Does the Bible say we are prejudged before we are born? Has God already decided if humans are guilty or innocent even before they act?
By Eric Anderson
What exactly is “predestination?” Only two passages in all the Bible—Romans 8 and Ephesians 1—mention the word predestinate. The root word comes from the Greek proorizo, translated “ordain” or “predetermine.” Each time, it denotes a unique group of people—called ahead of the rest of humanity—for a royal purpose!
Predestination plays a vital role in God’s majestic plan for mankind. Romans 11 shows that only a few are called now to repentance, faith in Christ, and spiritual salvation with eternal life. Those who are predestined are precalled—not prejudged or precondemned. Some erroneously assume God has decided our fate already. They do not understand that man is created with free will—not simply to be a string puppet in the theater of life!
So who are the predestined? The answer is revealed in the book of Ephesians. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). Notice to whom the Apostle Paul is speaking. He is addressing the truly converted saints who are faithful in Jesus Christ. He is not speaking of the general population. More on this later.
Who, then, are these chosen saints? Essentially, they are the spiritually begotten, Spirit-led sons of Almighty God (Romans 8:14). They are the specially chosen firstfruits who will soon reign with Jesus Christ on His throne during the Millennium (Revelation 3:21; 2:26-27). They are the affianced Bride of Christ—preparing to marry into the God Family. What an honorable assembly! It is no wonder why Satan, for thousands of years, has so diligently striven to mask the truth concerning this issue!
Now when were these saints chosen? Paul explains: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world …” (Ephesians 1:4). Here is the key. Even before the foundation of this world, God had prearranged to call a select group of people and open their minds to spiritual truth. That such a group would exist was decided before the world was founded—before anyone in that group was born! So in that sense, God “foreknew” those whom He would call, though it is not indicated that specific knowledge of specific persons was involved.
“Some erroneously assume God has decided our fate already. They do not understand that man is created with free will—not simply to be a string puppet in the theater of life!”
Exactly, that would preclude our need to build holy, righteous, spiritual character…to overcome the Evil One as Christ did, to suffer as Christ did (to a lesser degree).
“Even before the foundation of this world, God had prearranged to call a select group of people and open their minds to spiritual truth. That such a group would exist was decided before the world was founded—before anyone in that group was born!”
It is incredible that God had a Plan B in place from the very beginning. Such forethought and such desire to share the God experience with the God Family! Christ will definitely need King/Priests, the First Fruits, to teach the masses about His law and government.
God truly has an expansive vision that ultimately includes all of humankind.
Thank you for that clearer meaning of predestination. It has lifted a lot of weight from my shoulders on trying to explain it to others. Yours has been the best, simplest and clearest meaning of predestination I have ever come across so far. thank you very much.
i am not a member of your church because i am not baptized, but i do believe your teachings. and i also support the work by sharing links of theTrumpet.com on Facebook and Twitter. Could I be considered as firstfruit also? Thanks!
THANKS
Thank you Mr. Anderson for the meaning of predestination. What a meaning it has. Thank you!
This is a subject which I am guilty of taking for granted. Thanks for the reminder Mr. Eric Anderson. And a quick hello to Ms.Cheyenne (Wyoming) Chaney. I assume she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Chaney from Ohio.
Roger and Rita Carver Adel, Ga.
Great article, Mr. Anderson. Those of us who are blessed to have you as our minister are filled with joy that you were predestined to be a minister.