By Femi Obembe

Predestination has long been one of the most debated doctrines in Christian theology. For centuries, believers have wrestled with the question of whether our eternal destiny is fixed by God’s sovereign will or shaped by our own choices. The topic is often approached with caution because it touches the very heart of how we understand salvation, grace, and human responsibility.

The Reformed tradition teaches that God unconditionally elects certain individuals to salvation before the foundation of the world. This view draws heavily on passages such as Romans 8:29–30, which speaks of those whom God “foreknew” and “predestined,” and Ephesians 1:4–5, which declares that God “chose us in him before the creation of the world.” Romans 9:11–23, with its reference to Jacob and Esau, is also central to this interpretation. The implication of this perspective is sobering: if God has decreed that a person will be condemned, no human effort can alter that outcome. Conversely, if God has chosen someone for salvation, that person will ultimately be brought to glory, regardless of past sins.

In contrast, the Arminian view emphasizes God’s foreknowledge of human choices. Predestination, in this understanding, is not arbitrary but based on God’s knowledge of who will freely respond to His grace. John 3:16 affirms that “whoever believes” will have eternal life, while 1 Timothy 2:3–4 reminds us that God “desires all men to be saved.” Here, salvation is universally offered but conditionally received. God’s love extends to all humanity, yet only those who hear, believe, and accept the message of Christ are saved.

Much of the debate hinges on how we interpret key biblical terms. “Foreknew” in modern English suggests advance knowledge, but in biblical usage, “to know” often means “to love.” Amos 3:2 illustrates this: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth,” meaning God set His love upon Israel. Similarly, when Scripture says Abraham “knew” his wife, it refers to intimate relationship. Thus, “foreknew” in Romans 8:29 can be understood as God’s eternal love for His people. Likewise, the phrase “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” is best understood in its Hebrew idiom, where “hate” often means “to prefer less.” God’s choice of Jacob was not about despising Esau but about sovereign preference in the unfolding plan of redemption. The Messiah would come through Jacob’s line, demonstrating God’s freedom to order His purposes as He wills.

Two biblical stories shed light on the mystery of predestination and human response. The prodigal son, though he squandered his inheritance and fell into disgrace, realized he could return to his father. His repentance brought full restoration, showing that God’s love welcomes back the repentant sinner. The thief on the cross, at the final hour, recognized Jesus as Lord and was promised paradise. His story demonstrates that salvation is not earned by works but received through faith, even at the last moment. Both accounts highlight the interplay of divine grace and human response. God’s mercy is always available, but it must be embraced.

Some argue that predestination absolves us of responsibility, but Scripture teaches otherwise. While no one can make himself righteous by sheer effort, we are called to respond to God’s truth. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit begins the work of transformation, conforming us to His image. The journey is not easy, but it is certain, for God Himself sustains those who believe.

Predestination remains a profound mystery, but the stories of the prodigal son and the repentant thief remind us that God’s grace is both sovereign and personal. He calls us to trust Him, to repent, and to believe. Salvation is not about human striving but about divine love meeting human faith.  Kindly share your thoughts in the comments section as we build up ourselves in the faith. May the Almighty God uphold us until the end of our days, that we may dwell with Him in paradise. Compliments of the season from me and my family.