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NASB | Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:5 He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will-- |
Subject: Theological Term: Predestination |
Bible Note: I think the problem with predestination (or at least the problem we have in accepting it) is due to the logical consequences it entails. If God is literally going to burn people in hell forever and ever, then anyone He doesn't choose or predestine, He is in a sense choosing for them to be tortured forever. We don't like to put that on God as it cannot be reconciled with His love for us or His desire that none should perish. The fact that we cannot reconcile it, does not mean it is not true. But it makes it very difficult to view God this way. Certainly those whom He has predestined would love and praise Him, but then you step back and look at those whom He does not choose and you wonder, "Does He not love them? How great and merciful can He be if He chose to torture them forever even before they were born or did anything wrong or right." And what if it was your children that He was choosing to not predestine. Does He love your little boy or girl less than you do? It is difficult for many to view God in this light, whether or not it is true. Just because we don't understand it doesn't mean it isn't true, but it certainly makes it more difficult. Of course, that assumes these are the only two possibilities. Does anyone have a third or fourth possibility? jamison |