Predestination

Romans 8:28–30 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Not all things work together for good for everyone, just for those whom love God and are called by him. Not everyone is called. He choses whom to save, as he did with Israel, Jacob,

Romans 9:9–13 ESV

For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

This is the clear evidence that God choses whom He wants and doesnt chose others. In fact the language is very strong that God hated Esau before he was even born.

At this point you are thinking, how is this possible that is not fair. God is being unjust. Well lets keep reading.

Romans 9:14–18 ESV

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

So God chooses whom to have mercy on and whom not to have mercy on. It is not dependent on us.

At this point you are thinking, how is this possible that is not fair. Why would he find anyone guilty. Lets keep on reading some more.

Romans 9:19–23 ESV

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

What is God’s answer to the question on why He finds fault in those whom He did not elect to save? The answer is Our God is in the Heaven, he does whatever He pleases.

He is the potter and I am the clay.

Here is a quick test. If upon hearing this information you feel upset, angry, frustrated etc. Thats not a good sign, you think you know better than God.

If upon hearing this you are full of fear of God almighty, you might be on the right path because this should inspire awe.

For anyone who is struggling with the idea of election I leave you with this.

Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.