Predestination – some not all?

I want to give a brief answer to the above question received. 

Bible teaches predestination, and it says he chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5). Predestined (vs.5). Other major passages include Romans 8:29, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (God has chosen you from the beginning for Salvation..and He called you in time through the Gospel that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ).

Romans 8.29 and 8:30 repeatedly say “predestination.” It says those whom He predestined, these he called, whom he called, he justified. These are also glorified – the Salvation is full and complete in His choice before the foundation of the world. All the verbs are used in the past tense for certainty and assurance of His Salvation He provides. It says He predestined, He called, He justified, and these are glorified.

Jesus said, and it is recorded in John 15:15, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” 

Jesus also said, and it is recorded in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” In essence, we were given the great commission to preach the Gospel to all people everywhere, but only people who were drawn by God would come and accept Jesus as the savior. 

Acts 13:48 says, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Notice it says as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

2nd Timothy 1:8 says believers are saved based on God’s purpose and grace, and this was according to his choice not based on our good works but based on his purpose. He gave Salvation even before the ages began to those whom he saves. It says, “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” God made the predestination before the foundation of the world or before the ages began, as the above verses convey. 

Colossians 3:12 called the believer “God’s chosen ones.” It says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Romans 8:33 says, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” You see, no one can say charges against – here come the world “God’s elect.” Why? Because is God who justifies. Romans 8:34 says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one.” Salvation from the very beginning to the very end belongs to God. 

To me, it is a basic foundational doctrine of the Bible, even if we like it or not. Also, read Romans 9:10-13 regarding the election of Jacob before the twins were even born in Rebekah’s womb. God chose those who would be saved and granted eternal life, and yet we are responsible for preaching the Gospel to all people. The reason is that we do not know who all would be saved. Only God knows. He sends us and our message to the whole world and accomplishes his purpose of Salvation which he purposed before the ages began. 

I know it may be hard for some people to reconcile these two facts of the general calling of all and the special choice of God for His Salvation. However, this is a fundamental truth Bible teaches us.

We can trust God and understand more when we are with him in heaven soon.