The concept of predestination and human responsibility has been a topic of theological debate for centuries. On one hand, predestination asserts that God has predetermined the destiny of all individuals before they are born, including their salvation or damnation. On the other hand, human responsibility suggests that people are accountable for their actions and decisions.
The Bible teaches both predestination and human responsibility, and it is important to understand that they are not contradictory but rather complementary truths. While it may be difficult for our finite minds to comprehend, it is possible to reconcile these seemingly opposite ideas.
The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including our lives, and that He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). God’s predestination is not based on anything we have done or will do, but on His sovereign will and grace (Ephesians 1:5,11). However, the Bible also teaches that we are responsible for our choices and actions, and that we will be held accountable for them (Romans 14:12).
The Bible presents both predestination and human responsibility as equally true, but it does not explain how they work together. It is a mystery that we may not fully understand in this life. However, we can trust that God is just and good, and that He has a purpose and plan for our lives. We are called to trust in Him, seek His will, and obey His commands, knowing that He is in control of all things and that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).