Predestination

It is certain that God knows the beginning from the end. Prophecy shows us that God is definitely in control of the flow of history.

But what about free will? What about the issue of choice? Are we helpless in the face of God already knowing what will happen?

Does He know the choices we shall make before we make them?

Or is there a difference between these questions:

• Did He know that Adam and Eve would sin?
• Or did He know that they could sin?

Was Eden and all of it's residents created perfect? Or was there a defect that lead to sin?

Historically, this issue has been debated under the name of "predestination", as people ask "am I predestined" in my choices? Is our ability to choose real?

Ellen G. White has some thoughts about the idea of God predestining our choices.

Great Controversy on the issue of predestination... The spiritual declension which had been manifest in England just before the time of Wesley was in great degree the result of antinomian teaching. Many affirmed that Christ had abolished the moral law and that Christians are therefore under no obligation to observe it; that a believer is freed from the "bondage of good works." Others, though admitting [BEGIN P.261] the perpetuity of the law, declared that it was unnecessary for ministers to exhort the people to obedience of its precepts, since those whom God had elected to salvation would, "by the irresistible impulse of divine grace, be led to the practice of piety and virtue," while those who were doomed to eternal reprobation "did not have power to obey the divine law." Unknown macro: {GC 260.2} Others, also holding that "the elect cannot fall from grace nor forfeit the divine favor," arrived at the still more hideous conclusion that "the wicked actions they commit are not really sinful, nor to be considered as instances of their violation of the divine law, and that, consequently, they have no occasion either to confess their sins or to break them off by repentance."--McClintock and Strong, Cyclopedia, art. "Antinomians." Therefore, they declared that even one of the vilest of sins, "considered universally an enormous violation of the divine law, is not a sin in the sight of God," if committed by one of the elect, "because it is one of the essential and distinctive characteristics of the elect, that they cannot do anything that is either displeasing to God or prohibited by the law." Unknown macro: {GC 261.1} These monstrous doctrines are essentially the same as the later teaching of popular educators and theologians--that there is no unchangeable divine law as the standard of right, but that the standard of morality is indicated by society itself, and has constantly been subject to change. All these ideas are inspired by the same master spirit--by him who, even among the sinless inhabitants of heaven, began his work of seeking to break down the righteous restraints of the law of God. Unknown macro: {GC 261.2} The doctrine of the divine decrees, unalterably fixing the character of men, had led many to a virtual rejection of the law of God. Wesley steadfastly opposed the errors of the antinomian teachers and showed that this doctrine which led to antinomianism was contrary to the Scriptures. "The grace [BEGIN P.262] of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all." Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-6. The Spirit of God is freely bestowed to enable every man to lay hold upon the means of salvation. Thus Christ, "the true Light," "lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:9. Men fail of salvation through their own willful refusal of the gift of life. Unknown macro: {GC 261.3} White, Ellen Gould: The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan; Conflict of the Ages, Volume 5; Great Controversy. Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911; 2002, S. 260-262

So it seems that a proper understanding our freedom of choice is necessary for several reasons:

• It helps us avoid "monstrous" doctrines
• It removes any excuse for failure to choose Christ
• It removes the opportunity to blaim God for anyone who does not choose Christ
• It leads us to strive to surrender to Christ so that we can make the best choices in accord with God's law

What about predestination in the life of the Christian?

However, there is another kind of predestiny that we can count on. That predestiny is God's faithfulness to keep His promises, including transformation of those who accept the Son, and bless those who surrender to Him.

Ellen White speaks of the predestiny of the disciples of Jesus

Desire of Age In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd, the affection of the parent, and the matchless grace of the compassionate Saviour. His blessings He presents in the most alluring terms. He is not content merely to announce these blessings; He presents them in the most attractive way, to excite a desire to possess them. So His servants are to present the riches of the glory of the unspeakable Gift. The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplish nothing. "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God." "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! . . . He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." Isa. 40:1, 9-11. [BEGIN P.827] Tell the people of Him who is "the Chiefest among ten thousand," and the One "altogether lovely." The Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. Words alone cannot tell it. Let it be reflected in the character and manifested in the life. Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every one God has predestinated to be "conformed to the image of His Son." Rom. 8:29. In every one Christ's long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be manifested to the world. Unknown macro: {DA 826.3} The first disciples went forth preaching the word. They revealed Christ in their lives. And the Lord worked with them, "confirming the word with signs following." Mark 16:20. These disciples prepared themselves for their work. Before the day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ's promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely; they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day. Unknown macro: {DA 827.1} So it may be now. Instead of man's speculations, let the word of God be preached. Let Christians put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the "former rain," and glorious was the result. But the "latter rain" will be more abundant. Joel 2:23. Unknown macro: {DA 827.2} White, Ellen Gould: The Desire of Ages; Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 3; Desire of Ages. Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1898; 2002, S. 826

And there is a wonderful predestiny for the obedient:

Predestination. Wonderful possibilities are provided for every one who has faith in Christ. No walls are built to keep any living soul from salvation. The predestination, or election, of which God speaks, includes all who will accept Christ as a personal Saviour, who will return to their loyalty, to perfect obedience to all God's commandments. This is the effectual salvation of a peculiar people, chosen by God from among men. All who are willing to be saved by Christ are the elect of God. It is the obedient who are predestinated from the foundation of the world. "To as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believed on him." Unknown macro: {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 3} The Gospel Herald (2)., 2002

So God's foreknowledge of the end includes a knowledge of all the blessings He has for us, and all that He can accomplish through us if we learn to choose His will and plan for our lives.

We who believe are predestined to be conformed to His image

The common people are to take their place as workers. Sharing the sorrows of their fellow men as the Saviour shared the sorrows of humanity, they will by faith see Him working with them.--Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 272. Unknown macro: {ChS 104.6} Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every one God has predestinated to be "conformed to the image of His Son." In every one Christ's long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth, are to be manifested to the world.--The Desire of Ages, p. 827. [BEGIN P.105] Unknown macro: {ChS 104.7} The call to place all on the altar of service comes to each one. We are not all asked to serve as Elisha served, nor are we all bidden to sell everything we have; but God asks us to give His service the first place in our lives, to allow no day to pass without doing something to advance His work in the earth. He does not expect from all the same kind of service. One may be called to ministry in a foreign land; another may be asked to give of his means for the support of gospel work. God accepts the offering of each. It is the consecration of the life and all its interests, that is necessary. Those who make this consecration, will hear and obey the call of Heaven.--Prophets and Kings, p. 221. Unknown macro: {ChS 105.1} The worldly wise man, who meditates and plans, and whose business is ever in his mind, should seek to become wise in matters of eternal interest. If he would put forth as much energy to secure the heavenly treasure and the life which measures with the life of God as he does to secure worldly gain, what could he not accomplish?-- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 297. Unknown macro: {ChS 105.2} White, Ellen Gould: Instruction for Effective Christian Service; Christian Service. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1925; 2002, S. 104

What about having a set destiny?

The word "destiny" is mentioned in many of Ellen White's writings. There is no sense of helplessness. In almost every case, you'll see the active part God has for us in our destiny. Here is a sample from the topical guide to EGW writings:

Destiny, Destinies

• all destiny, held in God's hands DA 209
• all men's: destiny decided at close of investigative judgment GC 490
• destiny decided at close of probation 2T 401
• destiny soon will be decided 5T 372
• every person is the arbiter of his own destiny MYP 31
• destiny being decided for life or death CS 85
• destiny is being sealed from day to day 1SM 189-90
• character decides destiny COL 74, 123, 356; SD 361
• character formed in this life determines destiny 4T 429
  • destiny for this life and life to come Ed 109
• children's destiny rests to great extent in mother's hands AH 238, 268; CG 224
• each person has part to act in deciding his own destiny FE 297
• each person is deciding his own destiny AH 416; CG 162; FE 245, 303; ML 339; 6T 16
  • by associations he chooses destiny 4T 589
  • by his conduct in this world chooses our destiny MH 180
  • by his own choice every person choices their destiny Ed 178; PK 536
  • by his words and works of this life MM 180; TM 429-30
  • by spirit cherished TM 260
• each person's destiny: decided by company he keeps CT 220
  • decided by habits he forms CT 220
  • decided by principles he adopts CT 220
  • depends on his faithfulness in work for others COL 388
  • depends on his own will and action 4BC 1167
  • depends on his reception or rejection of gospel DA 352
  • depends on strictly temperate habit 3T 489
  • destiny determined by his daily life AH 16
  • determined by what he has done for the poor and suffering DA 637
  • destiny fixed by his own choice PP 165
  • destiny is decided in this life COL 260
• forever fixed destiny: according to deeds COL 310
  • destiny at close of judgment COL 123
  • destiny at second advent 1T 342
• man may attain to a glorious destiny PP 602
• great facts of, youth should contemplate destiny Ed 17
• habits of diet have much to do with destiny PP 562; 1T 489
• young men should appreciate their high destiny MYP 22
  • youth given opportunity to fill destiny MYP 21-2
• Israel's destiny, in God's hands 2T 108
• let not your soul's destiny, hang on uncertainty 6T 405
• lost world's destiny, trembled in balance in Gethsemane 9T 102
• God's word deals with man's destiny 5T 699
• men are shaping destiny for themselves 3T 363
• men are working out their own destiny FE 502; TM 147, 379
• destiny may depend on decisions made at critical moment 3T 146
• destiny of earth's teeming multitudes about to be decided GC 601
• position does not decide destiny COL 123
• seal your destiny, by life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to right MH 454; 8T 314
• destiny sealed by neglecting warnings given by God 6T 405
• success in education should not be regarded as matter of destiny FE 193-4
• success is not result of destiny COL 353; PK 486
• each person is weaving a web of his own destiny MYP 212
• wicked men's destiny fixed by their own choice GC 543
• world's destiny: decided in Gethsemane DA 690
  • world's destiny forever fixed at close of probation GC 615
  • destiny of the world hangs in balance COL 303
• youth are deciding their destiny AH 302; MYP 332
• youth have possibilities of destiny, higher than that of crowned kings Ed 206

See also Election; Fate; Predestination

Ellen G. WHite also wrote about Fate:

• blind, many people live as if life were controlled by fate FE 71-2
• fate does not make man remain helpless and in uncertainty COL 332

And here are the references to chance:

• character does not come by chance CG 164
• Daniel's learning did not come by chance PK 486
• games of chance - See Game
• God never leaves His work to chance 2SM 228
• health does not depend on chance MH 128
• life is not controlled by chance Ed 195
• success in education is not matter of chance FE 193-4
• success is not result of chance COL 353
• chance in any line of work PK 486

Supplement

• character not formed by chance TMK 233:2
• eternal interests should not be left to chance OHC 8:2
• God's children are not subject to chance; consider promises TDG 91:1
• harvest of life not determined by chance, but by seed sown RC 173:4
• mountains not result of chance OHC 251:2
• one chance to go through probation HP 190:5
• second chance, provided by sacrifice of Christ TMK 74:3
• See also Opportunity; Probation; Trials

Chance method or Chance methods

• warning against seeking guidance from chance methods 2SM 325-8
• in business transactions 2SM 325-8

The Ellen White Writings Topical Index., 2002

Are we as diligent as Satan?

"Now I would ask a strange question," said Latimer. "Who is the most diligent bishop and prelate in all England? . . . I see you listening and hearkening that I should name him. . . . I will tell you: it is the devil. . . . He is never out of his diocese; call for him when you will, he is ever at home; . . . he is ever at his plow. . . . Ye shall never find him idle, I warrant you. . . . Where the devil is resident, . . . there away with books, and up with candles; away with Bibles, and up with beads; away with the light of the gospel, and up with the light of candles, yea, at noondays; . . . down with Christ's cross, up with purgatory pickpurse; . . . away with clothing the naked, the poor, and impotent, up with decking of images and gay garnishing of stocks and stones; up with man's traditions and his laws, down with God's traditions and His most holy word. . . . O that our prelates would be as diligent to sow the corn of good doctrine, as Satan is to sow cockle and darnel!"--Ibid., "Sermon of the Plough."
[BEGIN P.249]

The grand principle maintained by these Reformers-the same that had been held by the Waldenses, by Wycliffe, by John Huss, by Luther, Zwingli, and those who united with them-was the infallible authority of the Holy Scriptures as a rule of faith and practice. They denied the right of popes, councils, Fathers, and kings, to control the conscience in matters of religion. The Bible was their authority, and by its teaching they tested all doctrines and all claims. Faith in God and His word sustained these holy men as they yielded up their lives at the stake. "Be of good comfort," exclaimed Latimer to his fellow martyr as the flames were about to silence their voices, "we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." --Works of Hugh Latimer, vol. 1, p. xiii.

White, Ellen Gould: The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan; Conflict of the Ages, Volume 5; Great Controversy. Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911; 2002, S. 248-249

search results for predestination

• Search Results for Predestination in Review and Herald Electronic Library - excerpts from many Ellen G. White references