Predestination, Election, and Selection?

Bob Thiel, Ph.D.

A related sermon is also available titled:Predestination, Election, and Selection.

Might you have been predestined to be lost?

No.

Were YOU predestined to be called?

Perhaps.

Does this mean that your ultimate fate was decided for you in advance?

No.

Very few understand what “predestination” is.

First, consider what it is not. There is no teaching in the Bible that says the decision you are to make — your final fate of becoming either saved or lost — is already pre-determined, and that you are destined finally to arrive at that fate.

Predestination is not about being predestined to be lost.

But doesn’t the Bible say anything about predestination?

Certainly.

But it does not say what people seem to think. People seem to think it says we are predestined to be either saved or lost. Some to be saved -- others to be lost.

Let’s look at where the Bible mentions predestination directly.

The Apostle Paul taught:

⁴ … just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ⁵ having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (Ephesians 1:4-5).

While some are predestined to be called in this age, most of humanity has NOT been predestined to be lost.

Notice also:

¹¹ In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, ¹² that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Christians were predestined to be called, but must choose whether or not to be faithful. You do have a choice—a choice to be part of the elect or a choice not to be.

Those predestined are predestined, not to be lost, but to be the praise of His glory.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)

Again, predestination has to do with being predestined to be a child of God. None of the places in the Bible where predestination is mentioned does it say anything about anyone being predestined to be LOST -- predestined to reject Christ. No one is predestined to make a certain decision -- to accept or reject Christ -- to be saved or lost. But some have been predestined to be called to salvation, now!

That said, if you have been predestined, your “selection” and election was by God:

¹ Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James, to those of God’s selection who have been made holy by God the Father and are kept safe for Jesus Christ: (Jude 1:1, BBE)

¹ … Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. … ⁴ knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. (1 Thessalonians 1:1,4)

¹ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the … ² elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

God’s beloved are called to be holy, obedient, and kept safe for Jesus.

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Don’t misunderstand — God’s grace is free and unmerited, but if we refuse to change our lives — to obey God — He is under no obligation to bestow His grace upon us.

God’s Spirit gives us the power we need to develop character. But we must work at it.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

God will not allow Christ’s sacrifice and His grace to be taken lightly.

At least partially because of this, Luke 12:32 shows that the number of the faithful, until God’s kingdom is given, will be small:

³² Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Notice that only a few will find Christ now, as in Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus teaches:

¹³ Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴ Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

This is the same Jesus who came to save more than a few (Luke 13:29-30).

Paul shows that while God has not cast away His people forever, He only has called a remnant now—and this election is because of grace:

¹ I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! … ⁵ Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:1,5)

Zechariah 10:6 shows:

⁶ “I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, Because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside;

How can people be as though they were not cast aside if they will not have an opportunity for salvation?

The Bible teaches:

⁶ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:6, NKJV, throughout this book unless otherwise specified. Note this verse is translated precisely the same in the Roman Catholic Douay-Rheims Bible, DRB)

¹⁰ … And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:10; also the same in the DRB)

But not all have an opportunity in this age, the church age.

The Latter Rain

There is no partiality with God:

¹¹ For there is no partiality with God. (Romans 2:11)

⁹ ... there is no partiality with Him. (Ephesians 6:9)

³⁴ In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (Acts 10:34)

Hence, there must be a plan for the rest. A plan for those NOT called and chosen in this age as God is NOT partial, nor does He love them any less. The reason they are not being called and chosen in this age is to reduce the chance they will blaspheme the Holy Spirit and commit the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:29). Yet, they will have their opportunity in the age to come (Matthew 11:22-24; 12:32).

The firstfruits are called now, they are part of an earlier rain, but a latter rain will come per Hosea 6:3:

³ Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.

This rain that will come in the future represents a harvest according to James 5:7:

⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

Those not called now will be called later. More on those to be called later, including hundreds of scriptures, is in the free eBook: Universal Offer of Salvation: How can God save the lost?

Many Do Not Understand

THE very fact of wartime casualties, deaths of children, and accidental deaths has caused a great deal of added sorrow and grief that is entirely unnecessary — if we understand God’s plan! Many have grieved in the belief that loved ones died eternally “lost” — when, if they understood the truth, these probably were not lost at all.

But all this perplexity and worry has arisen from another general assumption — one of the greatest errors of this time, yet almost universally taken for granted without so much as a thought to inquire into it. That is the assumption that there are only two classes, living or dead — the saved, and the lost. You may have heard the theory “there is no middle ground. If you die right now, either you are saved, or you’re a permanently lost soul!”

This teaching has led to untold suffering and unnecessary grief.

Many are grieving over departed loved ones who had never made a profession of Christ. Perhaps over one who really lived wickedly; perhaps over one who lived a “good” life in the worldly sense, but still had never accepted Christ or been converted.

Still others grieve because of a doubt — they are not sure whether some loved one died saved.

Supposing this universal assumption were true of those two classes, see where it leads us. This teaching comes from the supposition, also generally taken for granted without question, that this is the one and only age and time when God is trying desperately to save the world — that the mission of the Church is to save the world — that this is the only day of salvation, and it is now about over.

This IS NOT THE ONLY DAY OF SALVATION!! This is an absolute fact of your Bible.

But you may be thinking, doesn’t the Bible teach that this is the only day of salvation?

No.

There are two verses that people sometimes point to related to that. However, both verses, when literally translated do not teach that. They teach about a, not the only, day of salvation.

⁸ Thus saith the Lord, In time an acceptable have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: (Isaiah 49:8, ITB)

² for He says, “In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you, behold, now [is] a well-accepted time; behold, now, a day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, LSV)

Now, the translated passages shown above are literal as the Interlinear Transliterated Bible and Literal Standard Version show. Consider also that since the Greek language uses the definite article “the” much more than English, it is noteworthy that the term “the” was not associated with any “day of salvation” in the New Testament.

Now, is AN accepted time, and now can be a/the day of salvation for those that have been called.

Ultimately, God will offer salvation to each and every person who has ever lived. Part of His plan includes the first resurrection which is for those called, chosen and faithful in this age.

All those who are not now called, or given a real opportunity for salvation, which are the billions who have lived and died from Adam until the close of this age, will come up in the second resurrection (Revelation 20:5). They will come up as physical human beings and be judged. Then they will be given their one and only true opportunity for salvation. This resurrection takes place one thousand years later after the first one, after what tends to be called “the millennium.” In the millennium God will call everybody then living.

Notice what the Bible teaches:

¹⁴ I will again do a marvelous work among this people ...²⁴ These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, And those who complained will learn doctrine. (Isaiah 29:14,24)

Those “who erred in spirit will come to understanding.” Most professing Christians are in ignorance of this basic truth. Essentially, this is because of non-biblical traditions often being taught as Christian doctrine.

The Bible teaches that Satan “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9) and that he “is a liar” and the father of lies (John 8:44).

You may be pleased to realize that God says He still has a plan for those misled by Satan-influenced human tradition in this age:

¹⁹ O Lord, my strength and my fortress, My refuge in the day of affliction, The Gentiles shall come to You From the ends of the earth and say, “Surely our fathers have inherited lies, Worthlessness and unprofitable things.” ²⁰ Will a man make gods for himself, Which are not gods? ²¹ “Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know My hand and My might; And they shall know that My name is the Lord. (Jeremiah 16:19-21)

All were not expected to know the truth in this age, and many have inherited lies. But as both Isaiah and Jeremiah wrote, they will have their opportunity.

Let us not grieve over departed loved ones who probably were not called, in this life. God is able to raise them up again. The chances are they were simply not then called -- it was not given to them to understand -- their opportunity had not yet come. But they shall be resurrected, their spiritual blindness removed. In the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-12; Isaiah 65:20), if you are one of the called, and if you are faithful and finally chosen, you may be used then to minister to them, and to lead them into salvation and life eternal.

During this age now, judgment is upon the true Church of God -- those now called (1 Peter 4:17). Yet, we are later to judge the world (1 Corinthians 6:2) as well as arise in the first resurrection!

⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6).

Oh, what a glorious hope! Those called now are blessed and holy if they will remain truly faithful. What truly good news, is the true gospel of the kingdom, which most people today simply have never heard or properly understood.

Therefore, the “classes” are not the saved or unsaved, the “classes” are basically the called and uncalled.

There is no injustice with God (cf. Genesis 18:25; Galatians 6:7).

He wants all to be saved:

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

He denies no one an opportunity of salvation.

The majority of humans are simply not called now -- at this time -- in this, Satan’s age. This is simply not the time when God is trying to save everyone. If He were, then Satan surely would seem to be getting the better of the contest.

Now, did Jesus say the purpose of preaching the gospel was to CONVERT all nations?

No, it was to be preached as a witness:

¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

After the end comes (Daniel 11:44) and the seventh trump sounds, the new age when the reign of Christ shall replace that of Satan will come.

While, during the present age, many in number are called, yet that number is a minority. More on those to be called later, including hundreds of scriptures, is in the free eBook: Universal Offer of Salvation: How can God save the lost?

TULIP Predestination?

John Calvin was a famous early Protestant Reformer. His view of predestination developed into what is now called “five-point” TULIP Calvinism.

Let’s look at each of the five points:

The fifteenth century Protestant theologian John Calvin stressed the divine side of this mysterious equation. The acrostic TULIP was later applied to his teachings:

T - Total depravity: All men fell in Adam, leaving them dead in sins and incapable of responding positively to God. (Bible Advocate. May-June 2010, p. 7)

Yet, the Bible teaches:

²⁹ That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes. (Ecclesiastes 7:29)

Teaching “total depravity” doesn’t seem to take that in consideration.

Now it is true that the Bible teaches that in Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:22), but it also teaches that men are capable of responding positively to God’s calling (Acts 2:38-41; John 6:44; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 20:16).

1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul states:

²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

All died in Adam, all will be made alive in Christ. All will have an opportunity for salvation, not just a few.

Notice what Abraham declared in Genesis 18:25:

²⁵ Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Certainly, properly offering salvation to everyone, either in this age or the age to come, is the right thing a loving God would do.

There would be no point in fulfilling the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20 if humans could not respond.

Although God must call, humans can respond.

Here is the second point of TULIP:

U - Unconditional election: From eternity past, God chose certain men to be saved by His grace, without regard to any merit foreseen in them.

Now, God did predestin that an elect would be saved (Ephesians 1:3-12). And this is by His grace (Ephesians 2:8), which is the gift of God.

But some personal faith has to be exercised (Ephesians 2:8) and it would appear that God, who wants none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), would be careful to call only those who could be saved in this age.

Jesus made it clear that, “many are called, but few chosen” (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). This indicates that salvation in this age has some conditions or all called in this age would be chosen.

Since God is all knowing and just (Isaiah 45:21), there was logically some type of reason that the elect are selected by God; not that the elect are of themselves better, but there are probably several reasons (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Here is the third point of TULIP:

L - Limited atonement: God sent His Son to make full and effective payment only for the sins of the elect, those He had predestined for salvation.

The above is absolute blasphemy as it is in clear contradiction to scripture. God sent His Son so that all might be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

Consider also the following, scriptures:

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17).

⁸ ... God is love. ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...¹⁶ God is love... (1 John 4:8-11, 16)

There is not one verse in the entire Bible that teaches that the atonement was meant to be limited to the elect who are now being called.

Furthermore, notice:

² And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2)

Notice that John is teaching that Jesus was not just a propitiation (an atonement offering) for the elected Christians, but for the entire world. Jesus was not an offering for the others in order for none of them to be saved! (Part of the meaning of the Day of Atonement is related to the fact that God’s atonement was NOT limited to those called in this age—see our free eBook: Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?)

Luke 19:9-10 shows that Jesus came to save the lost:

⁹ And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; ¹⁰ for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Notice that Jesus came to save the lost, not just a small amount of elect people.

In John 12:47, Jesus stated,

⁴⁷ And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world...

The idea of Jesus coming to save more than a few is clearly being taught.

Is Jesus intending to draw all to Him in order to eternally punish most or to save them?

Jesus came “to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28).

Salvation will be offered to all who ever lived, with a few understanding the offer in this age, and everyone else in the age to come.  The Bible simply does not teach that there is a limited atonement only for the elect.

More on those to be called later, including hundreds of scriptures, is in the free eBook: Universal Offer of Salvation: How can God save the lost?

Here is the fourth point of TULIP:

I - Irresistible grace: Those God elected to salvation and for whom Christ died He effectively calls by regeneration from spiritual death, thus rendering them capable of expressing saving faith.

The Bible is clear that only those God calls can be saved (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29), but also that one can “turn from” it (2 Peter 2:21). Calvinists fail to accept that the grace is resistible.

Calvinists also fail to realize that while some (the predestined elect) are to be called now, all who were not called into this life will have an opportunity for such calling later, in the age to come.

Notice Paul wrote:

²⁰ But Isaiah is very bold and says:

“I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” (Romans 10:20)

While Calvinists may wish to imply that this means unconditional election, it actually means that those that did not seek God in this age will find Him in the age to come. And one of the problems with “Calvinism” is that it ignores that there is an age to come.

Christians are a type of firstfruit:

¹⁸ Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (James 1:18)

²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit. (Romans 8:23)

Does not the concept of a firstfruits specifically imply that there will be later fruits? Also, the Day of Pentecost is also called, “the feast of firstfruits” in the Bible (Exodus 34:22). And even today, it pictures that God is only calling some now, but will call all others later (more information is in the free eBook: Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?).

³ … God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time... (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

Notice that God desires that all are to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Can not God make His desire, His will, come to pass? Also notice that Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all--not just the relatively few elect--and His testimony will come to pass in due time. Are some improperly judging before due time?

In Ephesians 1:10, Paul states:

¹⁰ that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him.

Notice when He will gather all: in the dispensation of the fullness of the times. TULIP does not understand that.

Here is the fifth point of TULIP:

P - Perseverance of saints: Those God elected in Christ, called in regeneration, and justified by faith He continually quickens so they will never fall from His grace but only enter eternal glory.

The above is a clear contradiction to scripture.

The whole idea of the unpardonable sin is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Two portions of scripture basically explain what the unpardonable sin is:

³¹ Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come (Matthew 12:31-32)

⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Thus, salvation can be lost. You have free will.

Peter would have no reason to encourage people to make their elections sure (2 Peter 1:10-11) if they could not stumble and lose it. The Apostle Paul wrote:

⁵ Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

The fact that one can be “disqualified” is proof that salvation is not guaranteed under any and all circumstances.

Jesus was clear that many people would not respond to the message and some would not make it for various reasons. Notice what two different parables teach:

¹⁴ The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; ¹⁷ and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. ¹⁸ Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:14-19)

¹⁶ Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ¹⁷ and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ ¹⁸ But they all with one accord began to make excuses...²⁴ For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper. (Luke 14:16-18,24)

Also notice Jesus admonished the necessity of enduring to the end to be saved:

²² And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

¹³ But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

¹³ And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Mark 13:13)

The grammatical implications of the above are that they that do NOT endure to the end will NOT be saved. Furthermore, the Book of Revelation records 7 statements that it will be those who overcome who will make it (Revelation 2:7,11,17,26;3:5,21;21:7).

Additionally, it is only those who do His commandments who have the right to the tree of life:

¹⁴ Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Notice that those that violate them, and are not repentive of that violation, do not make it. The saints have patience and keep His commandments (Revelation 14:12) (see our free eBook: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Perhaps it should be pointed out, that TULIP basically indicates that about 2% of people will be saved because of God’s love and the remaining 98% will fry in torment for all eternity. As it turns out, most of those who heard of Jesus were of European stock, so I have long considered this doctrine to be somewhat racist. It condemns all who never heard the truth about Jesus, which would include many of the masses in Asia, various islands, the early Americas, and much of Africa. But contrary to the views of Calvinists, God has a plan for all.

Clearly TULIP is not biblical.

The Plan for Now is to be Strangers and Ambassadors

Christians need to live as Jesus did:

⁶ He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6)

Though Jesus came to be King, He did not live as a King as His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36).

What about those predestined in this age?

While we are to be kings and priests and reign with Him (Revelation 5:10), we do not see that now:

⁶ But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him?

⁷ You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. ⁸ You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. ⁹ But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

¹⁰ For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. ¹¹ For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, ¹² saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

¹³ And again:

“I will put My trust in Him.”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” (Hebrews 2:6-13)

Did you know what, according to Protestant sources, the second most looked up verse in the Bible is? The first is John 3:16, but the second is found in Jeremiah.

Certain Protestants tend to quote the first verse as proof that God has a plan. And while God does, many do not seem to consider that verse in context.

Notice what Jeremiah was told to record:

¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Notice that the plan was exile. To be a sojourner, a stranger, with hope. That is still the plan for Christians in this age.

Does that mean that we do not do anything and just wait?

No. God did not call us to be hermits:

²⁴ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

²⁶ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. ²⁷ So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. ²⁸ So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. (Matthew 25:24-28)

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵ But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

²⁶ If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:22-27)

Christians are to do good and support the work of God.

Christians are to live as ambassadors of Jesus Christ and the gospel of God’s coming kingdom:

²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ ... (2 Corinthians 5:20)

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — ¹⁹ and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:17-20)

This means we live differently than the world:

¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

²...Babylon...⁴...Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4)

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

As ambassadors, Christians are to be God’s examples and witnesses. Ambassadors do not just hide and take care of themselves--they support the work of their government. The coming government of the Kingdom of God.

Getting back to Jeremiah’s writings:

²⁸ For he has sent to us in Babylon, saying, ‘This captivity is long; build houses and dwell in them, and plant gardens and eat their fruit. (Jeremiah 29:28)

Notice that those in exile were to plant and build and produce fruit. Planting takes faith. Translating materials into multiple languages, including many that the church does not have supporters who understand them takes faith--but that is part of the work that we in the Continuing Church of God are part of. And just like the exiles, we are to produce fruit.

Jesus said:

¹⁶ You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit (John 15:16)

⁴² Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? ⁴³ Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. ⁴⁴ Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. ⁴⁵ But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, ⁴⁶ the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. ⁴⁷ And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. ⁴⁸ But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:42-48)

The plan God has for you is to live as strangers in this world, yet produce fruit, so that you can be rewarded after He returns. You are to respond to what you have learned.

Christians are called in order to individually help make eternity better (see also the free eBook, available online at www.ccog.org, The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?).

God’s begotten children are to be preparing to be married to Christ at His return (Revelation 19:7). God’s Church is actually being judged by God now (1 Peter 4:17), in preparation for birth into God’s very Family (Ephesians 3:14-19) at Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

Is it any wonder that Paul says true Christians are called with a “holy calling” (2 Timothy 1:9), or that he tells God’s called people to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1, KJV)?

How does a called and converted person “walk worthy of the vocation”? Peter says:

^“15 as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

Peter later noted that true Christians should live as Jesus Christ lived:

²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

²² ”Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-22).

If you are being called, you need to live like Jesus did.

More on Christian living can be found in the free eBook: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God: Biblical instructions for living as a Christian.

Maybe It’s Not Your Time

Not everyone will hear enough of the truth to respond to it in this age, as the following helps demonstrate:

¹⁴ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15)

Those who do not hear/see the truth are not being called in this age.

Of course, others are hearing/seeing the truth and are being called now.

People are in the process of being refined. Those not called in this age are refined one way (Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 9:7), whereas those called are to be refined and purified more like silver and/or gold (Zechariah 13:9; Psalm 66:10; Daniel 11:35, 12:10; cf. Revelation 13:8).

You have a choice:

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

While the promise to physical Israel was physical, those in the church age who choose God’s way and endure to the end will receive eternal life as:

9 … He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Hebrews 5:9)

That said, what could be some clues that God is not calling you at this time?

Well, if you do not feel that you need to repent and change, you are not really hearing God’s calling. Perhaps you have selected to not be elected.

If you cannot accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you are not really hearing God’s calling.

If you believe that humanity can solve its problems apart from God and the Word of God, you are not really hearing God’s calling.

If you believe that human traditions are more important to how you live your life than the Word of God, you are not really hearing God’s calling.

If you’ve started to count the cost and concluded it is too high, you are not really hearing God’s calling.

None of those prove that God is not calling you. Remember that even Moses and Saul (who became Paul) resisted at first.

God may be calling you, but you may not be in the mindset to respond. Perhaps, your real calling will come later.

But if it is now, realize that God does hold us individually responsible for what we do with what we know.

You have a choice:

¹⁶ Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. (Romans 6:16, NLT)

Will you choose to obey God or a life of sin, a life of vain rebellion against God?

The Apostle James wrote:

¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

Jesus taught:

³¹ If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

If you know the truth, you should act upon it.

Scattered Brethren

In the Continuing Church of God, we have scattered brethren throughout the USA and Canada, as well as in the Caribbean (like Trinidad & Tobago), South Asia, North Africa, South Africa, South America, and elsewhere. We have supporters on all the inhabited continents of the earth as well as dozens of US states.

But for most parts of the world, we do not have congregations close by (to see our list of congregations go to www.ccog.org). But we also have online services from North America, the South Pacific, and Europe where scattered Christians can meet each Sabbath.

In time, we expect to have more physical congregations in more places. So, if there is no group or congregation in your area, do not give up–hang in there, faithfully of course, and perhaps in time, we will have a group/congregation near you. Maybe even one you might help form!

As mentioned before, Jesus taught, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Do not be one called who gives up because there is no group geographically close to you.

The Bible teaches:

⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. ⁵ Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. ⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. ⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:4-7)

Sometimes Christians have to wait and trust God to establish congregations near them.

Remember, Jesus promised Philadelphian Christians that they would be “pillars” in the Temple of God (Revelation 3:12). Therefore, in this age, sometimes being a foundational part of a new group, or standing alone in a separated area, could be part of your training for that reward.

Of course, we should fellowship on the Sabbaths when we can (Hebrews 10:24-25). God’s Holy Days, like the Feast of Tabernacles, are another opportunity for that (cf. Leviticus 23:2; Romans 12:1).

In the Continuing Church of God, we hold the Feast of Tabernacles in multiple places around the world. This festival is a time that God expects those that can to travel (cf. Psalm 42:4); far away if need be (cf. Deuteronomy 14:22-27). This festival also

gives Philadelphian Christians an opportunity to fellowship together.

In the 20^th century, particularly in the early days of the old Radio Church of God, people often had to wait years for an opportunity to hear sermons or have contact with other like-minded Christians. To better serve our scattered brethren in the 21^st century, we put out a weekly email titled Letter to the Brethren. It has a suggested Sabbath service, as well as, when appropriate, Holy Day information. So, regular sermons, etc. are available for those who are willing.

Additionally, the weekly Letter has news of what is going on in the Continuing Church of God around the world. If you wish to receive it, simply contact Dr. Bob Thiel, email cogwriter@aol.com

Pray and be patient, and trust that God (Proverbs 3:5-7) will call others that you can fellowship with.

As a pillar, you can be an ambassador for Philadelphian Christianity.

Not all will endure—but hopefully you will. And with God’s help you can:

¹³ God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able (1 Corinthians 10:13)

¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

You can too. God’s plan for you will work out if you truly trust Him:

⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

Remember “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

And, as in Ephesians 1, quoted earlier, notice carefully what it says: God chose us in Him, when? “Before the foundation of the world”! “Having predestined us” — what for? To be lost?

No, “to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself” “being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).

Were many predestined, then, to remain lost? Is it God’s will that any will not be saved?

No (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

So, can we see that “predestination” has nothing to do with whether we shall be lost or saved -- with our decision -- with our ultimate fate?

Notice carefully, now! Being predestined “that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12).

Those predestined are the first to trust in Christ -- merely the first preliminary harvest. And now do you begin to see the glorious truth -- that predestination has nothing to do with your making a decision or your fate -- it has only to do with the time of your calling -- whether you are called now, in this age, or called later.

Notice it in the passage in Romans 8:28-30 (KJV): “For whom he did foreknow ....” How great is God! If you are one now called, God “foreknew” you. And “whom he did foreknow, he also did predestine” -- to be lost?

No, “to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called ....” (Romans 8:29-30, KJV).

Not will call them in the future — called, now, in this age.

There it is. Note it. “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called” (Romans 8:30).

Predestination has to do with being called. Not with being saved or lost. Those now being called, in this age, were foreknown, and PRE-destined to be called now -- to be the first to put their hope in Christ. To be deified and glorified with Him (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:14-19), when Christians are changed at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

All others have their call later.

God does not decide for you, in advance, whether you shall be saved or lost. He did decide far in advance which ones He would call in this first calling, to be a priest or a king in His Kingdom -- to have part in the saving of others.

How wonderful are God’s ways, when He opens our understanding to reveal them to us. Let us make our calling and final election sure.

Christians shall rule the nations -- ordinary mortals of all races, on earth:

²⁶ And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations —

²⁷ ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ —

as I also have received from My Father; ²⁸ and I will give him the morning star. (Revelation 2:26-28)

They shall thus rule, and teach, for one thousand years -- Christ’s millennial “Sabbath” (Revelation 20:4).

Those now called, during this time, are called to a life of training -- spiritual character training, -- to fit them for positions of high responsibility in the Kingdom.

The one, for example, who multiplies ten times over in spiritual character what God gives him at conversion shall be qualified to rule ten cities.

¹¹ Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. ¹² Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. ¹³ So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ ¹⁴ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’

¹⁵ “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. ¹⁶ Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ ¹⁷ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ ¹⁸ And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ ¹⁹ Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’

²⁰ “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. ²¹ For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ ²² And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. ²³ Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’

²⁴ “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ ²⁵ (But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’) ²⁶ ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ²⁷ But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’“ (Luke 19:11-27)

The one who overcomes, and grows in grace and knowledge only five times shall be qualified to rule over five cities.

Those who think they “got saved” merely by “accepting Christ” and, were deceived by the “no works” teaching, did not grow or develop in their Christian life at all, and like the one in the parable, will have taken from them even the salvation they thought they had (see also Matthew 7:21-23).

God’s is not a “just-in-case” religion, but a tremendous opportunity that will last for eternity for those who exercise their faith by always stiving to live God’s way.

Consider that in the light of the following: 

¹ Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. ² For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, ³ how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation. (Hebrews 2:1-3)

The call is out! It is a wonderful calling! You have heard, and read, and seen. The next move is yours!

Counselling is Available

If, after careful evaluation, you feel that God is calling you, what should you do? Notice the following:

⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): ⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. ¹³ For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)

Jesus was, and is, the prophesied Savior (more information on why is in our free eBook, Proof Jesus is the Messiah, available at www.ccog.org).

Those whom God calls (John 6:44) are given the opportunity to repent and accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Then, upon being baptized and having hands laid upon them, they can be given God’s Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Repent and really accept Him as Lord and Savior.

Notice what the Apostle Peter taught:

³⁸ “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

Before you can fully do that, you may request ministerial counsel from a representative of the Continuing Church of God. We have ministers, deacons, and hosts in some areas around the world who are available to answer questions you may have about God, the Bible, Christianity, conversion or personal problems in your life. Counselling will help you, “count the cost” as Jesus told potential followers to do (Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 14:26-33).

That being said, it is also exciting to learn more of the truth as you journey towards God’s kingdom. That “pearl of great price.”

True Meaning of Predestination

In a PT article titled The True Meaning of Predestination, HWA wrote:

Jesus Christ said plainly, "NO MAN CAN COME TO ME, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME DRAW HIM" (John 6:44). The 11^th chapter of Romans explains that only a FEW are called to repentance, faith in Christ, and spiritual salvation with eternal life NOW. Since none can come to Christ — become spiritually converted — "EXCEPT THE FATHER DRAW HIM" ("called" refers to those being so drawn by the Father) — it becomes PLAIN that those PREDESTINATED are those FEW predestinated to be called NOW — the FIRST to be "called" — to be drawn by the Father to Christ and to the inheritance of becoming begotten and born sons of God.

OTHERS are to be called later! Predestination refers to those precalled — NOT prejudged or pre-condemned. Nothing in this passage nor in Romans 8 says anything about being prejudged or pre-condemned. Therefore, it has only to do with WHEN some are specially called and only to do with those first called before the world in general, ...

Why would God call only a few now and then call ALL later on? I think I have explained. God has let man prove that Satan's way of "GET" is not good for us.

He called, chose, and gave His holy spirit to the prophets. WHY is He calling some FEW today and opening their minds to SPIRITUAL TRUTH which seems like so much FOOLISHNESS (I Cor. 2:14) to the world — but "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (I Cor. 3:19)? Those called NOW are called for the purpose of getting a job done. They are given the HOLY SPIRIT for that purpose. God has committed to me His GREAT COMMISSION — to proclaim Christ's gospel message of the KINGDOM OF GOD worldwide. He has called a few thousand to help me get that job done. Those predestined to be called now — instead of later when the whole world shall be called — are given the job of assisting me by heart-rending PRAYER, by their encouragement (and I need it), and by their tithes and offerings. And THIS RESPONSIBILITY is God's means of developing in us His own righteous character. Christ was required to reject Satan's way and overcome Satan to qualify to restore the GOVERNMENT OF GOD and to raise up the KINGDOM OF GOD. So are WE who are to qualify to rule with HIM.

I've said to us — those called NOW — that to him "that overcometh [Satan and his way] will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I overcame [Satan and his way]...." "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my WORKS unto the end, him will I give POWER OVER THE NATIONS [of earth], and he shall RULE THEM" (Rev. 3:21; 2:26-27).

When Christ comes, SATAN SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY. When Christ sets out to SAVE THE WORLD (spiritually), there will be no Satan to overcome, but they shall not be qualifying to sit with Christ on His throne ruling and saving during the millennium.

THAT is the true meaning of "predestination." (Armstrong HW. The True Meaning of Predestination. Plain Truth, November 1976)

A risk of repeat understand that the New Testament teaches:

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

If YOU were predestined to be called you were so predestined to do good works as well as supporting the work of God to reach others.

You are also to learn.

Consider also the following:

² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2)

God is calling His people to be kings and priests (Revelation 5:10). As future kings, it is exciting to learn the truths that God has concealed from the world (cf. Matthew 11:25) though they are in His word (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17).

But please understand something that the Apostle Peter said:

³¹ Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. ³² And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5:31-32, AFV)

Are you willing to obey God? Would you then like to be given God’s Holy Spirit?

Reading and understanding this article is a positive indication that God may be calling you! Maybe you have been perusing this Work’s publications for a while yet have hesitated to look further into the knowledge we offer.

Perhaps you have been puzzled or concerned about what accepting this knowledge might require in your life. But you should know: God holds you accountable for what you know. As James wrote:

“¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

God has a glorious calling and has predestined some in this age to develop character and support His work.

If God predestined YOU to be called now are you properly heeding that call?

A related sermon is also available titled:Predestination, Election, and Selection.

Thiel B. Predestination, Election, and Selection? COGwriter (c) 2026 https://www.cogwriter.com/predestinationelection.htm 2026 0523

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