The Appropriate Understanding of Predestination

\”When that which is perfect is come…\”

Today, I will like to begin to establish an appropriate biblical understanding of predestination. However, we must all admit first that we are influenced by the stream of faith we interact with the most. This inevitably leaves a blind spot for each group that might take another group to detect and respond to (not necessarily react) with a clear doctrine. \” For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.\” 1 Corinthians 13:9

Second, even if we refuse to be \”caged\” by a single group in the body of Christ, the hallmark of our Christcentredness will be to show empathy and understanding ahead in areas of doctrinal differences. This does not imply integrating all beliefs in all groups but staying centred in Christ as we humble ourselves to receive all whom the LORD has accepted regardless of whether we see eye to eye. 

However, it is this heart condition that opens us up to the correction/upgrading of our lives and doctrines through another group that has been helped in an area of life that we have not experienced. And interestingly, you will be surprised that the LORD always leaves room for such so that no part of the body can boast of independence.

Those who are truly of Christ will not be afraid to be challenged about any area of their lives and beliefs since their sincere aim is to become like Jesus in all things. This may be a problem for some and it might just be the proof that they think highly of themselves than they ought to think. We must stand guard and watch our lives for any appearance of superiority to another brother/sister or group/denomination, thinking we are always right and never wrong…as if it is others that always need to grow and never us. (1 Corinthians 10:12, Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 12:14, 21, 25)

\”But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.\” (1 Corinthians 13:10).
This is the mindset we must have if we will not turn a journey of 40 days to 40 years like the children of Israel did (Numbers 14:34, Psalm 95:10, Hebrews 4:1). History has proven that God will never take His people beyond where they want to go. It is this principle that has inadvertently led to the rise of new wine (expressions) in the body of Christ, from one generation to another. Yet, truth is even the \”new wine\” by refusing to \”follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.\” (Rev 14:4) often becomes old wine in a short while unfortunately and the cycle continues. 

This is also the principle behind the sudden catching away of the saints when the LORD will \”descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God\”. (1 Thessalonians 4:16). That is, those who can truly be sure of going with the LORD when He comes are those who never stop following the Author and Perfecter of their salvation, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). In these days of multiple steps and keys to this and that, everything comes down to one thing: keep following the LORD.

The implication of this is that you may discover that your persistent following of Jesus will not allow you to settle at the foot of the mountain with the masses (the crowd who profess to believe in Jesus). You are righteously compelled to climb the mountain of fellowship and ordination to be where your LORD is (Mark 3:13-14). It does not matter who refuses to come. Sometimes whole groups will refuse to come up to the mountaintop; that does not stop you. Since that which is perfect has come, that which is in part must be done away with, however good it may be! How many things are still mainstream down the mountain of our religious correctness that are inconsistent with (and in utter disregard of) the revelation of Jesus Christ on that Mountain of the Kingdom?

\” If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.\”

John 12:26

Finally, a truly biblical understanding of predestination is only possible where there is an unshakable foundation of Christ and an irremovable/unequivocal mindset to follow Jesus first and foremost, and through these spiritual coordinates discern the right leaders to follow as we navigate our journey in life (1 Corinthians 3:11, Hebrews 12:27-28). Selah