I had a request to put together the main articles from A. T. Jones and E. J. Waggoner on the topic of Predestination. This booklet is the result. I’ve filed it under A. T. Jones, but the larger part of the booklet is by E. J. Waggoner.
The Advent message brought three lines of thought to clarify the meaning of “predestination”:
- The will of God (upon which His predestination is based).
Ephesians 1
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.The will of God is expressed in His law. Therefore, God’s predestination includes obedience to His law. There is no such thing as being “predestined” to salvation, while disobeying the commandments of God.
- The Judgment of the Church.
Revelation 14
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.The judgment mentioned in these verses is not the judgment of all the wicked of all ages, for that takes place during the millennium, and is administered after that time is over. Neither is it the judgment of the wicked living on the Earth up until the return of Christ, for their judgment takes place during the seven last plagues. Therefore, it can only be the judgment of those who profess to be Christians. This judgment takes place before Christ returns, because when He returns, “His reward is with Him.” This judgment is based on works, “patient continuance in well-doing.” Romans 2:7, 13. Therefore, there is no such thing as a predestination that avoids the judgment.
- The character of God in the great controversy.
God’s character is on trial, because of the accusations of Satan, and sinners. Doctrines that misrepresent God’s character or His government, that make Him appear to be unfair, or to favor some above others arbitrarily, will not give a positive witness to clear His name. Therefore, the correct view of “predestination” will justify God, and exalt His goodness.
These are some of the main Advent truths that illuminated the doctrine of predestination, and set it in a proper light. And this is the gist of the articles contained in this booklet. 41p
Contents
- God’s High Destiny for Man
- God’s Foreknowledge
- Who Are Israelites?
- Foreknowledge and Foreordination
- Predestination (1898)
- The Freedom of the Will
- Predestination (1903)
