The summation of our lives quantifies itself in the choices we made. We have been given the wonderful opportunity to choose a great many things. Sometimes what we do is like gambling or flipping a coin. Sometimes our choices are a heavily considered decision to be a sure thing. There is a greek word, kleroo/kleros, which means “a casting of a lot” or what we might understand as “rolling the dice or flipping a coin”. It was thought to show humility to God by allowing God to choose. There are two predetermined paths for mankind, and many things we must choose along the way. Needless to say, while on either path we can make good choices or poor choices. It is all up to us. There are things that we choose, there are things that Yahweh chooses, and there is the casting of lots to let chance or fate choose.
In Ephesians we run into a translation error based on belief bias. Many people like to make an excuse for poor choices by claiming predestination. There are entire religious systems based upon predestination. As we studied a while back, the plan for salvation, the path for eternal life, and the path for eternal death, are what was predetermined. People are not predetermined to walk either path, people choose either the path of eternal life or eternal death, whichever they wish to walk. The nature of the paths are predetermined, but we make the choice individually. From the Lord’s perspective it is like a rolling of the dice. The Lord made the offer, we choose to receive it or not.
Ephesians 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 G3588the G1012counsel G3588 G2307of his will, G1473
2820LSJ 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.
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
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
κληρόω klēroō klay-ro'-o From G2819; to allot, that is, (figuratively) to assign (a privilege) KJV Usage: obtain an inheritance.
The words “chosen by lot” are mistranslated to imply we are chosen to predestination. We are chosen by casting lots, meaning Jesus put everyone’s name on a piece of pottery and tossed all the names up in the air and the ones who’s names landed face up were the ones who would walk on the path of eternal life. It sounds uncomfortably random. We like a sure bet that says “I get to be a child of God because He choose me” rather than “I was a random selection”. From Jesus’ perspective that random chance is how it looks. From our perspective we chose which path we would walk on. For Him it was a world wide offer that some would want to take. The plan for each path was determined in the garden, but not everyone is interested in choosing eternal life. We choose, but to Jesus those who choose are a random group out from among all of humanity.
The plan for the salvation of mankind was that a savior would come. The devil on the other hand is determined to show how stupid mankind is by baiting humans into the path of eternal death. This is why the satan refused to bow to Adam, he believed humans were below him. But salvation was a predetermined plan. The question is who would believe it, that is the random part. What kind of a God would intentionally not choose some people for salvation? What kind of a God would only choose certain people for hades? What kind of a God would allow people a lifetime to wonder if he chose them or not? What kind of a God would predetermine a sentence of eternal death on some people with no ability to change the destination? Not Yahweh. He desires that all be saved, but we have to choose Him. He chooses everyone, but not everyone chooses Him.
There are many aspects to the path of eternal life, and we make choices along that path that will later determine who will come back to fight alongside Jesus. There are rewards given to those who earn them as well, so the choices we make once on the path of eternal life are important. Douay and Rheims translates this correctly as to the Greek.
Ephesians 1:11 (DRV) In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.
Along the predestined path we have believers that are sealed with the Holy Spirit, which was a mystery not revealed until after Jesus took back the keys to hell and death. Once he witnessed to the imprisoned spirits and set the captives free, he allowed the mystery to be revealed. Now along the path of eternal life we can choose to pursue a relationship with Him, we can grow in the gifs of the Spirit, and we can gain further knowledge of Him if we so choose.
This word is not used very often, but one place we do see it is when Joshua and the Israelites entered the promised land. Lots or pieces of pottery with names of the Levite tribes written on them were thrown into a circle and the land was divided for the Levite tribes who would not have their own portion of land, but would live in a portion of the land of the other eleven tribes.
Joshua 21:4-8 (AMP) The [first] lot came out for the families of the Kohathites. So those Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin thirteen cities. 5 And the rest of the Kohathites received by lot from the families of the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh ten cities. 6 The Gershonites received by lot from the families of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan thirteen cities. 7 The Merarites received according to their families from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun twelve cities. 8 The Israelites gave by lot to the Levites these cities with their pasturelands (suburbs), as the Lord commanded through Moses.
It was a predetermined plan with a random outcome. This is why many believe the random outcome to the preset plan is a walk of humility, allowing ourselves to be submitted to the result. Another usage of this word for lot is the actual portion. Again, this is implying humility, allowing God to make the decision.
2819LSJ Gloss: κλῆρος a lot;
Dodson: κλῆρος a lot, portion (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation.
Strong's: κλῆρος a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively) Derivation: probably from G2806 (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose; KJV Usage: heritage, inheritance, lot, part.
Thayer:
1) an object used in casting or drawing lots, which was either a pebble, or a potsherd, or a bit of wood
1a) the lots of several persons concerned, inscribed with their names, were thrown together into a vase, which was then shaken, and he whose lot fell out first upon the ground was the one chosen
2) what is obtained by lot, allotted portion
2a) a portion of the ministry common to the apostles
2b) used of the part which one will have in eternal salvation
2b1) of salvation itself
2b2) the eternal salvation which God has assigned to the saints
2c) of persons
2c1) those whose care and oversight has been assigned to one [allotted charge], used of Christian churches, the administration of which falls to the lot of presbyters
1a) the lots of several persons concerned, inscribed with their names, were thrown together into a vase, which was then shaken, and he whose lot fell out first upon the ground was the one chosen
2) what is obtained by lot, allotted portion
2a) a portion of the ministry common to the apostles
2b) used of the part which one will have in eternal salvation
2b1) of salvation itself
2b2) the eternal salvation which God has assigned to the saints
2c) of persons
2c1) those whose care and oversight has been assigned to one [allotted charge], used of Christian churches, the administration of which falls to the lot of presbyters
κλῆρος klēros klay'-ros Probably from G2806 (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose); a die (for drawing chances); by implication a portion (as if so secured); by extension an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively) KJV Usage: heritage, inheritance, lot, part.
The sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, became part of Jacob’s sons, and their children had a lot or portion in inheritance of the sons of Jacob. Jacob had an inheritance to give, and the sons of Joseph now shared equally with Jacob’s eleven other sons.
Genesis 48:6G3588And the G1161 G1549progeny, G3739who G1437ever G1080should be procreated G3326after G3778these G1473will be yours. G1510.8.6 G1909By G3588the G3686name G3588 G80of their brothers G1473 G2564they shall be called G1722in G3588 G1565those G2819lots.
David prophesies regarding a garment being divided into parts and people casting lots for the parts of the clothing. This prophesy is repeated as a fulfillment in the Gospels regarding Jesus. Again, it is a random chance by flipping a coin or rolling the dice to see who gets what piece of garment. I suppose rock paper scissors is also an appropriate analogy.
Ps 22:18G1266They divided [2into parts G3588 G24401my garments] G1473 G1438to themselves; G2532and G1909over G3588 G2441my clothes G1473 G906they cast G2819a lot.
Matt 27:35G4717And having crucified G1161 G1473him, G1266they divided G3588 G2440his garments, G1473 G906casting G2819a lot; G2443that G4137should be fulfilled G3588the thing G4483having been spoken G5259by G3588the G4396prophet, G1266They divided G3588 G2440my garments G1473 G1438among themselves, G2532and G1909over G3588 G2441my clothes G1473 G906they cast G2819a lot
People used this type of game as a way to settle something, but the results were by chance and random. Whoever got the right combinations of lots got Jesus’ garments.
Those nations who overtook Israel at various times in history also played gambling games. These nations cast lots over the children they captured. They then gambled boys to prostitutes, or sold them into prostitution, and gambled or sold girls for wine and alcohol. Human trafficking is not new and children are usually the most vulnerable. The predetermined aspect is that these children were taken captive; the random aspect is that they could end up as prostitutes, slaves, or as in Daniel’s case spiritual counselors.
Joel 3:3 G2532And G1909[3over G3588 G2992my people G1473 G906they cast G2819lots]; G2532and G1325gave G3588the G3808boys G4204to harlots, G2532and G3588[the G2877young women G4453sold]G473for G3588 G3631wine, G2532and G4095drank.
It is interesting to notice how low a position children held at this time period. We might believe that we have advanced as civilized humans, but we still do not protect children worldwide like we should; as attested to by the culture of rape and pedophilia around the globe. While people go through horrific situations, the choice to choose eternal life or eternal death is still theirs to make. But recognizing that Jesus was tortured on behalf of all mankind shows that he is a personal savior who relates to all humans.
As Paul gives his testimony to Agrippa, he recites Jesus’ words to him on the road to Damascus. It is interesting that Jesus says he hand picked him out of the people and nations. At any time Paul could have said no. At any point in time Paul could have said he would not follow Jesus. But Paul had been following a dead religion and persecuting those who chose Jesus. So on one hand it is Jesus who chose Paul, but on the other Paul still had to choose Jesus.
Acts 26:16G235But G450rise up, G2532and G2476stand G1909upon G3588 G4228your feet! G1473 G1519[in G3778this G1063For] G3708I appeared G1473to you, G4400to handpick G1473you G5257as an assistant G2532and G3144witness G3739both of what G5037 G1492you beheld, G3739and of what G5037 G3708I shall make known G1473to you;
17G1807taking you out G1473 G1537from G3588the G2992people G2532and G3588the G1484nations, G1519unto G3739whom G3568now G1473I shall send you, G649
18G455to open G3788their eyes, G1473 G3588 G1994to turn G575from G4655darkness G1519unto G5457light, G2532and G3588the G1849authority G3588 G4567of Satan G1909unto G3588 G2316God, G3588 G2983for them to receive G1473 G859a release G266of sins, G2532and G2819a lot G1722among G3588the ones G37having been sanctified G4102by the belief G3588 G1519in G1473me.
We only hear about the people who accept the offer of eternal life. We never hear about those who rejected the offer. There was a ruler who asked Jesus what he should do to receive eternal life, Luke 18:18-ff. The ruler didn’t like the answer, and Jesus commented that it was harder for a rope (not a camel, that is a mistranslation) to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. But people on the predestined path of eternal life receive a portion or a lot among the sanctified, set apart, believers. That may not seem as great a deal as riches on earth and it is the age old question that the devil poses to us, however the question is misguided. The devil asks “riches now?” or “uncertainty later?” That is how the devil asks the question. But the real question should be posed as “eternal life or eternal death?”
Col 1:12G2168giving thanks G3588to the G2316God G2532and G3962father, G3588to the one G2427making us fit G1473 G1519in G3588the G3310portion G3588of the G2819lot G3588of the G39holy ones G1722in G3588the G5457light;
Those who believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior receive a portion of the lot of the holy ones. That would be as opposed to those who do not believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior and do not receive a portion of anything. There is a clear choice and we get to choose.
Peter points out that there are some who dominate the lots. In other words, there are cheaters who try to make the lots, dice, cards, fall in their favor.
1 Peter 5:3G3366nor G5613as G2634one dominating G3588the G2819lots, G235but G5179[models G1096becoming] G3588for the G4168flock.
Peter is suggesting that we voluntarily oversee the flock out of love and not be like those who control the lots. What he is suggesting is that the practice of gambling for things, needed an overseer. To prevent cheating someone would have to watch to see if the dice are loaded, or the cards marked, or the roulette wheel weighted, and that was a tough job. Probably a job most people hated. It is interesting to recognize that this practice of casting lots was commonly used by people and people found a way to cheat the system.
There are many choices we make in life. We choose, Yahweh chooses, others choose. Choice simply means to select.
1586 ἐκλέγομαι eklegomai ek-leg'-om-ahee Middle voice from G1537 and G3004 (in its primary sense); to select KJV Usage: make choice, choose (out), chosen.
Yahweh says something interesting here. He did not choose Israel because they were better or bigger than any of the other nations, he chose them because of the oath he made with their forefathers.
Deut 7:6G3754For G2992[people G39a holy G1510.2.21you are] G2962to the lord G3588 G2316your God. G1473 G2532And G1473[preferred you G4255 G2962 the lord G3588 G23162your God] G1473 G1510.1to be G1473to him G2992[people G4041a prized] G3844from G3956all G3588the G1484nations, G3745as many as G1909are upon G4383the face G3588of the G1093earth.
7G3756Not G3754because G4181.4you were more numerous G3844than G3956all G3588the G1484nations G4255[prefer G2962 did the lord] G1473you, G2532and G1586chose G1473you; G1473for you G1063 G1510.2.5are G3641.1ones very few G3844of G3956all G3588the G1484nations.
8G235But G3844because G3588the G25lord loved G2962 G1473you, G2532and G1301to observe G3588the G3727oath G3739which G3660he swore G3588to G3962your fathers, G1473 G1806[led G1473you G2962the lord] G1722by G5495[hand G2900a fortified]G2532 and G1722with G1023[arm G5308a high]; G2532and G3084he ransomed G1473you G1537from out of G3624a house G1397of slavery, G1537from G5495the hand G*of Pharaoh G935king G*of Egypt.
9G2532And G1097you shall know G3754that G2962the lord G3588 G2316your God — G1473 G3778this one G2316is God, G3588the G2316trustworthy God, G3588 G4103 G3588the G5442one guarding G3588the G1242covenant G2532and G1656mercy G3588to the G25ones loving G1473him, G2532and G3588to the ones G5442guarding G3588 G1785his commandments G1473 G1519into G5507a thousand G1074generations;
10G2532andG591repaying G3588to the G3404ones detesting G2596his G4383face, G1842to utterly destroy G1473them. G2532And G3780he shall not G1019be slow G3588to the ones G3404detesting; G2596by G4383person G591he shall render what is due G1473to them
Oaths and covenants are very important in the spiritual eyes of Yahweh. Because Noah sought out and served Yahweh, because Shem sought out and served Yahweh, because Abraham sought out and served Yahweh, Yahweh made an oath for their heirs. There were so many times that Yahweh wanted to dispose of Israel, but Moses negotiated on their behalf. Yahweh could have fulfilled his oath through Moses, but instead he led them and protected them. He choose Abraham’s heirs. Now it is Abraham’s heirs who have to make the decision to choose Yahweh. So after 40 years of wandering they enter the Promised Land, and look what Yahweh says.
Judges 10:11G2532And G2036the lord said G2962 G4314to G3588the G5207sons G*of Israel, G3780Is it not G3588the G*Egyptians, G2532and G3588the G*Amorites, G2532and G3588the G5207sons G*of Ammon, G2532and G*Moab, G2532and G246the Philistines,
12G2532and G*Sidonians, G2532and G*Amalek, G2532and G*Canaan G1570.2that squeeze you out? G1473 G2532and G2896you cried out G4314to G1473me, G2532and G4982I delivered G1473you G1537from out of G5495their hand. G1473
13G2532And G1473you G1459abandoned G1473me, G2532and G1398served G2316other gods. G2087 G1223On account of G3778this G3756I will not G4369proceed G3588 G4982to deliver G1473you.
14G897.2Proceed G2532and G994yell G4314to G3588the G2316gods G3739whom G1586you chose G1438for yourselves, G2532and G1473let them G4982deliver G1473you G1722in G2540the time G2347of your affliction! G1473
Yahweh tells them they chose to abandon Him. They chose other gods over Yahweh. They made a poor choice. Yahweh tells them to yell to the gods they chose in their affliction. Clearly these people chose the wrong predetermined path, once they started walking on the path leading to destruction they found that Yahweh would not help them. Not because He doesn’t want to but because they rejected Him.
Daniel shows us a little more about these ideas of choice. At the time, the words that Daniel wrote were sealed until the end of the age. There are two distinct groups here; 1) the many who chose the Lord during the tribulation, and 2) the lawless. Of the ones who chose Yahweh, there are chosen ones who will be whitened and purified by fire and sanctified. Only the intelligent ones will perceive.
Daniel 12:9G2532And G2036he said, G1204GoG*Daniel! G3754for G1719.2[are obstructed G2532and G49725sealed G3588the G3056words] G2193until G2540[time G4009end].
10G1586[shall be chosen G2532and G1588.1whitened G2532and G4448purified by fire G2532and G37sanctified G4183Many]. G2532And G457.1[shall act lawlessly G459 the lawless ones], G2532and G3756[shall not G49204perceive G3956all G459 the lawless ones], G2532but G3588the G3540.1intelligent G4920shall perceive.
11G2532And G575from G2540the time G3883.1of the alteration G3588of the G1734.1perpetual sacrifice, G2532and G3588the G1325putting of G3588the G946abomination G2050of desolation — G2250[days G5507a thousand G1250two hundred G1767.3ninety].
12G3107Blessed is G3588the G5278one enduring G2532and G5348coming G1519into G2250[days G5507a thousand G51452three hundred G5144.73thirty-five].
13G2532And G1473you, G1204go, G1519for G378.1satisfying G4930completion. G2532And G373you shall rest, G2532and G450shall rise up G1519at G3588 G2819your lot G1473 G1519at G4930the completion G2250of days.
Blessed are the ones who endure, the intelligent who have been whitened, purified by fire and sanctified. It seems that making a choice for Yahweh during the tribulation will cause one to suffer to become clean. At that time some may choose Jesus as Messiah but not necessarily mean it; but trial by fire will show who really intends to make Jesus Lord of their life.
Jesus explains that He chose His twelve friends. Let’s think about that. He made the offer for them to follow Him and they accepted. But Jesus chose them to be his closest friends. This is a choice upon the predetermined path of salvation. We know one friend eventually rejected Jesus, and that was prophesied. That one, Judas, made a choice when he was tempted and led away by the devil.
John15:15G3765No longer G1473do I call you G3004 G1401servants, G3754for G3588the G1401servant G3756knows not G1492 G5100what G4160[does G14731his G3588 G2962master]. G1473[you G1161But G2046I have called] G5384friends, G3754for G3956all things G3739which G191I heard G3844from G3588 G3962my father G1473 G1107I made known G1473to you.
16G3756[not G1473You G1473chose me], G1586 G235but G1473I G1586chose G1473you, G2532and G5087appointed G1473you, G2443that G1473you G5217should go G2532and G2590[fruit G5342bear], G2532and G3588 G2590your fruit G1473 G3306should abide; G2443that G3739whatever G5100 G302 G154you should ask G3588the G3962father G1722in G3588 G3686my name, G1473 G1325he should give G1473to you.
18G1487If G3588the G2889world G1473detests you, G3404 G1097know G3754that G1473[me G4412first G14734 before you G3404it detested]!
19G1487If G1537[of G35883the G2889world G1510.7.5you were], G3588the G2889world G302would G3588 G2398[its own G5368be fond of]; G3754but because G1161 G1537[of G3588the G2889world G3756you are not], G1510.2.5 G235but G1473I G1586chose G1473you G1537from out of G3588theG2889world,G1223on account of G3778this G3404[detests G14734you G3588the G28892world].
Notice that Jesus says the world hates them because He chose them from out of the world. The path to eternal life is not in the world, nor is it of the world. The path to eternal life is a spiritually predestined path where the ones on it are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Even on this path there are choices to be made; and God chose the moronic things of the world to disgrace the wise.
1 Cor 1:25G3754For G3588the G3474moronish G3588 G2316of God G4680[wiser than G35883the wisdom G4444of men G1510.2.3is]; G2532and G3588the G772weakness G3588 G2316of God G2478[stronger than G3588the strength G444of men G1510.2.3is].
26G991For you seeG1063 G3588 G2821your calling, G1473 G80brethren, G3754that G3756there are not G4183many G4680wise G2596according toG4561flesh, G3756not G4183many G1415mighty, G3756not G4183many G2104well-born.
27G235But G3588the G3474moronish G3588of the G2889world G1586God chose, G3588 G2316 G2443that G3588the G4680wise G2617should be disgraced; G2532and G3588the G772weak G3588of the G2889world G1586God chose, G3588 G2316 G2443that G2617[should be disgraced G3588the G2478strong].
28G2532And G3588the G36ignoble G3588of the G2889world, G2532and G3588the ones G1848being treated with contempt G1586God chose, G3588 G2316 G2532and G3588the things G3361not G1510.6being; G2443that G3588the things G1510.6being G2673he should render useless;
No matter which path we are on, we could boast in our own selves or our own choices. We could be on the path of salvation and eternal life but think that we achieved that path according to our works or our abilities. Therefore what seems logical is made moronic, such as grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It makes little sense to weigh grace, mercy, and forgiveness so that we receive that portion of what we give out, but that is part of the terms and conditions of the path we are on.
Paul is writing to the Saints at Ephesus. He is writing to those random people already on the predetermined path of salvation. Those people made the choice when the offer was made to them. Those who choose eternal life were then chosen to be made holy and unblemished, and adopted.
Eph 1:3G2128Blessed be G3588the G2316God G2532and G3962father G3588 G2962of our Lord G1473 G*Jesus G5547Christ, G3588the one G2127having blessed G1473us G1722with G3956every G2129[2blessing G4152spiritual] G1722in G3588the G2032heavenlies G1722in G5547Christ;
4G2531as G1586he chose G1473us G1722in G1473him G4253before G2602the founding G2889of the world, G1510.1for us to be G1473 G39holy G2532and G299unblemished G2714before G1473him G1722in G26love.
5G4309Having predefined G1473us G1519for G5206adoption G1223through G*Jesus G5547Christ G1519to G1473himself, G2596according to G3588the G2107good-pleasure G3588 G2307of his will, G1473
4309LSJ Gloss:προορίζω to determine beforehand, to predetermine, pre-ordain
Dodson: προορίζωI foreordain, predetermineI foreordain, predetermine, mark out beforehand.
Strong’s: προορίζω to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine Derivation: from G4253 and G3724; KJV Usage: determine before, ordain, predestinate.
Thayer:
1) to predetermine, decide beforehand
2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity
3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand
προορίζω proorizō pro-or-id'-zo From G4253 and G3724; to limit in advance, that is, (figuratively) predetermine KJV Usage: determine before, ordain, predestinate.
Part of the predetermined path of the mystery was that people would be adopted as children. This is why the devil doesn’t give people all the details regarding the choice. If we were simply choosing riches now, and uncertainty later we might choose the sure thing, riches now, rather than gamble our sure bet. But if all the details of the path of eternal life were exposed from the beginning, the devil would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. Jesus would still be on the earth, the devil would still hold the keys to hell and death, and we would not be sealed with the Holy Spirit.
It takes faith to enter the path of salvation. How far we intend to walk is our choice. If we choose to change paths, we can. If we are on the path of eternal death and we choose to continue to walk on that path we can. If we choose to leave that path for eternal life we can. We make the choices. Yahweh chose all of us, but he gets the random group who choose Him. The paths are predestined toward eternal life or eternal death from before the foundations of the world. We choose.
