What is Predestination? • Deshen Daily

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29, KJV).

God has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and through Jesus Christ, we are adopted as His children (Ephesians 1:5). Grasping this truth underscores that our place in Christ is no mere accident. Embracing it ought to fill us with gratitude and confidence in Him.

The term “predestinate” (Greek proorizō) means to decide or determine something before its occurrence. The pivotal idea here is time. Events on Earth occur at specific times. For instance, we were born on a particular date and time. As humans, our knowledge is limited to past or present events. We can only imagine, anticipate or prepare for the future.

Yet, God’s nature transcends this limitation. His omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience mean He knows and can influence all past, present, and future events. By His omniscience, He knows events in the future, and by His omnipotence, He can determine what will occur and how it will occur. How astonishing is that! Knowing events in the future is by itself an astonishing ability, but having the ability to change or determine those events is beyond comprehension.

Years before we were born, and even before He created the heavens and the earth, God had already determined that you would accept Jesus, become His child, and be conformed to the image of Christ. Before you were born, divine decisions were already made about you. Your name was called in the council of the Trinity, and good things were spoken about you.

This realization should uplift you, highlighting your worth and infusing your life with divine confidence. Recognize that you are a child of divine destiny—God predestinated you to be His child and demonstrate His Son to the world.

Meditate

Reflect on the essence of predestination as described.

Apply the Word

Do you believe what you just read? I could sense such an anointing on this truth as I wrote this. Receive this truth—understand, believe, and allow it to guide your life.