Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Col 3:12–25)
One of the commitments I made when I began to do this series of blogs was simply to the best of my understanding explain passages from the Bible in a way that those who may not be familiar with the Bible might appreciate. I also committed that I would not push my interpretation of the text where good and reputable Christian theologians may dispute the interpretation. Where different views on a passage of Scripture may conflict, I would represent both views and let the reader decide for themselves.
In Colossians 3, Paul calls the brethren in the church of Colossae the "elect of God." This statement refers to those God has chosen for salvation, also called predestination. The word "eklekti" means "chosen" or "elect," and it is derived from the verb "eklegomai," which means "to choose out" or "to select." The phrase "elect of God" is found throughout the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul.
The concept of predestination is evident in the Bible, as seen through various examples of the Old and New Testaments examples. God's plan was evident from the calling of Abraham, whom God chose to become the father of many nations, to the formation of the nation of Israel. King David, too, was anointed by God to become the king of Israel, and Jesus' birth, life, and ministry were all part of God's predetermined plan. Through these examples, it is clear that God has consistently worked through history to accomplish his purposes and bring about his ultimate plan of redemption for humanity. Although some may question the idea of predestination, the Bible presents a compelling case for its existence, as evidenced by the way in which God has orchestrated events to fulfill his sovereign will.
Ephesians 1:4-5 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."
Romans 8:29-30 - "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
Acts 13:48 - "When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed."
1 Peter 1:1-2 - "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood."
John 6:44 - "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."
John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
These verses teach that God has chosen and predestined certain individuals for salvation and that our salvation ultimately depends on God's sovereign will and purpose.
John Calvin and Predestination
For those new to the Bible and Christianity, it won't be long before they come across the term "predestination." This term is widely used in the church today and is often debated. The type of predestination that is most controversial among Christians is generally attributed to John Calvin, a French theologian. Calvin's understanding of predestination asserts that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation and others for damnation before the world's creation. This concept is widely disputed as it removes the individual's ability to respond to God, and only those whom God has chosen would respond to Him. Calvinism is known for its acronym TULIP, which summarizes the five key doctrines of the theological system developed by John Calvin in the 16th century. Each letter of TULIP stands for a specific doctrine:
Total Depravity: this is the idea that due to the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, every human being is born into a state of sin and is completely incapable of choosing God or doing anything to save themselves.
Unconditional Election: this is the idea that God chooses certain individuals for salvation, not based on any merit or good works on their part, but solely because of God's sovereign choice.
Limited Atonement: this is the idea that Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross was only for those whom God chose for salvation, not for every single human being.
Irresistible Grace: this is the idea that those chosen by God for salvation cannot resist God's grace and will inevitably be saved.
Perseverance of the Saints: this is the idea that those who are chosen by God for salvation will continue to believe and follow God until the end of their lives and will never lose their salvation.
Critics of Calvinism
Critics of Calvinism argue that the TULIP system does not accurately reflect the teachings of the Bible, and that some of the doctrines are inconsistent with the character of God as revealed in Scripture. Supporters of Calvinism, on the other hand, believe that the TULIP system provides a clear and logical understanding of the biblical teachings on salvation and the sovereignty of God.
Critics of Calvinism argue that Biblical predestination refers to the idea that God has a plan and purpose for all creation, including human beings. While the Bible does talk about God choosing people for specific purposes, such as Abraham or the prophets, it does not support the idea that God chooses some for salvation and others for damnation based on his sovereign will alone.
What we know from the Bible
The Bible teaches that salvation is available to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background or status. While God is sovereign and works all things together for good, he also gives human beings the freedom to choose whether or not to follow him.
Therefore, the main difference between Calvinistic and biblical predestination is that the former emphasizes God's sovereignty to the point of denying human free will in salvation. At the same time, the latter acknowledges God's sovereignty and human responsibility in responding to his call.
What say you?
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