The New Testament accounts we have are
recorded in Greek. The English translations of the Greek words ‘predestine’, ‘predetermine’
or ‘foreknowledge’ are sometimes used interchangeably.
The Greek words are:
‘horizo’ (Strong’s G3724) meaning to define,
to have boundaries, to determine or appoint.
Our English word ‘horizon’ comes from this. This word is often translated as ‘determined’.
‘proorizo’ (Strong’s G4309) is a related
word, meaning to limit in advance (pro-horizo). It’s
often translated ‘predestine’.
‘prognosis’ (Strong’s G4268) meaning to have
knowledge beforehand. It’s often translated as ‘foreknowledge’.
‘tasso’ (Strong’s G5021) meaning to arrange in
an orderly manner, to set, to appoint in position, to assign
With this information, here are New
Testament verses given in support of the ‘doctrine of predestination’:
Likewise also the cup after supper,
saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But,
behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And
truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined (horizo): but woe unto that
man by whom he is betrayed! (Luke 22:20-22)
The Greek word (‘horizo’) has a very similar
meaning to that used in Job 4:1-5, in that God has determined boundaries which
man cannot cross. In context, the passage is making a statement that the path
of obedience will be chosen even though it will end in betrayal. God’s purpose is clearly for obedience, and
all of His boundaries are set according to that.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of
Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs,
which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also now: Him, being
delivered by the determinate (horizo) counsel and foreknowledge (prognosis) of
God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (Acts
2:22-23)
This verse is clear in describing God’s specific
purpose and foreknowledge, yet it doesn’t use the word ‘predestination’. The word translated here as ‘determinate’ is
the same as used in the previous passage, and indicates boundaries set out by
God.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus,
whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and
the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy
hand and thy counsel determined before (proorizo) to be done. (Acts
4:27-28)
Here's an example of where the word ‘predestine’
is used in Greek. It means to appoint, to mark,
to determine beforehand. It doesn’t mean
to pre-judge, as the ‘doctrine of predestination’ teaches.
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained
(a form of the word ‘tasso’ is used here) to eternal life believed.
(Acts 13:48)
This is rendered in other translations as ‘those
who had been marked or appointed (by God)’. However, the Greek isn't easily
translated, it could also be interpreted ‘as many as whom set themselves in
order towards God and eternal life, believed’.
While this verse could appear to support predestination (though not necessarily the doctrine of predestination), it needs validation.
And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them who are the called (‘kletos’, invited,
as to a banquet) according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow (proegnw,
related to ‘prognosis’), he also did predestinate (prowrisen, related to ‘proorizo’)
to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among
many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate (prowrisen),
them he also called (‘ekalesen’ meaning to call forth, to bid, to call
by name, to bear a title): and whom he called (ekalesen), them he
also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
(Romans 8:28-30)
There's a sequence described in this
passage. Without understanding the
meanings of the Greek words of the original text, this sequence can be missed
or misunderstood. It’s written in the
original language with great detail, and for a reason.
The ones whom God had knowledge of ahead of
time, were pre-appointed to be conformed to the image of Christ. Note carefully that it does not say they were
appointed ahead of time to glory. There's more to come before that state. All
this first part declares is that God knew ahead of time who they were, and
ahead of time He’d already appointed them to be His children. How did God know them? The answer to this question is what’s
described in this passage.
According to God’s purpose, these foreknown
ones were invited. These, God decided
beforehand to give a name to. And to
those He gave a name to, He acknowledged as righteous (edikaiwsen, righteous by
keeping the commandments of God, acceptable to God). And those acknowledged as righteous in God’s
sight, He glorified (give honour to, exalt, to esteem).
There is a relationship described here
between man’s actions and God’s actions.
God is in control, yet in His control, He allows or permits man also to
have control. At no time does man’s
control leave the boundaries of God’s ultimate control. There are consequences
to man’s decisions made under the realm of his control. Blessings or curses. This passage describes the blessings of right
choices in a very particular way.
When God brought Israel out of Egypt, it was His
intent (predestined purpose) for them to go to the Promised Land. Yet they didn’t. And the reason they didn’t is because of persistent, willful
rebellion. Yet in spite of that, God’s
plan and purpose were accomplished, and accomplished through them, in
this case, their children. It really is marvelous
how God’s eternal plan and divine purposes ARE indeed accomplished THROUGH men
who are willing to submit and be formed into who God intends them to be.
Part 3 will look at the specific few verses
which actually use the Greek word most directly rendered ‘predestine’.
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