Often when the topic of predestination
comes up in discussion I'll usually find myself willing to jump out of
a window to avoid that conversation. While firm in my own convictions
it seems a topic that many get stuck on and a favourite for the
argumentative types. There's regularly a “Yeah but, what about...” so
I generally try to steer clear of it's circular nature.

Having said all that, Predestination is
something that really shouldn't be considered as just
a theological conundrum, dilemma or problem detached from everyday
reality. Upon closer inspection it actually shapes our entire
theology and our everyday lives.

To summarise the argument:

• some will
  say God is 100% sovereign, responsible for everything good and/or
  bad, nothing is out of his control.
• Then opposed to that is some who
  will say we have free will, we are responsible for what we do, our
  choices are very much exclusively our choices, the consequences that
  follow (good or bad) are directly influenced by our actions.

In short
the Fatalism vs Autonomy discussion. The dilemma often occurs when
people ask which one is true. Or perhaps what is the ratio? Is it
50/50, 70/30 etc...

Now I'm just going to be blunt and
bypass the arguments for and against because I believe both
statements to be 100% true. I don't mean this in a 'let's be
post-modern and tolerant sort of' way, but I'm thinking in a
practical everyday Christian living sort of way, both must be
true.

Take prayer for example. If we say it
is one or the other then prayer simply doesn't work.

• By saying that
  God is sovereign and we have no free will or responsibility it makes
  prayer redundant because God will give it to you anyway, regardless
  of what you pray (even if you don't pray at all).
• But if you go the
  other way and say we have absolute and complete control and any
  choice in our lives and we shape our own destiny (we're the ones who
  say yes to God) then surely you are limiting his power, saying God is
  not in control of all things. If you don't acknowledge God is
  sovereign over all things how can you depend on him in prayer? He won't be able to help here.

It will affect many other facets of
life, most importantly the ways we live and relate to God and his
world e.g. attitudes towards evangelism, godliness, work, how someone
(including yourself) is saved, even how we understand his word and
the power of the cross. So when you're thinking through these things
and finding it a struggle, you're not excited or hopeful about them,
maybe have a think about the way you think about
Predestination. Maybe the discussion is worth having with someone
after all...

By Aaron Johnstone

Ministry Apprentice