Predestination: Election: How To Know The Truth

For whom He foreknew, He also

predestined to be conformed

to the image of His Son,

that He might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

Moreover whom He predestined,

these He also justified, and

whom He justified, these

He also glorified.

Romans 8:29

            Now we begin to swim in deep waters. This subject of election and predestination has been in conflict for many years now and there are staunch supporters for each side of the subject. What side are you on? Will you take the time to investigate this doctrine to find what the Bible actually teaches? Or, will you just go off and apathetically accept what you have been taught and this without your investigation, you study on this doctrine. If you are a serious student of the Bible and a child of God it should be your desire to know what the Bible teaches. We are to examine what is taught by those men, and women, who are teaching you what they say the Bible indicates and teaches on any subject: especially this subject for this is a soteriological question; for whom did Jesus Christ die? Was it for the whole world, or for just some who elected by God for salvation? This was a concern of Paul’s when he wrote to the Galatian Churches: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6–7). How important is this? Paul continues under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8–9). Men throughout the ages have attempted to thwart the gospel of Jesus Christ by their own effort and cunning teaching that which the Bible does not teach, therefore Paul warns: “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14).  When the truth is subverted by changing the doctrines presented to us in the Bible then all sorts of unrighteousness enters into the Church and the Church is you, therefore without a study, and earnest investigation you will also be subject to this false teaching: for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary for sound doctrine” (1Timothy 1:10).  This should be our desire; to know the truth, sound doctrine and avoid those things that God condemns. Paul ensures us that it is Scripture from where we receive our doctrine: “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2Timothy 3:16). So, it is Scripture that we must study and not just some man–made doctrine or opinion, and if need by we are to correct, have reproof, and be instructed in truth, in righteousness. Unfortunately, Paul gives an instruction that has been so avoided, that is, to teach the word of God, diligently, to teach the truth for there will come, and has come, a time when people, Christians, will be misled, and this so often for they fall into error by means of their own desires: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and thy will turn their ears away from the truth, and by turned aside to fables” (2Timothy 4:2–4). This study is all about the truth, not my truth, not the truth from some great theologians, although I will examined and present as needed what they have taught, not from your pastor, no, to teach us to be watchful, and to know, how to know when false teaching is being preached, or taught: “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2Timothy 4:5).  Yes, Paul was writing to Timothy and instructing him of these things, but what part of Scripture is not for you, not teaching you, not instruction you? Is not this what we are, ambassadors, ministers of God? Yes, some are in the field of missionary work, others are pastors, and professor, and you also, no matter what is your profession, you are to be a minister of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is our duty to know and teach the truth, the truth of God’s word. God has not changed. God has in all times taught about this doctrine of election and predestination: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). It others who have subverted doctrines so clearly and plainly taught in God’s word, and we are to stand firm for the truth or we will be carried away by a different doctrine than what is taught in God’s word: “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, no with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them” (Hebrews 13:9).

            Come with me on this journey to find the truth by our study of God’s word and allowing His word to teach us. This is a beginning and setting the stage for this study. The next blogs will begin digging into Gods’ word, and out of this by the power of the Holy Spirit leading us, we will find the truth.

So we may boldly say:

            “The LORD is my helper;

I will not fear, what can man

            Do to me?

                                    Hebrews 13:6

Pray, Ask God for guidance

Richard L. Crumb