Jacob & Esau
Genesis 25: 19-34
Predestination and
Election
Jacob & Esau
Genesis 25: 19-34
As to their destiny and
election see
Romans 9:10-29
Predestination in its broadest conception is the doctrine that because God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completely sovereign, He "from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass,". It is a mistake to assume that predestination deals solely with salvation. Therefore, it essential to understand this doctrine according to Scripture.
Election in Christian theology,
election refers to divine election, which is a reference to God's choice of individuals or
peoples to be the objects of his grace or to otherwise fulfill his purposes.
Most often God's election is associated with his choice of individuals unto salvation.
This is best seen in Paul's letter to the Ephesians where he says,
"He chose us in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus
Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory
of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved … also we have obtained
an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things
after the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:4-5, 11, emphasis mine).
Election and predestination are very similar
concepts, so much so that the terms can be used almost interchangeably. However, there is
a difference in the emphasis of the two terms. Election usually has in view the objects of
God's sovereign selection, whereas predestination has in view the purpose or goal of his
election.
The issue among Christians is not whether, in fact, God elects (chooses) or predestines,
for this is clearly taught in Scripture -- the issue rather has to do with the who, when
and why God does so.
To read more from this
source, click on this copyrighted site
http://www.theopedia.com
and enter your search topic
Misunderstandings of the Doctrine of Election