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What does the Bible say about predestination?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God graciously and wisely chooses His people in Christ, not because of their merit, but according to His eternal purpose, while calling all people to repent and believe. Ephesians 1:4-5 and 1:11 speak of believers being chosen and predestined for adoption and inheritance according to God’s will. Romans 8:28-30 connects God’s foreknowledge and predestination with His purpose of conforming His people to Christ. Jesus says that the Father draws those who come to Him in John 6:44, yet Scripture also affirms God’s patient desire that people repent in 2 Peter 3:9. This truth humbles believers, assures them of God’s saving love, and encourages faithful proclamation of the gospel.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 1:4-5

    [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love; [5] having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

  • Ephesians 1:5

    having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

  • Romans 8:29

    For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

  • Romans 8:28-30

    [28] We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.

  • John 15:16

    You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

  • John 6:44

    No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Ephesians 1:11

    in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will;

  • Proverbs 16:4

    Yahweh has made everything for its own end-- Yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

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