PREDESTINATION

Predestination

Since God knows the beginning and the end, He therefore foreknows all things. Does this mean that He therefore predetermines all things? NO! Keep in mind:

Everything God knows is certain to happen. We must stay logical in this consideration. Men try to substitute foreknowledge for predestination. Because God's knowledge and action are simultaneous and because He acts in absolute sovereignty does not mean He predetermines all things, CAUSING AN EVENT to happen.

How can God plan and predestinate all that takes place without destroying man's freedom?

Fulfillment is the thing under consideration in predestination, not causation.

But in the matter of fulfillment, there are two things that are included: what God causes, and what He permits. His birth and death discussed later.

Both of these are predestined.

Predestination leaves man free. How?

God foresees how wicked men will act, and takes that free act and puts it into His plan. But it must be remembered that freedom operates within limits:  Limits of sinful nature limits God permits for His purpose.

Psa. 76:10 -          "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the

remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain:"

If predestination did not leave man free, we would have fatalism.

Fatalism denies that any connection exists between cause and effect. Fatalism declares that men will be lost or saved no matter what they do. (Mohammedan doctrine of salvation -- Allah says: these for Heaven; these for Hell.) Fatalism is blind, merciless determinism. Predestination declares that men will be lost or saved as a direct result of what they do. Predestination is the wise and loving plan of a Father, and always works for the ultimate good.

The difference between predestination and causation:

Two kinds of decrees: causal (birth of Christ); permissive (death of Christ). Both kinds of decrees are placed in the plan of God and God determines that they shall happen.  God takes the actions of free men into His plan and determines that they shall happen, though He may not be the cause of every action.

Does not predestination make God the author of sin and relieve man of personal responsibility?

Predestination does not necessarily compel.
Acts 2:23 -           God foresaw man's sin and included it in His plan.

He determines to permit it in His plan,

"Determinate counsel" (God's predestination).

"Ye have taken." (permitted by God, but not caused).

Predestination and responsibility,

Luke 22:22 - Matt. 18:7 -

Follows the Lord's, supper.              The son of man goeth as it was determined, but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed. "Woe unto the world because of offenses, for it must needs be that offenses come: but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh,

 God is not the author of sin as some suppose because of Isa: 45:7.

This is physical evil, which is the result of the judgment of God, Like an evil disease. Context explains the passage. It points to God as sovereign creator. Even judgment comes from Him, Ingersoll's famous question: "Why did God make the devil?"

Answer - God did not make the devil. He made a high and noble creature to serve Him, but Satan fell. However, God is using the devil for His purpose. He is God's grind­stone. This acclaims the sovereignty of God.

God's predestination does not discourage human effort.

The fact that God has commanded us to work and pray would be sufficient for the Christian, even if everything were settled in advance. Our motive is loving obedience to His command for service.

But, God has not only planned the outcome of things, but also that man shall work to bring this about. Surety of success produces ardor for employment. This means that God has  planned the means as well as the end.

The doctrine of eternal security and the warnings fit into this general plan.

          cf. Acts 27:22-24, 31, and 44. In this instance, Gods sovereignty does not discourage human effort; this is a good illustration showing that God determines both means and end, the two being impossible to separate.

          22-26 - Predestined outcome: none will be lost.

          31      - Human effort: obey and work!

          44      - The outcome: all finally reached the shore.

See articles MORE ON PREDESTINATION; HIS PLAN, HIS PLAN.