Predestination...barn-yard simple!

I shall revise what I wrote because I feel it's a bit cavalier.john.

Hello Tim.God doesn't see what's coming as such but God causes what is happening. He doesn't know the future because He has seen it but His plan will come to fruition.john.

Hello Action. (The revised version.)
I accepted Jesus Christ and believed in His divinity somewhere in the mid 80s.
You only make the choices that God causes you to make. Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Repentence is a choice.
Repentence is a choice, yes but it is granted to you by God. Since He works through your will you will believe it was from you but scripture says it is God working in you to fulfil His will. We can claim no credit for our deeds. 2 Tim 2:25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
So, using your logic, if someone offered me some hard drugs, I may was well take them as Christ's work is done?
If Christ died for your sins then you will not suffer for them yourself.If you are tempted to do anything that you believe is wrong then you will have trouble with your conscience, especially if it is illegal, but if Christ died for your sins then how can you?We are not condemned for what we do. RO 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--We are condemned by the action of Adam. Our sins just add to God's wrath but they are not the cause of damnation.Since Christ died for our sins and the condemnation that came through Adam then we cannot face it ourselves.I've just seen your post and I admit I came across with a 'so what' atitude. That is why I am changing it.
Some may believe that since Christ died for our sin and washed us clean that it's okay to willingly live a life of sin.
I'm not saying it's right to live a life of sin but I'm saying that if any Christian is caught up in a life of shame he shouldn't believe that his actions will condemn him.We all fall down and when we are down it's important to know God still loves us in that condition.Since I overcame drugs I might be tempted to condemn those who haven't. Then my condition is worse than when I was drug taking.Is this better?john.

Hi Jonnycool. I had already answered your pre-revised or original post before you posted your revised version.

I have purposely stayed out of this discussion because it has been argued for hundreds of years without any real resolution. I suggest that before you guys continue you describe just what you mean by "Predestination." There are a number of definitions, depending of your theological point of view.I don't think you are using the term in the same way.

(tim_from_pa;62054)
If after presenting your belief you do not feel comfortable, then you are free to go elsewhere as opposed to causing trouble.
Hey Tim from PAI would never come to a board looking to cause trouble. I realize my beliefs are not the beliefs of the many. But i feel i must speak what i feel ive been shown as im sure you do. Would i like it if we all agreed on everything? I would love it. I have a wonderful wife, 3 great kids and 1 great dog. Yet.. im spiritually lonley. When i first started reading the Word i thought i was the only one out there that believed as i did but now i find there are a quite a fewthat do. Well Tim, have a good weekend and may God bless.

A fatalist is one who sees God as sovereign without understanding the authority that God gave man. With such an unbalanced view, the fatalist can always blame God for everything and take no responsibility upon himself for his actions. He can always justify any sin that he does by saying, “Well, God is sovereign; therefore, I had no choice but to do it.” Fatalists do not really understand that there is a judgment to come, where every man will be judged according to his works (Rom. 2:6; Rev. 20:12, 13).To keep from being a fatalist, one must clearly understand the difference between the will and the plan of God. This is best illustrated by the real-life example of Pharaoh, who could and did resist the will of God by his authority, but could not resist the sovereign plan of God. Secondly, we have the example of Israel being held accountable for refusing to enter the Promised Land, even though God had withheld from them a heart to know, eyes to see, and ears to hear (Deut. 29:4). In that case, the judgment was limited to 40 years—the extent of their authority.Seeing this distinction will keep us in balance, so that we do not justify sin and claim that it was God's “will.” Sin is NEVER God's will , even though it is ALWAYS part of the plan.Though we should strive to understand the overall plan of God and recognize His sovereignty, we must also recognize the limitations of our authority. In a practical sense we cannot live our lives according to the plan of God. That is God's level, not ours. Our daily lives should consist in striving to know and do the will of God. That means being obedient to the divine law, both the principles that were written to others in the Bible as well as that which God tells us to do today.If we live lawlessly and refuse to be held accountable for our own actions, we merely prove to all that we are not part of God's “barley” remnant. If we refuse to be obedient and submit to the divine will, we prove that we will not receive immortality in the first resurrection, but must await a later resurrection.It really comes down to the old adage of “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Is a man lawless because God blinded his eyes? Or did God blind his eyes because he was lawless? Men may debate the issue, but in the end, it does not matter. If your eyes are blinded, and if you refuse to submit to Christ and His law, then it is self-evident that you are not one of the remnant that will inherit the first resurrection.Is this the reward that you desire? Then so be it. Be it far from me to try to change your heart. I am not the Holy Spirit and cannot do His job. But if it is in your heart to be an overcomer of the remnant company, the barley company, then He will put it in your heart to be obedient. The tree is known by its fruit (Matt. 7:20).Thus, in a practical sense, your actions are a manifestation of your heart. If God has given you eyes to see and ears to hear, then it will be evident in your actions, because “hearing” and “obedience” come from the same Hebrew word, shema. If God has truly given you ears to hear, then it will be reflected in your obedience to His voice. If God has called you to be an overcomer, then act like one. An overcomer is NOT one who merely professes to be one, but a person whose actions reflect his words (James 2:18).Fatalism is an unbalanced view of God's sovereignty. The main symptom of fatalism is using God's sovereignty as an excuse for sin or for doing nothing at all. Don't make excuses for bad behavior. Blaming God's sovereign will for your sins will not reduce your liability at the great white throne. God has already taken responsibility on His level by ensuring the salvation of all men at the final Jubilee. If you are content to receive your gift of immortality at the end of time, then it is apparent to all that He has not called you to be an overcomer that will inherit life at the first resurrection.But if God has enlightened the eyes of your understanding and made you His obedient servant, you are proven to be on the path of the overcomer. I encourage you to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12).Recognize God's sovereignty, but live as if you have total free will. Recognize that your authority is limited, and that you can do little to change your heart, but pray that God will lead you into whatever circumstances are necessary to show you truth, to overthrow every idol in your heart, and to teach you the art of obedience. Then be vigilant to respond to all that the Lord brings your way. This is the path of life.Logabe

(Christina;61999)
This is a false doctrine posted by 3rdday its not exactly biblical its the doctrine of a Religion called Preterist. I posted a warning about this in chatbox. However as far as predestination is concerned there are most certainly the predestined of God. These are those that have a destiny a Job to do that Christ has chosen them for. A good example might be Paul if one remembers it was Paul who persecuted Christians, Of his own free will he did this until God called him for the purpose he had been predestined to fulfill Paul didn't know he was predestined until God called him.None of us know who is predestined until God calls upon us to do his biddingSo people claiming they know they are of the Predestined should give you reason to be leery of these claims.The death of Christ on the cross opened salvation to all that accept it we have free will to accept and/or deny the salvation that is offered to us. To all who accept this you have the promise of Salvation promised you by God.Now it can be argued that God foreknows who will and will not be saved that may or may not be the case an all knowing God may well know but we have the opposing force of free Will that God endowed us with ...how these opposing forces work together are the things of God that we do not know nor have need of knowing. We only need know Our father has promised us if we believe upon him and repent of our sins he will not leave us nor forsake us.
Actually, no, Christina. That is not exactly true. "Predestination" as a doctrine was taught by Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Heinrich Bullinger, and scores of other great Reformation preachers, even Sir Isaac Newton who was also a well-known theologian as well as a scientist. The Preterists believe that all of Bible prophecy had been fulfilled by the time Jesus came in the flesh and shortly afterward. Whereas, the Reformation preachers were "Reformed Historicists". They believe that most of bible prophecy has been fulfilled except the fall of Mystery Babylon, Battle of Armaggedon, and the Second Coming of Christ. Many believe that predestination conflicts with "free will". It does not. God wants us to love him by "choice". God does NOT "force" his will on anyone. He does not force us to come to him, but encourages us to come to him willingly. Therefore, if God does not FORCE HIS will on us, then logically, we have free will. In other words, it's an "unconditional" election.For what better test to know if someone loves you, then to have them come to you freely and willingly rather than through bondage. THAT is "free will".The other question in which to ask is "Who are the elect"? The Greek word used there is "ecclesia" which means "called out ones", or "the gathering".Jesus said in John 6:44, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."And did not Jesus also say, "My sheep hear me and obey my voice"? Then logic dictates that if you don't "hear his voice", you are not of God.And what about what Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans?Romans 8:27-31 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?"-----------------These verses alone should put to bed the question or problem of predestination vs. free will.Yes, we have free will to choose the path of life or the path of death. But being called by God, and God who intercedes on our behalf, we end up choosing life.There's an old saying, "once you're God's, no one, not even the devil can snatch you from his hand."Paul believed what he was doing was "good" when he persecuted the Christians. But God INTERCEDED with Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul was "predestined" by God for his purposes. Does not the Potter have control over what he will do with the lump of clay? Mold this one unto a perfect vessel, or break that vessel into pieces? Or decide not to do anything with that lump of clay?God is the Potter is he not?Can we know if we are predestined? Yes we can. Can we know God? Yes we can. How? By reading and understanding his WORD as written in the scriptures. Still don't believe it? Ask yourself why you or anyone else is DRAWN to God and to know the truth and why others continue to reject it.Could it be that we are "wired" in a certain way to accept the things of God?Kim

Your not saying anything differnt than what I have said and believe I dont know what your disagreeing with ??I agree and know perfectly well it was taught, I was however replying to another post About Extreme Preterist ..who believe there is no free will and it makes no differnce what one does, that is the false doctrine I was refering too, I have stated more than once here Free will and predestiation work together.

(kkboldt;63983)
..."Predestination" as a doctrine was taught by Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Heinrich Bullinger, and scores of other great Reformation preachers, even Sir Isaac Newton who was also a well-known theologian as well as a scientist. The Preterists believe that all of Bible prophecy had been fulfilled by the time Jesus came in the flesh and shortly afterward. Whereas, the Reformation preachers were "Reformed Historicists". They believe that most of bible prophecy has been fulfilled except the fall of Mystery Babylon, Battle of Armaggedon, and the Second Coming of Christ. Many believe that predestination conflicts with "free will". It does not. God wants us to love him by "choice". God does NOT "force" his will on anyone. He does not force us to come to him, but encourages us to come to him willingly. Therefore, if God does not FORCE HIS will on us, then logically, we have free will. In other words, it's an "unconditional" election.For what better test to know if someone loves you, then to have them come to you freely and willingly rather than through bondage. THAT is "free will".The other question in which to ask is "Who are the elect"? The Greek word used there is "ecclesia" which means "called out ones", or "the gathering".Jesus said in John 6:44, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."And did not Jesus also say, "My sheep hear me and obey my voice"? Then logic dictates that if you don't "hear his voice", you are not of God.And what about what Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans?Romans 8:27-31 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?"-----------------These verses alone should put to bed the question or problem of predestination vs. free will.Yes, we have free will to choose the path of life or the path of death. But being called by God, and God who intercedes on our behalf, we end up choosing life.There's an old saying, "once you're God's, no one, not even the devil can snatch you from his hand."Paul believed what he was doing was "good" when he persecuted the Christians. But God INTERCEDED with Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul was "predestined" by God for his purposes. Does not the Potter have control over what he will do with the lump of clay? Mold this one unto a perfect vessel, or break that vessel into pieces? Or decide not to do anything with that lump of clay?God is the Potter is he not?Can we know if we are predestined? Yes we can. Can we know God? Yes we can. How? By reading and understanding his WORD as written in the scriptures. Still don't believe it? Ask yourself why you or anyone else is DRAWN to God and to know the truth and why others continue to reject it.Could it be that we are "wired" in a certain way to accept the things of God?Kim
Your definition of Predestination is the way I have always understood it and believed it. I don't think many of us here at CB would disagree with it. Thanks for bringing the definition to the board.

Please keep posts on topic the topic is predestinastion not going through the post and correcting ones grammer spelling or giving one opinions based on things not on the topic at hand

(tim_from_pa;62218)
Whew boy! Another Johnny-come-lately who is the only one that knows how to interpret God's Word and everyone's else's posts are just opinions and erroneous doctrine that must be corrected. Funny thing is that similar such people in the past all adamantly said that their way is God's true interpretation, and yet they all said something different. God must be getting to be a senile old man to inspire these people to say different things these days.Christina, where do these come from? they're coming out of the woodwork these days.
you seem to have some very strong opinions concerning your own opinions, don't you? The very first thing I read from you said
Let me say for the umpteenth time that the bible does make a case for predestination.The bible also makes a case for free choice.They both coexist.......... snip........Yeah, "but" don't try to figure it out. That's man's pompous limited reasoning that tries to side with one or the other only.In this case, I am saying that there are circumstances where the colors red and blue are the same, and don't try to fight it. That's just the way it is because that's what God said.And that's my stance on this subject. Case closed.
You do not seem to value other's opinion at all, you have your mind made up, and I guess, therefore, everyone else's minds ought to be made up as well ehhh? And if not, well then they are just wrong, since they disagree with you. But I have to wonder, why is it that other's views are "man's pompous limited reasoning" but your views are not?How are we to know that you are not just another Johnny come lately who is the only one who knows how to interpret God's word and everyone's else's posts are just opinions and erroneous doctrine that must be corrected? Aren't your posts just YOUR opinions? And aren't you, by saying that no one should try and figure it out, trying to correct the doctrine that other's hold as needing to be corrected? And don't you think that your interpretations and opinions concerning God's word are correct? if so, why blame anyone else for thinking the same thing? You see, from my perspective, what YOU are saying is "different", but this does not make God senile. Just because someone's opinion differs from mine, I do not confuse my understanding of God's word with God's word itself, nor should you.blessings,Ken

(Christina;64003)
Please keep posts on topic the topic is predestinastion not going through the post and correcting ones grammer spelling or giving one opinions based on things not on the topic at hand
I have not corrected one single person's grammar. since others were commenting on the importance of grammar, eg Jordan said, on 10-29-2008, 10:47 PM,
God does not care about grammar.
Since he commented on this topic, and did not get reprimanded for doing so, then it ought to be fine for anyone else to comment on it as well, unless of course some people are allowed to speak and others aren't, unless there are double standards at this forum... there aren't double standards are there?. As far as predestination goes, God's word says this:Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,"there it is.... it says all things have been predestined... I guess this mean that God's word rules out man's libertarian free will? Unless of course someone wants to disagree with God's word and i dont care if you want to continue not using punctuation and gramme and sppell chicking because then it only makes it harder to understand your points and then if you are not underastood then its not really anyone elses fault then is it blessings,Ken

(Christina;62229)
LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR THIS A BIBLE STUDY SITE Sola Scriptura- a Latin phrase that means Scripture alone. We believethat the Bible interprets itself, We emphasize the use of original languages along with thisEveryone is free to practice whatever christian religion they chose but when one starts trying to push their denominational views/interpretations/opinions as the right one. These kind of problems arise. Gods Word says ONE THING HE HAS ONE PLAN if you chose to view that plan and his Word filtered through a Religious denomination that is your choiceGod has foretold us all things, Gods is Word is King here not men and his ideas, not ones denominational beliefs. If you can not get past your denominational choices then perhaps this isn't your site. You will get comments like thats mens words not Gods ..if that offends you will have to make a decision if this is your site or not We are not going to argue denominational interpretations whether they Catholic, protestant, or anything in between you can discuss your personal religious doctrine's in your church of choice.
now this is puzzling.... how is it that you, and those who may happen to be at this site who agree with you, are not trying to "push" YOUR own views/interpretations/opinions as the right one?Please help me here, I really am trying to understand this..... how it can be fine for you guys to insist that you are right, that your interpretations are right and that other people's interpretations are wrong, how is this not pushing your views as the correct one?blessings,Ken

Gods Word only says one thing We are to learn what is that one thing thats why we study the Bible and scripture not mens words mens traditions mens religions. If you dont understand the difference I dont know what to tell you Only Gods Word is in the book

(Christina;62229)
LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR THIS A BIBLE STUDY SITE Sola Scriptura- a Latin phrase that means Scripture alone. We believethat the Bible interprets itself, We emphasize the use of original languages along with thisEveryone is free to practice whatever christian religion they chose but when one starts trying to push their denominational views/interpretations/opinions as the right one. These kind of problems arise. Gods Word says ONE THING HE HAS ONE PLAN if you chose to view that plan and his Word filtered through a Religious denomination that is your choiceGod has foretold us all things, Gods is Word is King here not men and his ideas, not ones denominational beliefs. If you can not get past your denominational choices then perhaps this isn't your site. You will get comments like thats mens words not Gods ..if that offends you will have to make a decision if this is your site or not We are not going to argue denominational interpretations whether they Catholic, protestant, or anything in between you can discuss your personal religious doctrine's in your church of choice.
as an aside, do you know that the phrase "sola scriptura" does not itself appear in the bible roflol!!! actually, I believe very much in this concept, and I believe that it is a biblical concept, however I also believe that most people who use it do not understand what the Reformers meant when they coined this phrase. We are to use Scripture, and we we can deduce from Scripture. The people who came up with the phrase "sola scriptura" also said "VI. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture" (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter I, Of Holy Scripture)blessings,Ken

(Christina;64009)
Gods Word only says one thing We are to learn what is that one thing thats why we study the Bible and scripture not mens words mens traditions mens religions. If you dont understand the difference I dont know what to tell you Only Gods Word is in the book
Now THIS I agree with!! God's word says only 1 thing, it cannot and does not contradict itself.God's word is the ultimate authority on everything. TrueHowever, when you or anyone else on this site gives their understanding, their interpretation of the scriptures, that opinion is not itself the Scriptures. That is the difference. Some people get the 2 mixed up all the time. They say that such and such a scripture means a, b, c and d..... fine... however, this is their interpretation of the Scripture. NOT the scripture itself. Interpretations are impossible to avoid. Whenever we read a word like "predestined" we have an inner understanding of what that word means, we interpret. Its unavoidable.blessings,Ken

(epistemaniac;64010)
(Christina;62229)
LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR THIS A BIBLE STUDY SITE Sola Scriptura- a Latin phrase that means Scripture alone. We believethat the Bible interprets itself, We emphasize the use of original languages along with thisEveryone is free to practice whatever christian religion they chose but when one starts trying to push their denominational views/interpretations/opinions as the right one. These kind of problems arise. Gods Word says ONE THING HE HAS ONE PLAN if you chose to view that plan and his Word filtered through a Religious denomination that is your choiceGod has foretold us all things, Gods is Word is King here not men and his ideas, not ones denominational beliefs. If you can not get past your denominational choices then perhaps this isn't your site. You will get comments like thats mens words not Gods ..if that offends you will have to make a decision if this is your site or not We are not going to argue denominational interpretations whether they Catholic, protestant, or anything in between you can discuss your personal religious doctrine's in your church of choice.
as an aside, do you know that the phrase "sola scriptura" does not itself appear in the bible roflol!!! actually, I believe very much in this concept, and I believe that it is a biblical concept, however I also believe that most people who use it do not understand what the Reformers meant when they coined this phrase. We are to use Scripture, and we we can deduce from Scripture. The people who came up with the phrase "sola scriptura" also said "VI. The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture" (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter I, Of Holy Scripture)blessings,KenCould you care to show me please that in scriptures saying that God did not foretell us all things? or that God has an opinion like men does?(Christina;64009)
Gods Word only says one thing We are to learn what is that one thing thats why we study the Bible and scripture not mens words mens traditions mens religions. If you dont understand the difference I dont know what to tell you Only Gods Word is in the book
Let me help you.Psalm 40:7 - Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,Did you hear? God came in the book.

Greek Word: προορίζωTransliteration: proorizōPhonetic Pronunciationro-or-id'-zoRoot: from and Cross Reference: TDNT - 5:456,728Part of Speech: vVine's Words: Determine, Determinate, Predestinate Usage Notes: English Words used in KJVredestinate 4 determine before 1 ordain 1 [Total Count: 6] from (pro) and (horizo); to limit in advance, i.e. (figurative) predetermine :- determine before, ordain, predestinate.When God predestines something to happen, it will in fact happen. To "predestine" is NOT to know beforehand, to foreknow, it is to cause something to happen, not bare prescience. And so when God says Romans 8:29-30 (ESV) 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." We can know that since God knows everything, (he foreknows) those whom He predestined to become conformed to His image, they will in fact be saved, they are predestined to be so.Imagine the contrary, is God sitting up in heaven wringing His hands helpessly watching to see who is saved and who is not? Of course not, God knows from the foundation of the world, befroe anything at all was created, who would be saved and who wouldn't. To deny this is to deny God's omniscience. We also know that the only way to be saved is through the Son. But not everyone had heard the good news of the Son, not everyone has heard the Gospel. But since God determines where and when we will live, He has determined that some will have lived and died and never heard the gospel, and thus, they are lost. Thos who are saved, are saved because God has ordained that they hear the gospel message, respond to it, come to Him, become conformed to the image of His son, and those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. They will be saved, and they will be glorified. For we know that the Scripture says that God hardens those whom He pleases, and He saves.... has mercy..... on all those whom He wants to save. Romans 9:14-18 (ESV) Ro 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. blessings,Ken

Predestined is a biblical word, all who believe the bible to be the word of God have to believe in predestination....Acts 4:28 (ESV) to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. Romans 8:29-30 (ESV) 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Acts 13:48 (ESV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 2 Tim 1:9-11 ESV 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, Ephesians 1:5 (ESV) he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, taught as a concept (God has chosen you... for salvation) here:2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NASB) But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (NASB) 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 1 Peter 1:1-2 (NASB) 1Pe 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. etc.....blessings,Ken