Predestination vs. free will

Predestination is defined as the foreordination by God of individuals to salvation and others to damnation. Many believe this doctrine reduces humans to automatons and denies them “free will.” Some protestant churches subscribe to predestination while others reject it. Predestination is so unpopular that it is seldom preached from the pulpit. When a convert walks the church aisle to the tune of “Just as I am,” most believe that the believing individual is beginning the journey toward salvation—but according to the concept of predestination, it is not necessarily so.

The primary Bible passages that promote predestination are Romans 8:29–30 and Ephesians 1:3–7. These Scriptures are interpreted to mean that God prejudges every individual before birth. If eternal destination is determined before birth, the likely human conclusion is that “free will” does not exist. Further, Ephesians 1:4 states that God’s elect were chosen “before the creation of the world.” This implies that the omniscient God peered into the future and foresaw each person’s life before they were ever born. Romans 8:29 concludes: “For whom God foreknew, He also predestined.” It’s like viewing a movie you have already seen—you already know the outcome.

“Free will” is clearly evident in individuals so captivated by their sins that they cannot turn them loose—like an adulterous affair. Most will not give up their grievous sins just as Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Freedom of choice can produce good consequences as well as bad outcomes.

The pros and cons of predestination have been fiercely debated since the 16th century. The controversy began 500 years ago with doctrinal clashes between Calvinism (founder John Calvin: 1509-1564) and Arminianism (founder Jacob Arminius: 1560-1609). Calvinism maintained the belief that, before foundation of the world, God “unconditionally” chose some to be saved and others to be lost. Arminianism took the opposing view in believing that humans either choose or reject Christ based solely on free will.

Predestination is one of the most divisive topics in Christianity. That’s because it is based on God determining who will be saved before birth. Denominations like Methodists and Assemblies of God believe predestination is based on God’s “foreknowledge” of who will choose Him—meaning an omnipresent God peers into the future. In contrast, Presbyterians, Primitive Baptists and Reformed churches believe salvation is based on God’s sovereign will alone—that He “prejudges” us before we are ever born.

Many individuals go to their graves believing that God does not predestine who will be saved. Yet, predestination can only mean that we are only little robots with no free will of our own. Some Bible commenters even try to soften the blow of predestination by using explanations that border on circular reasoning. Predestination “tends” to conflict with the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone” that Paul preached. Yet, God’s Word is clear that He loves us and wants us to come to Him because we love Him. Yes, this is a source of confusion to many. A wise, old minister once told me, “Don’t worry about it, Billy, God will work it all out!”

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