What is predestination?
This is God’s plan for every human person. It is a subset of God’s providence which is God’s plan for everything in the universe.
How do we know that God has a plan for everything in the universe?
Jesus teaches us this. When He sent out His disciples to preach, he comforted them with the knowledge that God knows all things, even the hairs on their head.
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28-31)
What is God’s plan for every human person?
God has in His perfect sovereignty decided to save some and to leave others in their sin.
Who has God decided to save?
God does not reveal to us the names of those whom He has chosen. He only tells us what kind of people He has chosen.
What kind of people has God chosen to save?
Those who are trusting in Jesus and keeping God’s commands.
So God chooses to save all those whom He knows will trust in Jesus?
No, God’s choice is the cause of their believing, and their believing is the effect of His choice.
Where does the Bible teach that God has chosen some to be saved?