Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Ephesians 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny--we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will, |
Bible Question: Has God already determined who is going to heaven or hell before we are even born or at least at an age of understanding? |
Bible Answer: Hi, duncwiz... Welcome to the forum! The answer is yes and no. Sorry about this, but it takes a little more explanation. God decreed from the very beginning that all that sin shall die (Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). The sin of Adam had the consequence of imparting a sinful nature to all of his descendants (Romans 5:12). However, God always has a remnant: persons that He specifically has chosen by His own counsel (Isaiah 40:12-14), before creation, for salvation by the atonement of Christ (Ephesians 1:4-6). Here is an analogy: Imagine that you go to the store to get some apples. You find the apples, and you choose some of them. Those you choose you pick them up and transfer them to a bag, and then you pay for them at the cashier. You take action for the apples you chose; you didn't have to do anything to leave the other apples behind. They already belonged to the grocer. God does not need to do anything to cause a sinner to be damned (John 3:18). They are already in that condition, and the descent into hell is sure and inexorable. But for His chosen ones, He takes action (John 6:35-40; Romans 8:29-30) in justification, regeneration, gifting faith, effectual calling, and granting repentance. I hope that my attempts to answer are helpful to your understanding. In Him, Doc |