The New Testament speaks of predestination in many places. Yet it teaches it most clearly in Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:3-6. Romans 8:29-30 declares: "For [those] whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, [those] whom He predestined these He also called, whom He called these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified" (NASB). Ephesians 1:3-6 teaches: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love, having predestined us to adoptions as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved" (NASB).
The Bible also teaches about predestination in Acts 13:48, Ephesians 1:7-8, 2 Thess. 2:13-14, and 2 Tim. 1:9. The "elect" are mentioned in Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:22, Luke 18:7, Romans 8:33, 11:7, Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:10, Titus 1:1, I Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 5:13; 2 John 1:1, 13.
I was reading an article about being predestined and what it actually meant. The author stated that it was not that God had worked out a blueprint for each one of us but that he had in fact predestined us to be saved in Jesus Christ and so to be reconciled to him, thereby having access to all that he has blessed us with.
I am unable to agree with this view. It almost seems unfair that only some would be predestined to be saved. I believe that God has predestined us and has very specific plans for each of us. Let's take a look at prophecy. If you are prophesied over and given directional word, you are directed to follow a specific path. When you are given a word of prophecy from God, you know whether it is true. It would be a confirmation of what has already been placed deep inside your spirit, before the foundations of the earth. Jeremiah 1 says, he knew us when we were in the womb. Jeremiah 1:5 (N IV) 5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Footnotes: Jeremiah 1:5 Or chose
Let's look at the very specific gifts and talents God has given to us. Is it not amazing, or is it coincidence, how our gifts or talents seem to fit in with whatever work God has called us to. He placed within us our abilities, when he created us. Surely, that must mean, that he knew at the moment of creation, exactly what we would need to complete our task or calling and so he place it within us. He did not dish out gifts and talents randomly and just hope for the best! How can one be a prophet and not have a gift to see, to prophesy? It would not make sense. The gift makes way for the ministry. Proverbs 18:16 (NIV) A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
I truly believe that God had very specific ideas and plans for each of us. He never did anything randomly, hoping we might pick up some gift on the way and complete a task with it. He says he know the plans he has for us. Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I do believe that we were predestined for a specific purpose and that God does have a blue print for us. It is up to us to follow His lead. Proverbs 3:6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.(or direct your paths.)NIV
God has placed a vision in your heart. Your vision is the blueprint which God has for you. By faith, we are called to walk this out. Do it!
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