Reflection Paper
I. Introduction
Predestination is a Christian doctrine, which falls under the larger philosophical rubric of determinism. Calvinists especially adhere to the doctrine of predestination. There are two aspects to the Calvinist belief in predestination. The first declares that God basically has ordained everything that occurs, or will occur. In regard to salvation, the Calvinist code of predestination is more specific: Scripture teaches that there are certain people – ‘the elect’ – who are chosen by God, through Christ, to be called to Christianity, and thus be saved for eternity. Calvinist interpretations of predestination often get into trouble over issues of free will; indeed, some interrogate the notion of God’s omniscient power to create all events and actions, given the fact that humans clearly possess the power of free will.
II. Part One
a. Theological Definition
Predestination is a Calvinist doctrine, which governs the degree of control which God exercises over the affairs of human beings, and, indeed, all things that occur on Earth. Calvinist predestination insists that God basically has determined all things which have occurred, and will occur. A second meaning is also accorded to predestination by Calvinists. ‘Predestination,’ in this sense, refers to the notion that God gave to some grace, which grants them eternal salvation, while to the remainder is allotted eternal damnation, owing to their sins. The former state is referred to as ‘unconditional election,’ while the latter unfortunates suffer from what is termed ‘reprobation.’
b. Biblical Foundation
Romans 8:29-30 announces, “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.” This is a clear announcement of predestination which actually uses
Predestination is a Christian doctrine, which falls under the larger philosophical rubric of determinism. Calvinists especially adhere to the doctrine of predestination. There are two aspects to the Calvinist belief in predestination. The first declares that God basically has ordained everything that occurs, or will occur. In regard to salvation, the Calvinist code of predestination is more specific: Scripture teaches that there are certain people – ‘the elect’ – who are chosen by God, through Christ, to be called to Christianity, and thus be saved for eternity. Calvinist interpretations of predestination often get into trouble over issues of free will; indeed, some interrogate the notion of God’s omniscient power to create all events and actions, given the fact that humans clearly possess the power of free will.
II. Part One
a. Theological Definition
Predestination is a Calvinist doctrine, which governs the degree of control which God exercises over the affairs of human beings, and, indeed, all things that occur on Earth. Calvinist predestination insists that God basically has determined all things which have occurred, and will occur. A second meaning is also accorded to predestination by Calvinists. ‘Predestination,’ in this sense, refers to the notion that God gave to some grace, which grants them eternal salvation, while to the remainder is allotted eternal damnation, owing to their sins. The former state is referred to as ‘unconditional election,’ while the latter unfortunates suffer from what is termed ‘reprobation.’
b. Biblical Foundation
Romans 8:29-30 announces, “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.” This is a clear announcement of predestination which actually uses