We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, 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 within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Rom.8:28-30)
A God who is all-knowing can presumably foresee the consequences of every action we take. A God who is all-powerful is presumably able to forestall the evil consequences of our actions. But cars still drive into trees, wars and genocide still happen, thieves still break into houses, children die of malnutrition. What has gone wrong?
The simplest answer is that we, the human race, have, at least when we are talking of evil deeds such as murder, war and the callous disregard of our neighbours' needs. We all have the ability to choose, to do the right thing or the wrong thing. This ability is part of our God-given nature. The ability to love others, to seek the good of others, is only an ability if it comes from our own free will.
As Paul realized, our free will extends only so far. "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Rom.7:15) The Christian church even went so far as to condemn as heresy the idea that people could lead a completely good life without God's help, or even come to faith by their own efforts. The New Testament backs this up: God calls us, and it is by the gift of God's grace that we follow God and not our own selfish desires. "You did not choose me, but I chose you." (John 15:16)
The root behind the Greek word Paul uses is the root behind the English word horizon. A horizon is a limit, a terminus, and at the same time a final goal. But the Bible does not use the word in the sense of God limiting us or restricting us. Wherever it is used, the sense is that God has chosen us, has freed us up for new things. The message is always one of hope. The predestined are also called, the called are also justified, the justified are also glorified.
So the Ephesians hear of our being "destined for adoption as God's children" (1:5), and the Corinthians are told of God's wisdom, "decreed before the ages for our glory." (1 Cor.2:7). The news of predestination is always good news. God has taken the initiative. God has chosen us, and we are God's chosen people, the New Israel.
This raises a question. If God has chosen us, are there people whom God has not chosen? If our names are written in the Book of Life (Ps 68:29, Luke 10:20, Rev. 13:8), presumably there are others whose names are not written. This led some, including Calvin, to suggest that God deliberately condemns some people to damnation.
But this view is not supported by the Bible. God calls us all, and it is for us to "confirm" that call in our lives (2 Pet. 1:10). God does not want any of us to perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Rev. 3:5 talks of people's name being "blotted out of the book of life", but only because they stray from God's path. The New Testament is clear that we shall be judged according to our works (Mt 25:31-46, Rev 20:12).
So let us not worry - God rejects nobody. God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. Let us take heart from our Lord's words recorded in John 10:27-28:
My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
This is the Gospel truth!
HD