In my Matthew class, I was given the following assignment: In Matthew 11:25-27 Jesus uses language that is undeniably predestinarian. But in 11:20-24; 28-30 the language of free will is unquestionably in view. Does Matthew (and Scripture in general) suggest a balance between the two positions or an exclusivity of one or the other? Can the two work together? If so, how? This should spark some good discussion!
This post is a response to another student. All the students agreed that Calvinistic predestination was unbiblical, but the student I am replying to said, “once we are saved, that is when the predestination makes an impact.” He was referring to the “Once Saved—Always Saved” doctrine. Here is my response to that.
Since everyone seems to be on the same page concerning election, I thought it might be good to bring up another “doctrine of grace”—Perseverance of the Saints. The basic teaching behind this is that none who are truly saved can be condemned for their sins or finally fall away from the faith.
You said you think “once we are saved that is when the predestination makes an impact.” Let me know if I’m misreading you, but I take it you are saying that once a person is saved it is impossible for him to fall away.
“29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30, NIV 1984)
To Calvinists, these verses are often referred to as “the golden chain,” a chain in God’s sovereign plan going from unconditional election to certain glorification. You’ve already shown that you don’t hold to unconditional election, so I’ll only address the latter half of the chain—the guarantee of final salvation and glorification for everyone who has come to the cross.
First, let me show you why I don’t think this is a correct interpretation of these verses. Romans 8:13 says, “13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” In this verse, Paul warns his readers that glorification is dependent upon a believer continuing to follow Christ.
The word “if” is important. You saw it in Romans 8:13. Keep your eye out for it in the following Scriptures as well. (In 11:22, take note of “provided that”)
In Romans 8:17, Paul says, “17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
We see him give another warning in Romans 11:21-22, “21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. 22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” Remember, he is talking to Christians. He didn’t say, “Otherwise it proves you were never grafted in.” If you do not continue in His goodness, you will be cut off.
After reading these verses, it makes no sense to me that Paul, in Romans 8:29-30, was saying that once someone is saved, that person is guaranteed final salvation. The context of Romans make it impossible for this to be the proper interpretation. So what is the correct interpretation? There are several, from a non-Calvinist perspective, that I think make more sense. I’ll just give the one to which I hold.
Paul uses the past tense of called, justified and glorified. Therefore, he is giving this series from the perspective of one viewing it from the end of human history. He is just saying that ALL Christians who have experienced final salvation (or glorification) were obviously foreknown, predestined, called and justified.
I am confident that Paul is not teaching unconditional election and guaranteed glorification for the believer. The context doesn’t allow for it. To be clear, I do believe in the eternal security of a believer. We have full security that we will never fall away from the faith…if we continue in Him.
