Understanding the Call of God

To understand God it is important to know some things about God. For example, it is important to know that God is omniscient. This is particularly important to understand the seeming contradiction between the verse in 2 Peter 3:9, which says, “God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but desiring all to come to repentance,” and the verse in Romans 8:30, which says, “Those he predestined, he also called.”

Since the dictionary definition of “predestined” is defined as, “Predetermined by divine will or fate,” many might understandably ask why, if God desires that all should be saved, does he only call some? On the surface this appears to be a contradiction.

A closer examination of the text resolves this apparent contradiction (and this is why context is so important when determining a correct understanding of Scripture). We find the resolution in verses 28 and 29, where we read: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of all who know him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

In my Bible I have highlighted the words “those God foreknew.” The word foreknew means “knew in advance.” This is where an understanding of Gods “omniscience” comes in. Once I grasped this, I was able to come to a better understanding of these verses and to resolve, in my own mind, how to reconcile these verses.

Since God knows in advance who will accept or reject him, it is understandable that he would call those whom he already knew would accept that call; even though he would want ALL to accept it.

And here, God’s granting us free will comes into play. False logic leads us to the faulty conclusion that God sends some to hell, when in fact true logic reveals some go to hell of their own choosing. To choose to reject God and his offer of salvation (an offer made to all) is to choose an eternity in hell.