Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 9/18/2008

Question
I am doing a speech and I need to know what God or Jesus says about fate in the Bible. If you could give me specific verses that wouls be great.
Thank you,
Natalie

Answer
Dear Natalie,
   Thanks for writing.  If you mean "fate," not "faith," then you will probably not find that term in most Bible translations.  
   The concept of your future being predestined is in the Bible, if you search under election, called, etc. www.blueletterbible.org   Read Romans 9 and cross references for verses describing the concepts promoted by Calvinism, that teaches limited atonement (Jesus died only for the predestined elect rather than for all) and irresistible grace of God (God draws, or gives grace to be able to be saved, only to the predestined elect).
   The other view on this subject, usually considered Armenian, is that God draws all humans (John 12:32), and that God has created humans (but no other created thing) in His image, giving them (but no other created thing) a choice to resist God's grace, or cease resisting His grace to be saved.
   The two concepts of "free will" and "predestination" are in tension, but I believe equally true as is "one God" and the "Trinity."  Foreknowledge is obviously part of God's sovereignty, and God's plan to give humans choice, rather than have robots, doesn't (for me) diminish God's ultimate control in all.  
   God's glory, or Him getting the credit for salvation rather than our choice getting the credit, is probably the bottom line.  Whether you interpret some passages with heavier emphasis than other passages of the Bible, it's still true that salvation is from God, not from our efforts.  It's also true that the Bible teaches changes in our behavior and attitude as a result of God's salvation.
   Anyway, a speech on this subject would cover more than I can mention to you.  It would involve verses and concepts throughout the whole Bible.
   Study of God's Word is always good, and your speech may inspire you to look at His Word in a fresh light.  I pray that you grow in His grace through this project.
   Priscilla