Predestination - Is Our Salvation Determined Before We Are Born?

Suggested by: RLC

Bible verses similar to 1 Cor 2:7 and Eph 1:4-5 imply that GOD determines each person's destiny in advance. Therefore, we cannot change our ultimate destiny. If we are doomed for hell, that is where we will go. If we are pre-chosen for eternal life, than that is where we will end up. There are even a few Christian churches whose doctrine is based on predestination type statements. What is a more likely interpretation of such verses? Let's use the foundational concepts revealed on this web site to gain a better understanding of the apparent predestination statements made in the Bible.

1. The Seven Steps of Spiritual Growth

a. This web site reveals the 7 Steps of Spiritual Growth with Love being the 7th Step.

b. Love cannot exist without freewill.

c. Predestination would appear to go against the concept of freewill.

d. We will assume Man has total freewill with in the bounds of the laws of this Reality in our interpretation.

2. GOD is First Cause

a. GOD is the ultimate Cause of all that happens. Just as gravity is the cause of a baby's death if someone uses the law of gravity and throws a baby over a cliff. GOD created and maintains the laws of this Reality. They can be used for an evil purpose easier than the intended good purpose in many cases. It is always easier to find ways to do evil than good. We see examples of this concept daily. When we do good, we must understand the factors involved in creating a good relationship. It is easier to destroy an automobile than it is to build one.

b. GOD is unchanging and the laws of this Reality shadow his unchanging qualities of Principle and Truth.

c. GOD as First Cause appears to support the concept of predestination.

Considering the foundational concepts outlined above, what is an interpretation that maintains each person's freewill to be in the body of Christ? Is there one?

Many Bible students overlook one very important concept used by the Bible. The Bible does not talk about individuals as unique in time, but more as a type. When the Bible talks about the children of Abraham, it is talking about a type of person-not only physical descendents (consider John 8:39). Jacob, David and many others were types. Nations were types also. Each had a way of living that was either seeking GOD's Purposes or their's. At times Israel sought self-serving purposes instead of GOD's. When Israel did this, they became a nation likely to produce other types of individuals. When this happened GOD punished them to turn them back to HIM--make them a nation bearing good "fruit".

With the concept of type and the foundational concepts listed above in mind, let's interpret the Bible relative to predestination. Consider the following allegory.

A farmer wants a particular kind of corn. He knows in advance the characteristics of the only kind of corn he wants, and he knows the factors necessary that have the best chance of producing the corn he wants. He, therefore, plants his corn in a field prepared in advance to favor the growth of the corn he wants. Now he has predestined the corn he desires for a particular purpose as a type--not as individual ears of corn, and all other types of corn he doesn't want are predestined to have another fate. When the corn is ready for picking, he selects the type of corn he wants from all the corn grown and perhaps grinds all other types of corn up to use as fertilizer for next year's planting.

In this Reality, GOD has done the same thing. HE has created a Reality that has all the factors necessary to produce the "fruit" HE desires in advance of the planting of the "seed". That "seed" is then left to grow of its own freewill-resulting in Love. When all the "fruit" needed is complete, then Christ the Omega will be; and this Reality will end.

In the New Testament Bible verses mentioned at the beginning of this writing, the people mentioned have become the type GOD predestined to be a part of the body of Christ the Omega. Their salvation occurred, though, by GOD's work through their freewill-producing the Love in their heart that HE desires. NO ONE IS BORN WITHOUT HOPE!!

The above explanation should also reveal the necessity of our Nation having an environment that promotes the growth of good "fruit". If we don't our children have little chance of being saved (Ezekiel 14:14-16).

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