predestined

[fhansen]

Since God knows all does this mean we can't change our fates? That those who are saved are all saved and those who are damned can't change their fates?

Yes, but it makes no difference at all for us. From our perspective we don't know with any kind of perfect certainty whose names are written in the Book of Life and whose are not. So we must strive, we must work out our salvation with Him and the grace He gives us.

 

[Mark Quayle]

What choice do we have but to proceed as if we do have (a) choice...

God Bless!

Reminds me of the MacBeth, (Shakespeare) quandry. They "know" that the "fates" rule the results, but some try to work against the fates while others seem to think it is their duty to bring the results about. I think it is hilarious.

 

[fhansen]

Reminds me of the MacBeth, (Shakespeare) quandry. They "know" that the "fates" rule the results, but some try to work against the fates while others seem to think it is their duty to bring the results about. I think it is hilarious.

Its equally funny to think we know our fate, to live as if we have no choice.

 

[Halbhh]

You have to know what Hell or the second death actually is...?

When you understand that, it all makes perfect sense actually...

How is it not aligned to the Bible...?

God Bless!

Do you mean double predestination?

 

[sdowney717]

Yes, but it makes no difference at all for us. From our perspective we don't know with any kind of perfect certainty whose names are written in the Book of Life and whose are not. So we must strive, we must work out our salvation with Him and the grace He gives us.

Be as positive as Paul was about your election to know the truth and be saved. Ephesians 1 is meant to be of great consolation to believers so as to comfort them in the knowledge of the truth for the suffering and persecutions they were enduring for the sake of Christ. That their individual destiny was to live with God and Christ forever, as He had chosen them, their salvation from the present evil world system was certain.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Be as positive as Paul was about your election to know the truth and be saved. Ephesians 1 is meant to be of great consolation to believers so as to comfort them in the knowledge of the truth for the suffering and persecutions they were enduring for the sake of Christ. That their individual destiny was to live with God and Christ forever, as He had chosen them, their salvation from the present evil world system was certain.

It makes a lot of difference to me. It fits perfectly with knowing this whole temporal life is for God's sake --not so much mine or anyone else's. God is shown to be ultimately responsible for all outcomes, (no, this does not deny that we are responsible for our choices), and since we know that the judge of all the earth will do what is right, and since we know that he is merciful, we need not fear that what is right will win in the end.

I can be satisfied and at peace --this does not depend on my performance, but on God. The same theme continues beyond salvation into sanctification. This is the work of God no matter how much it consumes me and drives my heart.

 

[fhansen]

Be as positive as Paul was about your election to know the truth and be saved. Ephesians 1 is meant to be of great consolation to believers so as to comfort them in the knowledge of the truth for the suffering and persecutions they were enduring for the sake of Christ. That their individual destiny was to live with God and Christ forever, as He had chosen them, their salvation from the present evil world system was certain.

Ok. But it was a level of assurance, and encouragement, not a guaranteed prediction regarding everyone who heard those words of his, as if each and every one of them necessarily were numbered among the elect. OTOH we have no reason to fear to the extent that we remain in Christ and persevere in follow His ways. I'm only saying not to put the cart ahead of the horse. Trust God, but then let Him be the final judge.