Foreordination is a theological concept that refers to the divine decree or purpose established by God before the foundation of the world. It is closely related to the doctrines of predestination and election, emphasizing God's sovereign will and plan for creation and individual lives. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God, in His omniscience and omnipotence, has predetermined certain events and outcomes according to His divine purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of foreordination is supported by various passages in the Bible, which highlight God's sovereign control and predetermined plan. One of the key verses is Ephesians 1:4-5 : "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage underscores the idea that God's choice and predestination are rooted in His eternal purpose and love.

Another significant passage is Romans 8:29-30 : "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." Here, the Apostle Paul outlines a sequence of divine actions that begin with foreknowledge and culminate in glorification, indicating a predetermined plan for believers.

Theological Implications

Foreordination raises important theological questions about human free will, responsibility, and the nature of God's sovereignty. While the Bible affirms God's sovereign will, it also upholds human responsibility and the call to faith and repentance. The tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom is a mystery that has been the subject of much theological reflection and debate.

In the Reformed tradition, foreordination is often associated with the doctrine of unconditional election, which asserts that God's choice of certain individuals for salvation is not based on any foreseen merit or action on their part but solely on His grace and purpose. This view emphasizes God's initiative in salvation and His ultimate authority over all creation.

Foreordination in the Old Testament

The Old Testament also contains themes of foreordination, particularly in the context of God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. For example, the calling of Abraham and the establishment of Israel as God's chosen people reflect a divine purpose that was set in motion long before its fulfillment. Isaiah 46:10 declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This verse highlights God's ability to declare and accomplish His purposes throughout history.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the doctrine of foreordination provides assurance and comfort, knowing that their lives are part of a divine plan orchestrated by a loving and sovereign God. It encourages trust in God's wisdom and timing, even amidst life's uncertainties and challenges. Additionally, it calls for humility and gratitude, recognizing that salvation is a gift of grace rather than human achievement.

While the mystery of foreordination may not be fully comprehensible, it invites believers to worship and reverence the God who holds all things in His hands and works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).FOREORDAIN; FORORDINATION

for-or-dan', for-or-di-na'-shun:

The word "foreordain" is uniformly used in the Revised Version (British and American) to render the Greek proorizo, in the passages where this verb occurs (Acts 4:28 Romans 8:29, 30 1 Corinthians 2:7 Ephesians 15:11). In the passages in Romans and Ephesians it takes the place of the King James Version word "predestinate," a return to the usage of the older English versions The word has simply the sense of determining beforehand. It is thus kindred in meaning with a number of other New Testament words expressing the idea of Divine purpose, as "foreknow" (in pregnant sense, Acts 2:23 Romans 8:29, etc.); "determine" (Acts 17:26); "appoint" (1 Peter 2:8). Foreordination, in the widest sense, is coextensive with the sphere of God's universal providence, being but another name for that Divine plan, purpose or counsel which embraces all things, great and small (Matthew 10:29, 30), that happen in Nature, or fall out in human life. Man's free actions are not regarded in Scripture as excluded from it (Acts 2:28). Foreordination, at the same time, is not to be conceived of as in any way overriding, or doing violence to, human freedom. Man acts freely, as Nature acts necessarily, but it is God who appoints the time, place and circumstances of the free act, permits its happening, and overrules it and its issues for the furthering of His own wise and holy ends. See PROVIDENCE. Foreordination in the sphere of grace has respect to the choice, calling and blessing of those who, through faith, are made partakers of eternal life (Romans 8:29, 30 Ephesians 1:5, 11). In this, its soteriological aspect, the subject is considered in special articles.

See CHOOSE; ELECTION; PREDESTINATION.

James Orr

Forordination
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia FOREORDAIN; FORORDINATION. for-or-dan',
for-or-di-na'-shun: The word "foreordain" is uniformly used ...
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Fornicators (8 Occurrences)

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Foreordain
... (vt) To appoint beforehand; to predetermine; to predestinate; to preordain.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FOREORDAIN; FORORDINATION. ...
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Forsake (88 Occurrences)

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