The Predestined Salvation of Believers and the Purpose of Evangelism

Commonly misunderstood, the concept of salvation often leads to questioning why we continue to evangelize in light of God's predestination. The belief that salvation is predestined does not diminish the importance of spreading the gospel but rather guides us to understand the role of human agency and divine sovereignty within this context.

Divine Sovereignty and Predestination

As the Bible often reminds us, 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts' (Isaiah 55:9). God's ways and thoughts are infinitely higher and deeper than our human reasoning. This emphasizes the idea that all aspects of salvation, from inception to completion, are under God's control.

The idea that God is sovereign in all things is underscored in Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV): 'In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.'

This verse teaches that God's purposes and the means by which these purposes are carried out are beyond human comprehension and control. Whether one believes or does not believe in God, it is ultimately God who has chosen the means for the spreading of his message.

The Role of Human Agency and Deception

While God has predestined who will be saved, the role of human agency is also significant. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) states, 'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.' This indicates that there are forces opposing God's work, and humanity, including false prophets and misguided believers, play a part in this landscape.

John 4:1 (ESV) warns us to 'Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.' It is not merely salvation that is predestined but also the process and the means through which people are led to God.

The Timeliness of God's Word

God's message, like his timing, is precise and appropriate. Matthew 13:10-11 (ESV) highlights this concept: 'And the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”' Here, God's message and the understanding of it are dispensed according to his divine will and timing.

The Cyclic Nature of Salvation and Evangelism

The Bible also presents a clear picture of the order of events concerning salvation and the kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:23-24, ESV): 'But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then those who belong to Christ at his coming. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all rule and all authority and power.' This text underscores the cyclic nature of God's plan: initiation, participation, and fulfillment.

The Final Surrender and Conclusion

The ultimate purpose of evangelism is to spread the message of salvation as part of God's plan. Even if salvation is predestined, the act of spreading the gospel remains an essential component of God's plan, especially for those chosen to proclaim it. (1 Peter 1:22-25, ESV): 'And in this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested significance of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.' This passage encourages us to find joy in spreading the gospel, knowing that our efforts, though they may be hard, are part of a divine plan.

Conclusion

In summary, the predestination of salvation and the role of evangelism are complementary aspects of God's plan. While God holds ultimate sovereignty over salvation, the act of spreading the gospel remains a directive part of his will. Through faith and obedience to God’s call, humanity can participate in the divine plan for salvation and contribute to the fulfillment of God's purposes on earth.