Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "predetermined" in the Bible often relates to God's sovereign will and His divine plan for creation and humanity. This term is closely associated with the doctrines of predestination and election, which are significant themes in Christian theology. The idea of predetermined events or outcomes underscores the belief in God's omniscience and omnipotence, affirming that He has foreordained certain aspects of history and individual lives according to His purpose and glory.Biblical References: 1. 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 highlights the concept of being chosen and predestined by God before the creation of the world, emphasizing His sovereign choice in the salvation and sanctification of believers. 2. 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, beginning with foreknowledge and predestination, leading to calling, justification, and glorification. This sequence underscores the predetermined nature of God's redemptive plan for His people. 3. Acts 4:27-28 : "In fact, in this city Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen." This passage reflects the belief that even the actions of those who opposed Jesus were part of God's predetermined plan, demonstrating His control over historical events to fulfill His purposes. Theological Implications: The doctrine of predetermination is often discussed in the context of God's eternal decree, which encompasses all that comes to pass. It is closely related to the concept of divine foreknowledge, where God's knowledge of future events is not merely passive but active, involving His will and purpose. This understanding affirms that God's plans are unchangeable and certain, providing assurance to believers of His ultimate control and the fulfillment of His promises. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty: While the Bible affirms God's predetermined plan, it also upholds human responsibility. The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will is a profound mystery in Christian theology. Scriptures such as Philippians 2:12-13 illustrate this balance: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage suggests that while believers are called to actively pursue their salvation, it is ultimately God who enables and accomplishes His will through them. Historical Context: Throughout church history, the doctrine of predetermination has been a topic of significant debate, particularly during the Reformation. Reformers like John Calvin emphasized the sovereignty of God in salvation, leading to the development of Reformed theology, which strongly upholds the doctrine of predestination. Conversely, other traditions, such as Arminianism, emphasize human free will and the conditional nature of election based on God's foreknowledge of human response. In summary, the concept of "predetermined" in the Bible reflects the belief in God's sovereign and purposeful plan for creation and redemption. It reassures believers of God's control over history and their lives, while also calling them to live responsibly in light of His divine will. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Predetermine.Greek 3724. horizo -- to mark off by boundaries, to determine ... the same as horion Definition to mark off by boundaries, to determine NASB Word Usage appointed (2), declared (1), determined (3), fixes (1), predetermined (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3724.htm - 8k 1014. boulomai -- to will Library How the Steps in the Passion of the Saviour were Predetermined in ... Whether the Will of God is the Cause of Things? Theological Systems Devised to Harmonize the Dogmas of Grace and ... Allegation 3 "The Predestination of the Stoics, and the Fatalism ... Of the Babylonish Captivity, and the Things Signified Thereby. Acts VII Conclusion Conclusion. This Treatise Forms a Preface to the Other Work, "On ... On the World and the Movements of Rational Creatures, Whether Good ... The Shifts to which Hermogenes is Reduced, who Deifies Matter, and ... Thesaurus Predetermined (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Predetermined (3 Occurrences). ... Acts 4:28 to do all that Thy power and Thy will had predetermined should be done. (WEY). ... /p/predetermined.htm - 7k Pre-destined (13 Occurrences) Fate (138 Occurrences) Destination (1 Occurrence) Destiny (6 Occurrences) Predict (1 Occurrence) Ages (114 Occurrences) Quotations Sodomite (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about predetermination? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about fate / destiny? | GotQuestions.org How are predestination and election connected with foreknowledge? | GotQuestions.org Predetermined: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Predetermined (3 Occurrences)Acts 2:23 Acts 4:28 1 Corinthians 2:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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