Today's Devotion: 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. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ro 8:29)

This passage is often used to justify the predestination of souls to heaven. Others view it in terms of encouragement and perseverance to hope.

Today's Comments: The Calvinist view suggests that we were chosen by God from the beginning of time, or from before our birth, as an elect person to participate in His heavenly kingdom. The Arminian view suggests that our predestination is solely the result of a foreknowledge that God has about all human beings concerning their salvation. In other words, God knew from the beginning who would be accepting of His grace.

I certainly prefer the Arminian view. I think that it makes more sense, considering the fact that in both the New and Old Testament, God tolerated much more that we were entitled to expect from Him, before He exercised punishment against man. But reality suggests that we have no way of ever knowing how God thinks. Instead, we should focus on trying to do His will and guide ourselves accordingly. For in the end, it is God's will that is most important, and we are put forth on this world to please God. And we must trust in God that he knows our hearts and will give us what we truly and justly deserve.