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Predestine


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Author's Bias | Interpretation: conservative


The Greek verb "prohorizō" means "decide upon beforehand." Instead of "predestine," a more accurate translation would be "predetermine" or "pre-appoint."

It is a term that describes the certainty of God's sequence of choice, timing and outcome whether it pertains to people, nations, places or events.

It is a term attesting to God's sovereignty and foreknowledge; it is a divine action that results from omniscience.

The "prohorizō" seen in the prayer of the apostles (Acts 4:28) reflects the sermon given earlier by Peter (Acts 2:23-24). It shows that God had worked out His eternal plan for salvation through Jesus Christ by means of His absolute foreknowledge of all human factors involved with the timing and accomplishment of the crucifixion (i.e. Judas, Jewish religious leaders, Herod, Pontius Pilate, Roman soldiers, the mob, etc.) at a particular time on a particular day and with the fulfillment of prophecy.

This can be diagrammed as follows (yellow highlight indicates God's attribute / action):

Omniscience

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Election of people (i.e. Judas, Herod, Pontius Pilate, etc), of nation (i.e. Israel), of location (i.e. Jerusalem) for His predetermined plan

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Crucifixion

Predetermine (predestine)




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Series: The Doctrine on Salvation
How Do These All Relate to People: Election


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