Predestination and Free Will –
The Truth of the Relationship with GOD
In this article I will use the name for GOD spelled in all capital letters as a way to reference the one and only great I AM – YHWY – the name which Moses learned when spoken to by the Creator of all. There are two views regarding mankind’s existence with regard to salvation, whether by predestination or free will. The first is Calvinism (introduced by John Calvin in the 16th century as part of the Reformation). Defined, Calvinism is the belief that GOD has chosen which persons will be with Him in Paradise forever, or the set predestination of each soul on earth. The second is the belief that free will plays a part in GOD’s free gift of salvation.
Many people are first introduced to Jesus with the simple message of John 3:16, “For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” Simple. Easy enough for a child to grasp the need for Jesus to forgive is the simple message of the Gospel – the Good News.
In this article, I will continue with the simple message of the Gospel. I will address the interpretation of Matthew 7:22-23 and the example of Sampson the Nazirite used by Calvinism. Foremost in importance, I will examine Scripture which supports both predestination and free will. Defined by Dictionary.com, free will is an act or thought “done freely or of one’s own accord; voluntary.” It is the act and thought to respond from the source that is from within.
The Apostle Paul, through the Divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, implored the act to “test all things,” which is my intent. Lastly, this article is not exhaustive, but it provides the basis of the Truth and the relationship with GOD.
Matthew 7:22-23 is used by Calvinism to claim that those who believe may not be chosen. When Jesus was teaching what is widely known as the Sermon on the Mount, He began His concluding remarks with the following as it written down by the Apostle Matthew, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” It certainly sounds like these individuals were sincere to Jesus. First, they called Him “Lord, Lord.” Second, they acted on that allegiance. However, the point Jesus made and makes today throughout His Word and divine Spirit, is that these individuals thought they could earn their way into everlasting life, into Heaven, by word and boastful action. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the GOD – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Luke 6:46 tells us that Jesus said, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Even though these individuals were doing good works, they were not doing what Jesus ask of them. They were living for an audience of many and not the audience of one – GOD. They were remiss in the acknowledgement of the complete need for Jesus, that they were utterly inadequate. This is the proper response to Jesus. As I examine Matthew 7:22-23 and the preceding Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), there is nothing which supports Calvinism. What I see in Matthew 7 is Jesus addressing the insincerity of some and salvation by works with the use of a harsh example as a means of correction. In fact, the phrase “I never knew you” was “a recognized formula of repudiation and rejection.” (NIV Cultural Background Bible, Commentary). Jesus was rejecting their so-called good deeds and thereby rejecting them.
The person and history of Samson (in Judges 13-15) has been used to support Calvinism. Samson was born at a Nazirite, as predestined by GOD, which came with certain restrictions (Numbers 6:1-21). Samson’s purpose was chosen or elected by GOD for His purpose, but was it Election Unto Salvation – as Calvinism supports – or was it Election Unto Service? Samson disobeyed his chosen directive at every turn, including falling to the seduction of a woman which his people were never to join in a sexual encounter. Samson obviously had a choice to obey or not to obey in his “chosen” role. Also, there are numerous examples where GOD chooses a person for His purposes. Another example (as Paul referenced in Romans 9), even Pharaoh served GOD’s purpose when GOD hardened his heart before Moses. Two different Hebrew words:
1) Of Pharaoh
(kabed) to make firm (Exodus 7:14; 8:15). Pharaoh hardened his own heart
(Exodus 7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34 and 35).
2) Of GOD (chazaq) to cure, establish, or ratify
(Exodus 10:20) GOD
hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:8).
Pharaoh’s heart was already hardened, and GOD left him in that state. This served his purpose which is also Election Unto Service.
Another example, a passage often used to support the Calvinist view is 1 Peter 1:1-2, the opening salutation, and the final greetings of 1 Peter 5:13-14. However, these passages should not be used to support Calvinism in this manner. Peter used the word “elect” and “chosen” for a different reason. His letter was written to Gentiles (non-Jews) particularly churches in Gentile regions and cities of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. If “elect’ and “chosen” were used for just Gentiles, then that would exclude the Christian Jews; therefore, his choice of the words “elect” and “chosen” are not meant to support the Calvinist view. In makes more sense that Peter used these two words to encourage his Gentiles brothers and sisters in that “chosen” is no longer just the nation of Israel – who had been GOD’s chosen people for hundreds of centuries – but that GOD’s “chosen” is now the Church – the bride of Christ (Peter refers to the Church as “she” in 1 Peter 5:13). Since Peter was a Jew, calling Gentiles “chosen” would have added great significance and meaning to them when they read his letter. The Apostle Paul made the connection to this point when he encouraged the Ephesians in the same manner as the Apostle Peter (Ephesians 2:11-18), when he wrote “… remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth … at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants and the promise, without hope and without GOD in the world. … For though him [Christ] we both [Gentiles and Jews] have access to the Father in one Spirit.” There is good news in knowing that Jews and now Gentiles have access, through Jesus the Messiah, into the citizenship of Heaven. The combined groups now make up GOD’s chosen as defined by the Apostle Peter – those who accept in the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Once again, this is why Paul wrote in (verses 8-9) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of GOD.” The Gentiles no longer have to look the Jews as an example of what it means to be saved with regard to works (i.e. sacrifice and the Law, since Jesus came “to fulfill the Law and the Prophets). Salvation to all is now only by grace and faith – GOD’s free gift of salvation.
Furthermore, throughout the Old Testament, there are examples of Jews (the chosen people) who rejected the will of GOD as well as rejected who Jesus is – the Messiah (Christ). 2 Chronicles records that king Rehoboam (king Solomon’s son) “did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord” (12:14). From King Jehoram to King Zedekiah (Jews), there were those who rejected GOD. In Amos 3:2, the prophet Amos wrote the words of GOD, “You only I have chosen …” The original Hebrew word is translated as “know.” (A word the Akkadians – who predate the Assyrians – also used to describe the care their gods provided – not to diminish the word “know” as GOD used it.) Here, GOD is describing all of the nation of Israel, which as the time rejected GOD. So, the question must be asked: how can one reject GOD and remain “chosen” as defined by the Calvinist view? During the time of Israel’s (and Judah’s) rejection of GOD is evidence that the word “chosen” is not always meant for those who will enter GOD’s kingdom.
When Jesus the Christ established the Church (Matthew 16:13-27), GOD redefined the “chosen” to include Christ-followers who responded to his calling – both Jew and Gentile which is why the Apostle Paul stated the following in Ephesian 2:20 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens of GOD’s people and also members of his household.” This had great significance for the Gentiles who sought (and now seek) the heart of GOD. Just as king David was a “man after GOD’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22), he sought the will of GOD (even through his failures – see Psalm 51); those of the Church, who are called “chosen,” have also responded to GOD’s free gift of salvation. To reference 1 Peter 1:2 again, the author continues with the use of the phrase “foreknowledge of GOD.” In this context, GOD knew and knows who are his chosen – whether Jew or Gentile. In other words, he has the foreknowledge of who will respond and who will not. This word “respond” is further reviewed in the remaining article.
There are many passages in GOD’s Word which indicate that those within the family of GOD are predestined. The following passages support the word chosen and predestined (a non-exhaustive list):
- The concluding words in the Wedding Banquet parable from Jesus, “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
- In response to Jesus’ betrayal by Judas Iscariot, “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’” John 13:18
- The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to his kinsmen, the Jews. Paul writes about being victorious in Jesus the Christ, “Who will bring any charge against those whom GOD has chosen? It is GOD who justifies.” Romans 8:33 – the Jews were GOD’s chosen people, but as previously stated, not all Jews will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven – example many of the religious leaders at the time of Jesus’ time on earth.
- Romans 8:29-30 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those he justified he also glorified. To start, Paul is not using the aforementioned wording to support a predestination argument. Those God knew to be in his family are predestined to conform to the image of Jesus – and not a salvation-predestined statement. “Glorified” is a “futuristic aorist, an active indicative, so certain it will happen now and not yet – i.e.: things to come. In essence, this is also a predestined for service passage.
- Another scripture which supports chosen and predestined is Revelation 17:14.
There are many passages in GOD’s Word which indicate the need to respond to His invitation of salvation – that response is belief. The following passages support free will and belief (a non-exhaustive list):
- Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about eternal life, “For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, the whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” In the original Aramaic, Jesus used the action verb “believe.” It’s not enough to just believe without an action, which means there is the need for a response from the creation to the Creator GOD. Jesus continues to use this word in vv. 18 and 35, as well as 5:24, 6:40 and 47; and in John 11:25-26 Jesus says, “… ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die …’”
- Luke writes in the Book of Acts when he quotes the Apostle Peter, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” The Apostle Paul states the same to a different audience in Antioch, “Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”
- The Apostle Paul, who wrote the Book of Romans containing passages which support predestination, also wrote the following, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of GOD that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
- Additional passages which support belief and free will include Romans 10:4 and 9-13 and 17 (which speaks of faith by hearing), I John 5:1, and Hebrews 4:3.
But remember, the belief that GOD allowed for his creation of man and woman free will alone is not accurate. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the GOD – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) No man or woman can save him or herself. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no [one] comes to the Father [GOD] except through me.” John 14:6
The following passages support both predestination and free will (a non-exhaustive list):
- The Apostle Paul speaks to the people in Antioch, “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the Word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” Key words are “appointed” and “believed.”
- An admittedly perplexing passage in Romans 9:15-18 references predestination by way of the historical example of Pharaoh – but the Apostle Paul concludes at the end of the chapter, “As it is written, ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that make them fall, and the one who believes in Him will never be out to shame.’” Key word are “causes” and “believes,” eluding to both. In all reality, this passage is not meant to support predestination. As mentioned above, Pharaoh hardened his heart before GOD did.
- And the passage which I believe answers the question of predestination versus free will, or predestination and free will, is in Colossians 1:27 as the Apostle Paul writes, “To them GOD has chosen to make known among the Gentiles [non-Jews] the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” There is no indication has to how many Gentiles, it just states, “the Gentiles,” which I conclude the knowledge of GOD’s “glorious riches” are made known to all – “to the Jew first and then the Gentile.” Romans 1:16. It is up to the individual to respond to this offer.
There is scripture to support predestination and free will, which may seem like a contradiction. On the contrary, as with many passages in the Bible, they are complimentary. For example, when Jesus told His disciples in order to love GOD one must hate his father and mother. This is Jesus using hyperbole to make a point – that being, our love for GOD should be so great that it appears our father and mother come in a distant second; it is complimentary. The command to honor our father and mother still applies. Even the Apostle Paul’s statement to the Ephesians is complimentary, “… by grace you have been saved, through faith …” It is grace and faith. Another example is in Proverbs 26 when Solomon writes, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own conceit.” The key complimentary phrase is “according to his folly.” The writer of Proverbs is advising the use of discretion. If the fool appears to not listen to wise counsel then be silent. On the other hand, we should continue to provide wisdom if the person is willing to listen. The same holds true with the aforementioned passages primary to the subject of this article.
When Jesus asked His disciples, as recorded in Matthew 13, “Who do you say I am?” Peter boldly responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD.” Jesus responded, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood but by my Father in Heaven.” Yes, GOD revealed who the Savior of the world was and is, but Peter responded verbally with the answer; he could have kept silent (just as Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good Evil when they should have obeyed GOD and refrained). The same held true when Jesus called Peter, James, and John to follow Him. Peter and his fishing crew could have remained in the boat, but they did not – they stepped out of the boat which was their response to Jesus’ calling to them.
In Luke 10, Jesus points out that Mary (not his mother), chose to be with him. Did Mary choose Jesus? No. She chose to worship him instead of being busy like her sister Martha — it was also her response to the free gift of salvation. The original Greek word of “chose” in Luke 10:42 is the same as in Ephesians 1:4 (as discussed earlier) and in John 15:16 when Jesus says, “I chose you, you did not choose me.” In the proper context, Jesus was talking about his 12 disciples and not the larger population of the redeemed – recall that of 12 disciples betrayed Jesus. Context is important when examining scripture. Who is speaking? Who is the audience? What people(s) are part of the context? What is the culture? What are any non-biblical beliefs of the day and are they important to the context. It has been my attempt to examine the original language and its context in order to present this article.
After examining Scripture, I believe that GOD has, in His foreknowledge, predestined those within the family of GOD, but somehow in His sovereignty He did not interfere with mankind’s free will to respond to His free gift of salvation; how that works, I do not know – it is a mystery. There are many other mysteries about GOD. He exists outside of time; therefore He knows all, including those who will be with Him for eternity and those who will not. GOD is love. And in that love, He demonstrated it “while were yet sinners,” Jesus the Messiah died for us and was resurrected. 2 Corinthians 6:2 is an excellent source to support both predestination and free will. “In the time of my [GOD’s] favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of GOD’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” In the original Greek it reads, “For he [GOD] says, ‘In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you;’ behold, now is the acceptable time! Behold now is the day of salvation!” The phrase, “In the time of my favor” references GOD’s foreknowledge, and “I heard you” references who GOD hears: the person who responds to his free gift of salvation. GOD gave Adam and Eve a choice. GOD sent his only Son to die for our sins on a cross. The two other men on either side of Jesus while on the cross are a prime example of response. One accepted Jesus. The other rejected Jesus. (Luke 23:39-43)
The answer is: both. Within the Calvinist view, it is stated by John Calvin, “… not all men are created with similar destiny, but eternal life is foreordained for some, and eternal damnation for others.” This contradicts what the Apostle Peter said – in what many scholars refer to as his first sermon – to the Jews, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the LORD our GOD will call.” (Acts 2:38-39) “Repent” indicates a response on the part of the man and the woman. (Note: not all have the opportunity to be baptized – example, the thief on the cross next to Jesus who will be with Him in paradise as Jesus said to him – but all have the opportunity to repent.) In GOD’s sovereignty, as referenced in the phrase “… for all whom the LORD our GOD will call,” there is indication that eternal life is predestined but GOD instructed man and woman to repent – the response. This view of “both” is known as Arminianism, which was first introduced in Protestant Christianity in the early 17th century – GOD’s sovereignty and free will are compatible.
GOD is biblically known as a just God, as referenced in Deuteronomy 32:4 “…just and upright is he.” Psalm 25:8-14 calls GOD “fair and just.” And throughout Scripture there is encouragement for GOD’s creation to seek justice. Matthew 12:18 records GOD saying about Jesus, “… He will proclaim justice to the nations. …” Isaiah and Nehemiah both spoke of justice as inspired by GOD (See Isaiah 1 and Nehemiah 5.) James 1:27 provides justice-related instruction regarding orphans and widows. GOD is the God of justice. If GOD created billions of people – over the course of time – and chose, predestined some but not others that would by default result in the “others” being destined for an eternity apart from GOD – meaning hell. This is not the definition of a just GOD. Therefore, it is wise to use caution when presented with an incorrect definition of GOD.
Those who teach strict predestination claim that man and woman do not have it in them to respond to the free gift of salvation. However, Ecclesiastes tells us that “GOD placed eternity in the hearts of man.” The book of Romans also tells us that man is without excuse, that GOD’s creation is made known to all mankind. (Romans 1:19-20). From these two passages it appears that mankind was given the ability to respond – the ability from birth.
Even the following passage from Jeremiah strongly supports that the nation of Israel was given a choice (italics added), “He said, ‘Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, and of that nation I warned repents of its evil then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.’” – Jeremiah 18:6-10
GOD referred
to Israel as His “chosen” people – a group set apart from the other nations;
now GOD refers
to the Church as His “chosen” people. It is His foreknowledge of who is a part
of His Church. The Truth of the relationship a Believer has with GOD is the
inheritance of salvation and abiding with GOD for all eternity; there is nothing
and no one else which makes life worthy. There is nothing a person can do to
earn eternal salvation. GOD revealed
and continues to reveal His invitation; a person’s response to His invitation
is not to believe or to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the
living GOD. And in
that belief, the Believer will follow Him. It is only by the body and blood of
Jesus that pays the price for our sin. Simple. Jesus the Christ paid for our
sins. John 14:6 indicates that the only way to the Father GOD is
Jesus. Colossians 1:19-20 states that Jesus “made peace with GOD for us
by the blood of Jesus.” Romans 5:6-9 says Christ died for us to justify us by
his blood. GOD is
all-knowing and the amazing thing is, He desires to be with his creation who
rejected Him. Therefore, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is
Lord,’ and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead, you will
be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10. “For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have
everlasting life.” John 3:16.
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