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Acts 5:29–32
“Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31).
As we have learned in our study of Romans, predestination is a biblical word. Because that is so, virtually every church and denomination that has had a creed has had a doctrine of predestination. Likewise, virtually every Christian who ever has lived has had a doctrine of predestination. The presence of the word predestination (and the concept behind it) in Scripture makes it necessary for any group or individual who seriously wrestles with Scripture to define this doctrine. Of course, many different definitions have been put forth through the centuries.
The English word predestination is the noun form of the verb predestine or predestinate. The latter comes from the Greek word proorizo. In Greek, the prefix pro corresponds to the English pre; therefore, proorizo refers to something that takes place in advance of, in front of, or before something that follows later in time. The remainder of the Greek word has to do with choosing or ordaining. Thus, it is speaking of a decision that is made in advance. And what is that decision? It concerns “destination,” or “destiny,” the place we are going in the ultimate sense. Predestination, therefore, is the idea that God determines the ultimate destiny of all people, either heaven or hell, long before they even exist.
Most Christians would agree that God in some way predetermines who goes to heaven and who does not. But there is vast disagreement over how God makes this decision. However, two main views have competed throughout church history. The first is the prescience view. The word prescience combines the prefix pre (“before”) and the root word science (“knowledge”). Thus, it is a synonym of the word foreknowledge. This view holds that God, in eternity past, looked down the corridor of time and noted those who would respond positively to the gospel message. He then ordained that those people, and only they, should reach heaven. By contrast, the Augustinian (or Reformation) view holds that God not only predestines who will and will not be saved, He even predestines His elect to believe. The crucial difference, therefore, is this: Under the prescience view, the decision that determines eternal destiny rests with man, but under the Augustinian view, the decision rests with God alone.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
What is your doctrine of predestination? Do you accept the Augustinian view, the prescience view, or some other position? In his “Predestination” series, Dr. R.C. Sproul argues for the Augustinian view. If this is not your position, prepare to be challenged. But approach this subject prayerfully, with a desire to understand the ways of God.
For Further Study
- John 6:64–65
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13
- 1 Peter 2:8–9
- Jude 4