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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

"Predestination"

Jarrod Jacobs

Predestination is a popular doctrine among many religious people. This doctrine basically states that God has predetermined who will be saved and lost eternally before the world was created. Men, according to them, have no choice in the matter at all as to whether or not they will be the recipients of God's grace and salvation. According to this doctrine, one cannot change his eternal destiny, either. If one has been predestinated to be saved, there is nothing he/she can do to be lost, and if one is lost, there is nothing he/she can do to be saved. "What saith the Scripture?" The Bible teaches that Christ died for all people, not a select, predestined few. Jesus came, "to give his life a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). In the book of Hebrews, we read that Christ, "should taste death for every man" (Heb. 2:9). Peter told Cornelius, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34-35). God's predestination is not something that has occurred to a certain group of people without their knowledge or consent!

For those who believe that God has predestinated certain ones to be saved and lost from eternity, and there is nothing one can do to change the eternal destiny of such a person, consider the following:

1) Why preach? The Bible says that gospel preaching is done "to save them that believe" (I Cor. 1:21). If the predestination doctrine is true, and God has already decided who is saved and lost, then why preach at all?

2) Why live a life of moral purity and righteousness? The Bible teaches that man needs to keep himself pure in mind, words, and actions (Phil. 4:8; Eph. 4:29, 5:4; I Tim. 5:22). Many of our friends who espouse the false doctrine of predestination will live (and promote) morally pure lives, worshipping God, etc. But if, according to that doctrine, God determined who would and would not be saved, and one can do nothing to change his saved/lost condition, then why live righteously at all? Live it up, because you have no choice.

3) Why worship God? The Bible contends that one's worship to God must be "in spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:24). The worship of the first century included prayer, giving of their means, partaking of the Lord's Supper, singing, and preaching (Acts 2:42, 20:7; I Cor. 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19). In contrast, the Bible talks of some who were guilty of vain worship (Matt. 15:8-9), as well as "will worship" (Col. 2:23), and ignorant worship (Acts 17:23). Why such a contrast if men and women have no choice as to whether or not they are saved, and could do nothing to change their eternal destiny though they might be worshipping "in spirit and in truth," willfully, ignorantly, vainly, or not at all? These are some questions those who espouse predestination must face.

In truth, the word "predestinate" means to set boundaries or limits beforehand. God's predestination is seen in the fact that He has already established the way by which people can come to Him in order to be saved and remain His children. Paul said the predestinated people are the called people (Rom. 8:30). How are men called? Through the gospel (II Thess. 2:14; Acts 11:14; Eph. 1:13)! Hearing the gospel produces faith (Rom. 10:17), and this leads a man to repentance to confessing his faith, and then baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 8:35-39, etc.). Having followed the Lord's plan for salvation, "whosoever will" can be saved from sins.

Yes, the Bible teaches predestination, but not in the way the denominations teach! God has predetermined the way by which man can be saved. One is saved through faith, repentance, confession of faith and baptism (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 8:35-39, 22:16). This plan has not changed. God has not however, predetermined certain individuals to be saved or lost eternally without their knowledge, choice, or consent in the matter!

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