Predestined and Sealed, Chosen by Lot, Our Destiny of Glorification

We looked at being released by ransom last week, and that Jesus died in place of many people who are perishing. While everyone does indeed die, we have to understand that eternal death is different from leaving the earth and our bodies behind. When Adam sinned, the wording suggests that if he would have eaten from the tree of life that he would have been eternally separated from the presence of Elohim. Since the way to the tree of life was blocked, Adam is not eternally lost. Jesus rectified that for us by giving his life as a ransom instead of many.

Matt 20:28 G5618As G3588the G5207son G3588 G444of man G3756did not G2064come G1247to be served, G235but G1247to serve, G2532and G1325to give G3588 G5590his life G1473 G3083as a ransom G473instead of G4183many. 

Something else we came across was the idea that we have been predestined, and also chosen at random, as well as sealed. Are we all predestined? While we think of being chosen as a hard fast rule, from Yahweh’s perspective it is actually a random choosing. Being sealed has some predetermined pathways for us and that is what we will look at. Jesus himself was sealed.

John 6:27 Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes [in the using], but strive and work and produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement [4972] upon Him. AMP

Let’s check the Aramaic here.

“Do not work for the food that perishes, except [for] the food that [destines] you for eternal Life.* The hand of the Son of Man will give [it to] you. For [upon] this has the Father laced the seal of Allaha.”

*Lit. Ar. Idiomatic expression: “…that fastens [you] to Lives [to the end] of the universe.” (Aramaic New Testament, Victor N. Alexander, p191, Nov 2012)

The Aramaic brings another dimension to this seal, it is laced. This is in the idea of a head band or arm band, the same as people wear in the Middle East today. This is also similar to the idea of the mark of the beast, which is a head band or an arm band. 

NT:4972 sphragizo (sfrag-id'-zo); from NT:4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest: KJV - (set a, set to) seal up, stop. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

John the Baptist gives an answer to some of his disciples when asked about Jesus baptizing people. He tells them whoever receives Jesus’ testimony is sealed.

John 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal [4972] that God is true. KJV

Paul gives us a little more information regarding this seal.

2 Cor 1:21-22 But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]; 22 [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal [4972] upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. AMP

The seal of endorsement of a disciple is the security deposit of the Holy Spirit in the heart of that person. People may have the Holy Spirit in their hearts but never utilize the gifts of the Spirit. That is common in many denominations. However, Paul did not visit people on his own strength, preforming miracles of his own ability, he traveled from place to place in the power of the Holy Spirit, performing miracles via the ability of the Spirit working through him. Therefore since the Holy Spirit is deposited for security in our hearts we should endeavor not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed [4972] unto the day of redemption [ransoming]. KJV

On the day of ransoming, the release by ransom, we won’t be able to grieve the Holy Spirit any longer. Understand, we are hostages here on earth, and once our ransom has been paid we will enter into the time of watching the seals being opened. It is kind of an interesting point, the sealed humans are watching Jesus the Lamb opening the seals. That is why we are sealed, for the day of ransoming. But now we want to look at this idea of being predestined for the day of ransoming. In our minds it seems like being predestined means we have no choice in life, as if no matter what we do we are going to the day of redemption whether we like it or not. This is the Calvinist and Armenian debate. Maybe it is not “either or”, but “both and”.

The idea of predestination rubs us the wrong way because we know that we have freewill and freedom to make choices. Some would say that Yahweh has the foreknowledge as to whether one will make the decision to receive his words or not, therefore he knows those who will be sealed. Some then speculate that on earth, from our vantage point, we don’t know who is sealed or not. However, that is not true as Paul just pointed out that disciples are sealed with the Holy Spirit so don’t do stupid things that grieve the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4 the disciples prayed for God to do what He determined to be done; the word determined is “predestined”.

Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined [4309] before to be done. KJV

Our modern texts translate this correctly.

Acts 4:28 To carry out all that Your hand and Your will and purpose had predestined (predetermined) should occur.  AMP

Predestined will and purpose does not mean a maze with high walls that we all have to walk through, but generally speaking doesn’t Yahweh want all men to be saved? Isn’t it Yahweh’s will not to see anyone perish? We know that Jesus spoke prophetically to the disciples in telling them what would transpire, such as the decimation of Jerusalem and the temple; that is foreknowledge, knowledge known ahead of time. While it is not Yahweh’s will for his people to suffer, the elohim of evil, the god of this world is all for human suffering. Let’s look at predestination from a few sources.

NT:4309 proorizo (pro-or-id'-zo); from NT:4253 and NT:3724; to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine: KJV - determine before, ordain, predestinate.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

4309

LSJ Gloss: προορίζω to determine beforehand, to predetermine, pre-ordain

Dodson: προορίζω I foreordain, predetermine I foreordain, predetermine, mark out beforehand.

G4253 G3724

Thayer:

1) to predetermine, decide beforehand
2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity
3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand

Paul gives us some further clues in Romans.

Rom 8:29-30 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. 30 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].  AMP

Paul uses the word foreknew, which is pro-ginosko in the Greek, “before knowledge”. This word is interesting as Luke records it in Paul’s speech in Acts 26 in regards to himself, that people knew Paul before his conversion on the road to Damascus. People knew Paul as a Pharisee, then Paul changed. Therefore, foreknowledge is not only understood before the foundation of the world (as all humans are known), but also understood as before your own salvation. Think of it this way, Yahweh knows all humans before anyone receives the seal of the Holy Spirit. He knows all humans who have ever and will ever live. And he knows us all before anyone is saved.

Yahweh predestined “us”, as in those he knew before salvation, as well as before the beginning of the world, to be molded into the image of Jesus. Remember how we saw Jesus was first sealed, then those who receive his testimony are sealed with the Holy Spirit? Yahweh knows all humans, he also knows us all before and after salvation. Those who receive Jesus as Lord, he predetermined for them to be molded into the image and inner likeness of Jesus. The words from the beginning does not appear in any text, but our modern translators thought “predestined” needed a qualifier as to “when”. Their opinion was that some humans are predestined from the beginning. Instead however it is predetermined that those humans who receive Jesus as Lord would be molded into His image as we will see shortly. That does not mean that one person versus another were predestined, but the plan of conforming us saved humans into Jesus’ image was predetermined and foreordained. The plan was the predetermination, the conforming of the saved is predestination.  

Yahweh knew humans before they were saved, and those who then received Jesus’ testimony, would be fashioned into His image. Image is a broad word, not only are people molded into Jesus’ moral image, but people are molded into his divine spiritual image. People who once were completely lost by the fall, who Yahweh knew from the beginning of creation, now have the opportunity to be molded. This is why the Arminian/Calvinist debate is and both, not either or. Yahweh knows us, he also knows who will receive Jesus’ testimony and be sealed. But we are not necessarily on a preset path; one can run screaming away from salvation and upon death the choice you made is the one that sticks. Jesus is the first born of this group, the group of the sealed.

Then the next step in logical progression that Paul is communicating is that the predestined ones are “called”.  Called means “summoned”. Once someone has been made part of the conformed group they are called. We usually think of people being called first, then saved, but here Paul notes that people are preordained for conformity into Jesus’ likeness, then summoned. We know from Jesus and John that people are called, chosen, and faithful (Those usages of chosen are a derivative of this word, #1588). If we go through the logical process, people are known before salvation, then those who receive salvation are sealed and predestined into being molded into Jesus’ image, they are then called to be justified and glorified. Then people come out of that group being chosen and then faithful. The called, chosen, and faithful are those who come back with Jesus to fight the beast. Yet as the story of the sower reveals, we are able to walk away from the Lord at any point along the way.

We see that Paul is giving us a logical order to the process that we humans go through in salvation. We also see the “and both” of the Christian debate, are all predestined? Are all free to choose? Are all called or are only some called? Yes he knows us all from before the foundations of the world, and yes he knows us from before we received Jesus as Lord. The plan of conformity was predetermined for all, then the conformed are summoned, justified and glorified.

Here is a huge idea. The mystery was concealed. The predetermined molding of our glory was hidden. This was a plan before the eons.

1 Cor 2:7-8 But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God — [that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. 8 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. AMP

Before Adam was created, before satan stole Adam’s rulership, before the earth was fashioned with light and plants and animals, the hidden mystery was preordained that humans would be glorified. After the stealing of earth’s rulership from Adam, the only way for humans to be glorified was for them to receive Jesus’ testimony and be sealed. If the rulers of this age knew that the plan for human glorification was in place before their age of rulership, they never would have crucified Jesus. It was a secret that humans were to be glorified. Humans were already the best looking beings on earth, being made in the image of the Elohim. All humanity has the potential to be glorified above satan and his associates. All humanity has the potential to be adopted.

Eph 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen [1586] us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, KJV

1586:

Dodson: ἐκλέγομαι I choose, elect I pick out for myself, choose, elect, select.

Strong's: ἐκλέγομαι to select Derivation: middle voice from G1537 and G3004(in its primary sense);  KJV Usage: make choice, choose (out), chosen.

We have to ask the question who the “us” is that Paul is talking about. Is Paul using “us” to speak to Jews? Is the “us” in reference to Christians? Is the “us” in reference to Humans? The “us” is not specific to a particular religious party, the “us” is in reference to all who believe, but more so to all, as this was the plan for all humanity until satan derailed it for six thousand years. All humans were made in the image of the Elohim, all humans were to have a personal relationship with Yahweh, all humans had to be rescued by Jesus’ blood.

The word chosen here is slightly different than the word chosen later in this section. Yahweh chose humanity, generally, and chose the saved, specifically, before the laying down of the world. That those who believe would be holy and without blame, justified, because he predestined believers to be adopted. He determined from the creation of the world that this race made in the image of the Elohim would be embraced as children. Just to point out the obvious, satan may have once been a son of the Elohim, demons are not adopted, aliens are not adopted, and today only those who are human are adopted. While there are other sons of the Elohim, humans were to be an addition to that family. We know that satan thought he was pretty spectacular and was lifted up with pride. We also know he did not want to bow to Adam. The plan was to add additional sons into the family, those who would be made in the image of the Elohim, through Jesus. When satan took over rulership, a savior had to come. That is the purpose of this administration, to add children to the family. Adding children to the family was predestined according to his purpose.

Eph 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. KJV

Eph 1:10G1519for G3622administration G3588of the G4138fullness G3588of the G2540times, G346recapitulating G3588 G3956all things G1722in G3588the G5547Christ, G3588the things G1722in G3588the G3772heavens, G2532and G3588the things G1722on G3588the G1093earth, G1722in G1473himself.

Let’s break this down further. Recapitulating is the re-stating of creation back to its proper order, or putting all things under Christ once again. What does that mean? It means that at the end of the age, all things will go back to being under Christ. They were under Christ, then satan messed things up, and now at the end of the age the ransom He paid for His children puts everything back under His authority.

The word chosen below in verse 11 is “chosen by lot”. Like the rolling of dice, it is random who was being predestined into the mold of Christ.

 Eph 1:11G1722In G3739whom G2532also G2820we were chosen by lot, G4309being predefined G2596according to G4286the intention G3588of the one G3588[²all things G3956 G1754¹operating] G2596according to G3588theG1012counsel G3588 G2307of his will,G1473 

2820

Bottom of Form

LSJ Gloss: κληρόω to appoint

Dodson: κληρόω I make a heritage I cast lots, choose by lot, assign by lot, assign a portion, receive a share.

Strong's: κληρόω to allot, i.e. (figuratively) to assign (a privilege)
Derivation: from G2819; KJV Usage: obtain an inheritance.

G2819

Thayer:

1) to cast lots, determine by lot
2) to choose by lot
3) to allot, assign by lot
3a) on to another as a possession
4) in NT: to make a lot, i.e. a heritage, private possession

This means that the ones who will be conformed will be somewhat random. While there probably isn’t a dice game going on in the heavens to decide sonship, the randomness is probably in those who believe and those who do not. This word is used seven times between the Old and New Testaments, but only one of those usages appears in the New Testament which is here in Ephesians.

Next, we see our word predestined. Whoever the random group of believers turns out to be, they are predestined to be on public display. The word intention is slightly awkward. This is a predestination of predetermination of deliberate determination.

4286

LSJ Gloss: πρόθεσις a placing in public

Dodson: πρόθεσις the show-bread, predetermination a setting forth, the show-bread; predetermination, purpose.

1012

LSJ Gloss: βουλή will, determination

Dodson: βουλή counsel, deliberate wisdom counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree.

Strong's: βουλή volition, i.e. (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
Derivation: from G1014; KJV Usage: + advise, counsel, will.

The idea for predestination/predetermination being used three times is the creative way Paul was trying to get a specific point across. While the translations are technically correct, the predestination of those who were chosen by lot (random choice as to who believes on Jesus) was to a predetermined purpose and determined intent. The predestined intent for humanity was to adopt children. The message is sent out and people can decide for themselves, that is from Yahweh’s vantage point a casting of lots. No one is forced, no one coerced, and no one is put on a path that they have no control over. Those who randomly choose to receive Jesus’ testimony are sealed, molded, called, justified, glorified, and adopted. It probably would have been a simpler process to become adopted sons if satan hadn’t attempted to eternally damn humanity. Again, the ones who accept Jesus as Lord are randomly chosen from among all humanity. They are predestined according to a predetermined purpose according to His determined will to be in the high praise of His glory.  

Eph 1:12G1519for G3588 G1510.1us to be G1473 G1519in G1868high praise G3588 G1391of his glory, G1473 G3588of the ones G4276hoping earlier G1722in G3588the G5547Christ.

High praise means approval or commendation. We are in the approval of His glory; we who are hoping in the Messiah, because we heard the good news of our deliverance.

Eph 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed [4972] with that holy Spirit of promise,14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. KJV

Eph 1:13G1722In G3739whom G2532also G1473you, G191having heard G3588the G3056word G3588of the G225truth G3588the G2098good news G3588 G4991of your deliverance --G1473 G1722in G3739whom G2532also G4100having trusted, G4972you were sealed G3588by the G4151spirit G3588of the G1860promise G3588in theG39holy;

Eph 1:14G3739who G1510.2.3is G728the deposit G3588 G2817of our inheritance, G1473 G1519in G629a release by ransom G3588of the G4047procurement G1519in G1868high praise G3588 G1391of his glory. G1473

Because we trusted in the words we heard, we were/are sealed by the Holy Spirit and have the promise of deliverance. The Holy Spirit is a deposit of our inheritance as sons, once the day comes when we are released by ransom. We have been procured, or preserved and kept safe in the approval or commendation of His glory. We are the purchased sons and daughters, who it was determined before the ages to be conformed into Christs’ likeness, and to be on display like the shew bread, to the will of Yahweh. It is the rolling of the dice of the good news to see who will believe, but to those who do, it is preordained to be adopted. Yahweh chose all of humanity to be sons before the ages and if the devil would have known the glory we would receive he would not have killed Jesus. The predetermining of what humans would receive once they believe is predestination. Once the choice is made to believe the testimony of Jesus, we are sealed, fashioned, justified, glorified, and we await the day of ransoming. That is what is predestined. Humans are not predestined individually but collectively, as a group, are given the opportunity to become adopted children. And like casting lots, rolling dice, or drawing straws, the humans who choose to believe Jesus’ testimony, are to Yahweh, a random choice. Everyone is made the offer, but who will take it? Then the path of sonship is predetermined.  

Going back to Matthew where we saw that Jesus’ blood was the ransom instead of many humans’ blood. There is a predetermined number of humans coming into adoption. We looked at the idea that that number very well may have been satan’s number of “humans to be eternally lost, becoming satan’s sons”; but Jesus turned the tables when he took back the keys to hell and death. Now we are waiting for the full measure of the Goyim to enter in, before we are all released by ransom on the day of ransoming. First, we who believe are sealed and predestined to be molded like Jesus, then we are summoned. Next we are justified and glorified. We then receive the high praises of His glory

Clearly, there are aspects of predestination and aspects of randomness concerning humans and their adoption as children. None of us are controlled to a particular destiny as far as saved or unsaved. We all have the choice. Once the choice is made to salvation, the predestined path to adoption, including being fashioned like Jesus, called, justified and glorified is a foreordained roadway. We don’t get to choose to be justified but not glorified, nor do we get to choose to be glorified but not conformed into Jesus’ likeness. That is what is predestined. The initial choice as to whether to believe on Jesus or not is given to all humans, and it is like a roll of the dice as to who will accept the offer and who will not. Yahweh may know ahead of time who will accept but it is not because he is forcing, coercing, or placing us on a preset path of salvation, we have to accept the words of Jesus’ testimony. Once we do, we are set for the day he comes to ransom us. But in the meantime the saved are on a path for human glorification, and since the devil didn’t know about the plans made for humans before this age began, he could not stop humans from receiving the high praise of His glory. That is the destiny of the saved.