The term "determinate" in biblical context often refers to something that is fixed, established, or decided upon with certainty. It is used to describe God's sovereign will and purpose, which are unchangeable and certain to come to pass. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's omniscience and omnipotence, where His plans and purposes are executed with precision and authority.

Biblical Usage:

1. Acts 2:23 : "He was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross." In this passage, the term "set plan" reflects the determinate counsel of God. It underscores the belief that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was not a random event but was predetermined by God's sovereign will. This highlights the theological concept that God's purposes are fulfilled in history, even through human actions.

2. Acts 4:28 : "They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen." Here, the early Christians acknowledge that the events surrounding Jesus' death were part of God's predetermined plan. The use of "decided beforehand" emphasizes the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's will, reinforcing the belief that God's plans are executed according to His divine purpose.

Theological Implications:

The concept of the determinate will of God is central to understanding divine sovereignty. It suggests that God has a specific plan for creation and history, which He orchestrates according to His perfect wisdom and knowledge. This belief provides assurance to believers that God's purposes are ultimately for good, even when circumstances appear contrary.

Relation to Free Will:

The doctrine of God's determinate will often raises questions about human free will. While God's plans are fixed and certain, the Bible also affirms human responsibility and the ability to make choices. The interplay between divine sovereignty and human freedom is a profound mystery, yet both are upheld in Scripture. Believers are called to trust in God's perfect plan while actively participating in His purposes through obedience and faith.

Historical Context:

Throughout church history, theologians have grappled with the concept of God's determinate will. The early church fathers, as well as later reformers like John Calvin, emphasized God's sovereignty and the certainty of His decrees. This has been a foundational aspect of Reformed theology, which holds that God's will is ultimately irresistible and efficacious.

Practical Application:

Understanding the determinate will of God encourages believers to trust in His providence, especially in times of uncertainty or suffering. It reassures them that God is in control and that His purposes will prevail. This trust in God's determinate plan fosters a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

In summary, the concept of "determinate" in the Bible underscores the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's will and purposes. It is a testament to His sovereignty and the assurance that His divine plan is being fulfilled in the world.1. (a.) Having clearly defined limits; not uncertain or arbitrary; fixed; established; definite.

2. (a.) Conclusive; decisive; positive.

3. (a.) Determined or resolved upon.

4. (a.) of determined purpose; resolute.

5. (v. t.) To bring to an end; to determine. See Determine.

DETERMINATE

de-tur'-mi-nat (horismenos, "determined," "fixed"): Only in Acts 2:23, "by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of. God," Greek horismenos, from horizo, "to set boundaries," "determine," "settle" (compare English word "horizon"-literally, "that which bounds"). It is remarkable that Peter in one and the same sentence speaks of the death of Christ from two quite distinct points of view.

(1) From the historical standpoint, it was a crime perpetrated by men who were morally responsible for their deed ("him. ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay").

(2) From the standpoint of Divine teleology, it was part of an eternal plan ("by the determinate," etc.). No effort is made to demonstrate the logical consistency of the two ideas. They represent two aspects of the one fact. The same Greek word is used in Luke 22:22, where Christ speaks of His betrayal as taking place "as it was (the Revised Version (British and American) "hath been") determined" (kata to horismenon). Compare Luke 24:26.

D. Miall Edwards

Whether Determinate Words are Required in the Sacraments?
... (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether determinate words are required in the sacraments? Objection
1: It seems that determinate words are not required in the sacraments. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether determinate words are required.htm

Whether Incest is a Determinate Species of Lust?
... OF THE PARTS OF LUST (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether incest is a determinate species
of lust? ... Therefore incest is not a determinate species of lust. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether incest is a determinate.htm

Whether a Determinate Quantity of Bread and Wine is Required for ...
... OF THE MATTER OF THIS SACRAMENT (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether a determinate quantity
of bread and wine is required for the matter of this sacrament? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a determinate quantity of.htm

Whether Determinate Things are Required for a Sacrament?
... (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether determinate things are required for a sacrament? Objection
1: It seems that determinate things are not required for a sacrament. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether determinate things are required.htm

Whether Adultery is Determinate Species of Lust, Distinct from the ...
... OF THE PARTS OF LUST (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether adultery is determinate species
of lust, distinct from the other species? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether adultery is determinate species.htm

Whether Human virtue is a Habit?
... But the end of power is act. Wherefore power is said to be perfect, according
as it is determinate to its act. Now there are some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether human virtue is a.htm

Whether this is the Proper Form for the Consecration of the Bread ...
... But just as that into which the change is made is something determinate, for the
change is into nothing else but the body of Christ, so also that which is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether this is the proper.htm

Whether God Can Move the Matter Immediately to the Form?
... Objection 3: As universal being depends on the first universal cause, so determinate
being depends on determinate particular causes; as we have seen above ([841 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god can move the.htm

Whether an Actually Infinite Magnitude Can Exist?
... But it is not against the nature of time and movement to be infinite, since every
determinate indivisible in time and circular movement is both a beginning and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an actually infinite magnitude.htm

Whether one May Confess through Another, or by Writing?
... not how it is done, even if it be easier to do it in one way than in another, yet,
in so far as it is part of a sacrament, it has a determinate act, just as ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether one may confess through.htm

Determinate (1 Occurrence)
...DETERMINATE. de-tur'-mi-nat (horismenos, "determined," "fixed"): Only in Acts
2:23, "by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of. ...Determinate (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/determinate.htm - 8k

Quantity (18 Occurrences)
... and division; greatness; and more concretely, that which answers the question How
much?; measure in regard to bulk or amount; determinate or comparative ...
/q/quantity.htm - 13k

Determinately (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a determinate manner; definitely; ascertainably.
2. (adv.) Resolutely; unchangeably. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/d/determinately.htm - 6k

Unit (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Any determinate amount or quantity (as of length, time, heat, value) adopted
as a standard of measurement for other amounts or quantities of the same ...
/u/unit.htm - 8k

Limit (115 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A determinate quantity, to which a variable one continually approaches,
and may differ from it by less than any given difference, but to which, under ...
/l/limit.htm - 36k

Godless (31 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:23 this one, by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, being given
out, having taken by lawless hands, having crucified -- ye did slay; (See ...
/g/godless.htm - 16k

Figure (19 Occurrences)
... 16. (n.) To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either
palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape. 17. ...
/f/figure.htm - 19k

Formless (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Shapeless; without a determinate form; wanting
regularity of shape. Multi-Version Concordance Formless (2 Occurrences). ...
/f/formless.htm - 7k

Function (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The natural or assigned action of any power or faculty, as of the soul,
or of the intellect; the exertion of an energy of some determinate kind. ...
/f/function.htm - 8k

Rule (291 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A determinate method prescribed for performing any operation and producing
a certain result; as, a rule for extracting the cube root. ...
/r/rule.htm - 39k

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