Some more interesting interpretations of predestination verses I have encountered.
Isaiah 46
10 I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are far from righteousness.
13 I am bringing my righteousness near,
it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my splendor to Israel.
Comment from free will believer:
"Verse 10 only means God has foreknowledge, not that he predestined everything, because that would mean God has predestined murder, etc. Verse 11 must be looked at in context of Verse 13. ie. God brings to pass his plans for Israel, not everything. "
Ephesians 1:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Comment from free will believer:
"Clearly God cannot work all things. The all things in verse 11 must be looked at in context of verse 10. It is only all things in Christ that are worked according to God's plan.
Romans 9: all the verses about God is the potter, God makes vessels for honor & dishonor, etc
Comment from free will believer:
"Clearly Romans 9 is only talking about Israel. This doesn't mean he predestines us to be honorable or dishonorable. And it could only be talking about Israel as a nation, not as individuals."
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Comment from free will believer:
"God predestines based on whom he foreknew. This doesn't mean foreknowledge = predestination otherwise it would read 'for those God predestined he also predestined'. Again, God can see who will believe him and then predestines those to be saved."
etc.
Sigh.
My comment: backwards logic stretched to the limit puts the cart before the horse and the egg before the chicken!
Kevin