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Predestination

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Predestination in the Bible?

Predestination denotes the theological concept that God, according to His sovereign will, has eternally determined the ultimate destiny of individuals, specifically regarding salvation. Rooted in scriptural interpretation, this doctrine emphasizes divine sovereignty and the assurance of eternal life for the elect.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding predestination clarifies the biblical emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and grace, helping readers comprehend how scriptural passages address the security of the believer and the nature of divine election.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Predestination. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Predestination in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Predestination clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Predestination." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/predestination/
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