhealthy desires for the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (I John 2:16), we’re tempted to sin and this results in our destruction. This only glorifies the Devil, not the Lord. This temptation is not of God for he will not tempt us to do evil neither can he be tempted with any evil (James 1:13). Always keep in mind that the temptation itself isn’t sin for even Jesus was tempted in all points yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15); the yielding to the temptation is sin. This is a tragic reality in our lives for sin when it has matured brings forth death (James 1:15).

In summation

Hopefully with a better understanding of temptation we can better comprehend Jesus’ petition when he said, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” The statement is a plea to the Lord to strengthen us when we’re tempted to sin so that we do not commit the evil we’re tempted to perform, but deliver us from snares, tricks of the devil. The scripture says, “Submit yourselves therefore unto God, resist the devil and he will flee” (James 4:7). Our lives will often dictate the devil’s proximity. Examine yourself to see if you’re living a life of obedience. The tests of the Lord are not designed for us to be delivered out of them, but to endure and be delivered through them that patience may have her perfect work (James 1:1-4); whereas the temptations of the enemy are for our destruction –for the thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy but I’ve come (i.e. Jesus) that you may have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). And also remember that, “there is no temptation that has overtaken you except such is common to man, but God is faithful who will NOT allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape that you may be able to bear it (I Corinthians 10:13).