Information Related to "Questions and Answers - Jul/Aug 2000"
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Questions & Answers
Q: In the article on abortion in the most recent issue, you quote Psalm 139:13-16 to demonstrate God's concern for the unborn. Do you therefore believe that the statement "In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed" implies that our lives are predetermined by God? If not, why not?
P.A., Toledo, Ohio
A: The Bible simply does not teach that God predetermines our lives, especially in the sense of ultimate salvation. Some hold to this idea, which is called predestination. But from the beginning God has always given intelligent beings the faculty of choice. This includes the angels, Adam and Eve, the children of Israel and all people down through history.
Notice that Psalm 139 concludes with a prayer for deliverance from sin and asks God's guidance in learning His everlasting ways. Why would David ask that if he knew his salvation were assured no matter what? This request shows that he clearly didn't see himself as being guaranteed salvation. He knew that he, like all of us, needed God's direction to find the right path.
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