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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: What does Calvin mean by predestination? Is it mentioned in the Bible? Can it be interpreted differently? Who are the other authoritative commentators of the Bible besides him? |
Bible Answer: John Calvin's definition is this, "Predestination we call the eternal decree of God, by which He hath determined in Himself what He would have to become of every individual of mankind." It is based on the Greek word "prooridzo" (Strong's 4309), which means to preordain or determine in advance. It occurs in scripture in Romans 8:29 and 30, and in Ephesians 1:5 and 11. As searcher pointed out, it has been discussed many times on this board. I won't throw in my two cents into that discussion. I'd rather that you search the scriptures for the truth yourself. However, I would point out that no matter which side people fall on this issue, no believer is thinking in terms of fate or determinism. The word "fate" comes from ancient paganism. Determinism has more modern roots, but is equally Godless. Predestination in a Calvinistic sense or the absence of it in an Arminian sense always has to do with God and how He manages His creation. |