Bible Discussion Thread

John 6 on Predestination.

This appears to be the longest chapter in scripture outside Psalm 119 and the Genealogies. The theme of verse 37; 39; 44 and 65 continue to hammer out the exclusivity of all those called; chosen and therefore elected by God the Father for Christ to be revealed to. This is interwoven throughout the book of John in particular; but is evident in many other scriptures as well.

Notice the approach of Christ; He is continuing to "weed" out those who are truly going to be disciples from all those following Him for other reasons. He always waits for questions from people; then responds with the true condition of their hearts; then explains what is really going on to blind men to the truth.

First we see those who were fed that tenaciously went to the other side of the lake of Tiberius after they wondered how Christ got across to the other side. He didn't bother telling them that He walked on the water; simply stated that they should believe in v. 29 before the first statement in v. 34 on God's election.

Verses 41-43 show the problem in not recognizing Jesus as God in the flesh. He gets back into election in v. 44; then into the subject of living manna. The subject of eating Hs flesh and drinking His blood were meant to describe what goes on in the spirit. Certain disciples at that time left Him. Despite the 12 affirming His deity; Christ knew that one chosen to be the son of perdition would betray Him. (v. 70). This had to be hidden from everyone else lest they stop God's plan from coming to total fruition. The ways of God are beyond our comprehension ( Deut. 29:29).

I am trying to get beyond a mere academic exercise in this study. That is why I mentioned the questioning of people; Christ's response then his more mysterious and hidden commentary on those who would or would not hear His voice. His parables; along with wanting to hide His notoriety all fit into His own predestined course of which He would not deviate. It seems He only "seals the deal" with any particular individuals when He mentions blasphemy against the Spirit. Clearly; there were Pharisees who believed mixed in with those who didn't although many were afraid because of their reputations.

On a deeper level; it is important witnessing to others to realize why the same message may be accepted or rejected; and also to understand why some seem to fall away at times unexpectantly. We; of course are not to be using any of this as an excuse not to witness. It just puts the focus on God ultimately. First and foremost; we go out declaring His truth because of His name's sake and the fact that we are not ashamed of the Gospel. Even Christ mentioned that one sows; another reaps; as apparently others had sometimes spoken about Christ besides Him and the Disciples. When we see Christ even speaking to His own family about who truly were His "mothers; brothers; sisters; etc. ( Matt. 12:49). we see that His priority was on the Kingdom of God; and His prayers were for His children as we are all adopted as Sons.

This is something that I didn't understand 40 years ago when I made a confession of faith; nor did many in my Baptist fellowship. The focus of course should always be on God's attributes; His holiness and such. This is one aspect of His character. It sort of helps to put the prophetic puzzle pieces together for Satan and his minions and fallen man as we come to the inevitable final conflagration. There is interaction between us and God as well resulting in true repentance and change on our part in all those who hear His voice and "know" Him.

Interesting stuff. There is also found in Romans 8 regarding predestination and who we are in Christ, one of my favorite chapters in the bible. God bless.