The Truth About Predestination: It’s Not What You Think

Predestination: A Misunderstood Doctrine

Predestination is often a buzzword in Christian circles, commonly understood in modern terms as God’s individual selection of people to come to know Him, a concept that has been adopted and interpreted through various theological systems. This idea suggests that God independently chooses those who will be part of His Kingdom, uninfluenced by human effort or choice. It is a teaching that has evolved through centuries, dating back to the third century. But why should we examine this doctrine?

Throughout my journey as a believer, I have often questioned theological systems to ensure that the gift God has given me is used for His glory. In doing so, I've concluded that the only doctrine to be taught is the doctrine of Christ. The reason is simple: while theological systems may offer eloquent frameworks, they often fall short of what Jesus teaches.

The Doctrine of Predestination Falls Short

One such doctrine that falls short is predestination.

A frequently cited verse used to support individual predestination is Ephesians 1:5: “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

A renowned theologian has said, “The doctrine of election simply means that God, uninfluenced and before creation, predetermined certain people to be saved.” He continues, “Predestination simply identifies the point prior to time when God determined that He would elect. In other words, the election is the actual choice. Predestination simply identifies this as something that happened preliminary to time.”

Why Is This Alarming?

This interpretation raises serious concerns. It suggests that human beings, unable to make the choice to seek God, are instead preselected by God, and thus have no agency in the matter. According to this view, the act of seeking God becomes irrelevant, since God has already made the choice. Even though the theologian asserts that God does not "disable" people from seeking Him, such an interpretation leaves little room for human response or free will.

The Bible presents a different picture—one where God invites all to come to Him, and those who seek Him will find Him (Matthew 7:7). The character of God, as seen in Jesus’ teachings, affirms that salvation is about relationship, choice, and response.

A Corporate Understanding of Predestination

When Paul speaks of predestination in Ephesians, it’s crucial to recognize the plural language he uses—“we” and “us”—rather than the individualistic language of “you” or “me.” If predestination were about individual selection, Paul would have framed it differently. The letter is written to the believers in Ephesus, a community within the larger body of Christ.

Furthermore, Paul goes on to unite Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22). When we read the letter as a whole, we see that the predestination Paul speaks of refers to the corporate Church, not individuals. It is about the collective election of God’s people—Jews and Gentiles alike—coming together in Christ.

Predestination: God’s Sovereign Plan

Predestination, in this light, speaks to God’s sovereign plan of salvation, where everyone who comes to faith in Jesus has been predestined to do so through the work of Christ—His death on the cross and His resurrection. It is not about God coercing people into His will, but about His divine orchestration of redemption from before time began.

Those who seek the Light of Christ, who desire to know the truth, will respond. This is not a matter of forced selection but of divine invitation, where human response plays a vital role in salvation.

Conclusion: A Unified Church Under Heaven

Predestination, as it is often discussed, should not be treated as a standalone doctrine. Instead, it’s part of the larger narrative of God’s redemptive plan, all of which is centered in Christ. Just as salvation is through Christ, so too is the understanding of predestination. It’s not a separate theological system to be debated in isolation, but a truth that emerges as part of the bigger picture of God’s sovereign will revealed through the person and work of Jesus.

By focusing on the doctrine of Christ, we allow all theological concepts—including predestination—to be viewed as parts of the one unified story of God’s work in and through Christ. This view keeps us grounded in the gospel, rather than allowing individual theological systems to distract from the central truth that Jesus is the ultimate source and fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes.