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NASB | Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:4 just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love |
Bible Question: This seesm to point to preordination (I think it is called). This is a hard concept for me to grasp because I wonder why God picks us and not everyone. Or where free will fits into this concept . In the same reath God knows all. It's just hard to understand. |
Bible Answer: kimberlyann, All Christians believe in predestination because it is in the Bibla as you have noticed. Difference aris among Christians about exactly how predestination is defined. Some seem to feel it for all practical purposes excludes free will on the part of man. Others say man is still has free will and God gives Him the grace to choose. Scripture seems to indicate both predestination and free will. Exactly how that works out in God;s providence is a mystery to mere mortals such as us. So "many (or all) are called but few are chosen." See the Parable of the Great feast in Matthew 22:1-14 as an illustration. God calls all to faith by his revelation in Scripture and the Natural Law, as Paul explains in the early chapters of Romans. The chosen are those who respond with the "obedience of faith" that is "faith working in love." In the parable after God (the king) 22:2 prepares a wedding banquet for his Jesus (his Son)and sends out his servants (the OT prophets) to invite the guests (Israel). But the guests (Israel)ignored the servans (prophets) and killed them. God will destroy their city (Jerusalem). Now the king sents more servants (Apostles) to invites new guests (the Gentiles). But even some of them come without the proper wedding garment (rigteous or good deeds, Rev 19:7-8; Matt 6:2-18; 25:34-40)and are cast out into the outer darkness. Romans 2:6-11, shows Gods impartiality in judging the "hidden works" of both the Jew and the Gentile. Emmaus |