Does Predestination Remove Free Will?
What Scripture Teaches Us About Predestination and Election
The topic of predestination and election has been widely debated among Christians, with different theological perspectives leading to differing conclusions. Some, particularly within Calvinist and Reformed traditions, hold to unconditional election, believing that God has predestined specific individuals for salvation or damnation, apart from their choices or actions. This belief suggests that humans have no free will in the matter. Others argue that election and predestination are conditional, meaning that God has foreordained a group—those in Christ—to salvation, but individuals must choose to be part of that group through faith and obedience. This latter view is more consistent with the whole of Scripture.
Predestination in Scripture
Predestination is undeniably a biblical concept. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:5 (NKJV), “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Similarly, in Ephesians 1:11, he states, “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” The Greek word proorizō used here means “to decide beforehand.” While these verses confirm that God planned salvation before the foundation of the world, they do not specify that certain individuals were chosen unconditionally. Instead, Scripture consistently presents predestination as the foreordained acceptance of a collective group—those who are in Christ—based on conditions revealed in His Word.
Who Is Predestined? The Individual or the Group?
The Bible portrays predestination as applying to a corporate body, not predetermined individuals. In the Old Testament, God’s chosen people were the nation of Israel, not specific individuals chosen for salvation or condemnation.
Deuteronomy 7:6 states, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
However, being an Israelite did not guarantee personal salvation—each individual still had to remain faithful.
In the New Testament, this concept of corporate election shifts to the church. 1 Peter 2:9-10 echoes the language of Deuteronomy:
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Here, Peter is not speaking about individuals being arbitrarily chosen but about the church as a body being predestined. Salvation is offered to all, but only those who enter Christ by faith and obedience are included in this chosen group.
How Is Predestination Obtained? Is It Conditional?
The Bible consistently presents predestination as conditional, meaning that individuals must choose to follow God in order to be part of His predestined group. In the Old Testament, even though Israel was chosen, individuals had to choose to follow God’s covenant. Joshua 24:15 famously states:
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”
Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus calls individuals to make a choice to follow Him:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
Notice the word "if," which implies a condition. In order to be part of the elect—those predestined for salvation—one must believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and remain faithful.
God Shows No Partiality – He is No Respecter of Persons
One of the strongest biblical arguments against individual predestination is that God is impartial. He does not arbitrarily choose some for Heaven and others for Hell.
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’” (Acts 10:34-35, NKJV).
“For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11, NKJV).
If God had predestined specific individuals for salvation while condemning others before they were even born, then He would be showing partiality. But Scripture clearly states that all have the opportunity to be saved, and whoever meets His conditions is accepted by Him.
God’s Sovereignty Remains Intact
Understanding predestination as conditional does not diminish God's sovereignty; rather, it highlights it. God's sovereignty signifies His ultimate authority and power over all creation, granting Him the right to define the terms of salvation and the conditions for entering into a relationship with Him.
By choosing to predestine the church and establish conditions for salvation, God demonstrates His sovereignty while allowing human free will to coexist with His divine plan. His purpose prevails, enabling individuals to respond to His grace. As Paul states, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NKJV). This shows that while God is sovereign and has a salvation plan, He also grants individuals the freedom to accept or reject His invitation.
God's sovereignty remains firmly intact within the doctrine of predestination. He governs all things while permitting human free will to function within His divine design. By setting conditions for salvation, He reveals His sovereignty and invites individuals into a relationship with Him.
This understanding enriches our appreciation of God's nature, reminding us of His desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) and offering a framework for comprehending our role in His redemptive plan. Ultimately, it is through God's sovereignty that we find assurance, hope, and purpose in our lives as believers.
The Analogy of a Predestined Plane
A helpful way to understand predestination is through the analogy of a plane with a predetermined destination. Airlines schedule flights to specific locations in advance, meaning the destination of the plane is predetermined. However, the passengers on board the flight are not individually chosen by the airline. Instead, anyone who meets the conditions (purchasing a ticket, arriving on time, boarding the plane) can travel to that destination.
Similarly, God has predestined the church to eternal life. However, individuals must meet the conditions—faithfully obeying the gospel—to be part of that church. The group (the church) is predestined, but individuals must choose to enter it.
Predestination Is Corporate and Conditional
Based on Scripture, predestination should not be understood as God arbitrarily choosing individuals for salvation or condemnation without any choice on their part.
Instead, the Bible teaches that God has predestined a group—those in Christ—to receive salvation, but each person must choose to enter that group by faith and obedience.
As 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) affirms,
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
God desires all to be saved, but He does not force salvation upon anyone. He provides the opportunity, but we must choose to accept it. Predestination, as taught in the Bible, is both corporate (for the church) and conditional (requiring faith and obedience).
Additional Scripture:
Luke 13:3—“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 8:24—“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
Acts 10:34-35—“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’”
Romans 2:5-11—“God…will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.”
1 Peter 1:17—“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.”
Revelation 22:17—“Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Excellent article Kenneth! Well thought out, scripturally harmonized, and theologically balanced with Gods word (The Bible). And not overly complicated to understand. Thank you and God bless you my brother.
Thank you for taking the time to read it, I appreciate the encouragement!