INTRODUCTION:
This question comes from 2 sources
Calvinism – Predestination
– life is set and can’t be
changed – birth to death, how, where, when you will die is pre-set, can’t be
changed.
NOTE:
This view removes any personal faith, obedience or action. All events in my
life are predetermined, beyond my control. If I am bad, it is God’s fault.
Belief in Providence – God is able to lead and direct us, answer prayer
Does God have a plan? Can I foil that plan?
Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a good man are ordered by Jehovah
Proverbs 20:24 – Man’s steps are of Jehovah
Isaiah 47:13 – Exhausted by making own plans, let astrologers and stargazers save you
Micah 4:12 – They do not know the plans of Jehovah
Proverbs 16:9 – Jehovah directs his steps
2 Samuel 14:14 – God does not take a life, but has devised plans
Jeremiah 10:23 – It is not in man who walks to direct his steps
Isaiah 45:13 – I have raised him up, I will direct all his ways
Proverbs 3:6 – He shall direct your paths
Luke 1:76-79 – To guide our feet in the way of peace
There are many more passages that teach this.
We are still free to make choices – good and bad
We are free to follow His lead – or depart from it
Read all the “whosoever” passages – John 3:15
Study 1 Samuel 2:27-31
God had a plan
Man messed up – made wrong choices
God changed the plans
Ephesians 1:3-6 – Predestined to the adoption of sons
The word means – determinate purpose (see Easton quote below) – I decide what my purpose, plans and goals are. Then I determine to seek fulfillment of that purpose.
Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary – Predestination
This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all events.