Predesti-what?

Predesti-what?
Words of Faith 9-24-2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Romans 8
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

    The dictionary defines Predestination - pre-des-te-na-shun as the doctrine that God, in consequence of his foreknowledge of all events, infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation.

    Hmmm. The definition doesn't really answer much. Predestination is one of those theological puzzles.  We can go round and round and never get anywhere.  Some will squirm at the mere suggestion of predestination simply because we live in a culture that advocates and demands choices.  After all, where would Amazon and eBay be if we have no choice!
    The fatalistic idea that life and salvation are on some sort of divine auto-pilot that demands no human responsibility doesn't seem biblical in tone either. After all, so much of the Bible teaches that decisions have consequences. There is also the persuasive biblical call to "choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." If there is no choice, why call for one? And if we can make no real choice, then why pretend to make one at all? So, do we just let life roll and see where the cards fall?  
     In reality, the classic view of predestination never taught such cavalier treatment of God's will. Since one never knew if they were among the "elect," there was no room for blind fatalism. God may know where He is calling us, but we would not know except by an increasing witness of the Spirit or evidence of God's fruit in our lives. Classic theology cautioned to take nothing for granted, especially salvation.  
     So, in practice, there is no difference between those who advocate free will and those who teach predestination. Both preach for a verdict-- whether that verdict is known in advance to God or not! To argue the point much longer leaves us chasing our tails.
     Perhaps we are missing the point. Paul seems to be saying that, for the believer, the synergy of God is at work in all the events of life, blessings, and tragedies, conforming us to the image and character of Christ. So, we can trust that those God knows are coming to Him, He calls.  
     The call of God will be there. A clear invitation will be made. Those He calls, He justifies. His justifying work is complete and adequate for all of His work of redemption.  Those He justifies, He completes. He will finally glorify those who are coming to Him.  
       As for this work of God, we can relax. We can only relax... in His grace. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves called, justified, or glorified. We can only trust His work. We can only surrender to His Spirit at work within us, conforming us to His image and character.

     Lord, I surrender to Your call upon my life. I surrender to Your justifying work in my life.  I surrender to all that You are doing to conform me to the image of Your Son and lead me to glory. In Jesus' name.   
 
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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)        
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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