Question:
Could you please explain the following passages of Scripture? Do these verses teach that the destiny of every soul was determined before birth—even before the foundation of the world? (Romans 9:18–23; 8:28–30; Ephesians 1:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 1:26, 28; 1 Peter 1:11)
Answer:
The question of election is not as complex as it may seem if we remember a few guiding principles. To begin, Scripture indicates that the destiny of every soul is not unchangeably fixed. For example, 2 Peter 1:10 urges believers: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” If a person’s destiny were absolutely predetermined, such an exhortation would be unnecessary. Similarly, passages like Hebrews 3:14—”We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end”—and Matthew 24:13—”The one who endures to the end will be saved”—imply that perseverance matters.
Modern translations can cause some confusion. Revelation 13:8 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” This phrasing highlights that Christ, even before creation, was regarded as the sacrificial Lamb, emphasizing that the plan of salvation was established from the very beginning, though Christ’s actual sacrificial death was yet future. By contrast, other translations, such as the NASB, present it as: “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” This translation seems to emphasize the idea that salvation was predetermined for certain individuals.
Regardless of which version you are reading, there is a principle that must be understood: What God values above all else is character. That is more precious to Him than anything. If names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life from before the foundation of the world, they represent types of character. God calls the children of this earth to embody one of those characters. For instance, God called Cain to a particular character, but when Cain failed, someone else was called to take his place. This is evident from Revelation 3:11: “Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” Such warnings only make sense if there is a real possibility of loss.
Third, with these principles in mind, the challenging texts can be harmonized. Take Romans 9:18–23: this passage presents God’s sovereign power, His right to act as He wills, and His patience and kindness. It does not suggest that Pharaoh was born solely for destruction; rather, God elevated him to a position where His power and glory could be revealed—whether through Pharaoh’s obedience, as with Nebuchadnezzar, or through his resistance. Pharaoh chose not to cooperate and thus fell under God’s judgment, but in both cases God’s glory was displayed.
Romans 8:28–30 illustrates that God is able to bring to completion all who yield to Him and submit to His ways. Properly understood, election is a source of great comfort; misunderstood, it can be discouraging.
