37 Interesting Bible Verses About Predestination

by Ryan Hart | Updated on December 20, 2018 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Image of Predestination

In this post you’ll discover the most interesting bible verses about predestination and the doctrine of election.

In fact:

There are many scriptures in the bible that seem to support predestination. Yet, there are others that are clearly against predestination. For this reason I included bible verses on both sides of the Calvinism debate.

Ready to find out what the bible says about predestination?

Let’s get started.

Bible Verses that Support Predestination

Isaiah 45:12-13

I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Psalm 65:4

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Proverbs 16:4

The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Luke 18:7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Acts 15:17-18

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

Romans 8:28-30

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Romans 8:33

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Romans 9:11

For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth

Romans 9:15-16

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Romans 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel

Romans 11:5-7

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more* grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more* grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory

Ephesians 1:5

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will

Ephesians 1:11

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

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

Titus 1:1

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Revelation 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Bible Verses Against Predestination

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Romans 8:29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Matthew 16:25

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Romans 9:15-18

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for* this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Romans 6:16

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

James 5:19-20

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Matthew 6:10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Romans 3:26

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Luke 6:47

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like

Matthew 10:32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Scripture quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bible Verses About Predestination

Now It's Your Turn

And now I want to hear from you.

Which of these bible verses resonated with you?

Are there any scriptures about predestination that I should add to this list?

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

About the Author:
Ryan Hart

Ryan Hart is a licensed insurance agent, writer, and former home designer. He is on a mission to help couples protect their homes in retirement with life insurance and annuities.

Want to connect with Ryan? Click here to get his FREE retirement planning newsletter

[Comments are closed]
Comments:
Ryan Hart
Which bible verse was most helpful? Please leave a comment and let me know.
Phillip T Ammar
Hi Ryan. Acts 2:21 was most helpful for me. I noticed that all the Bible verses against predestination are from the New Testament. And that's why I support the Free Will side of the arguement. But I do think that there are certain circumstances where God still plans out people's lives ahead of time. But not everyone. I know that He gave me the free will to be saved and I'm very happy for it. God bless you!
Liza Adolpho
Thanks for sharing these articles. Will you be featuring more of them in the future?
Joseph Blough
This is a silly way of arguing the issue from a theological standpoint. Are we to pick and choose which bible verses are true? So if I fall on the side of not believing in predestination, what do I do with the voluminous scriptures that state that doctrine outright? Even the fact that God chose Israel for His people, they did not choose Him. Predestination scriptures and themes are all through the bible. We can't just throw them out or say, "I don't understand them, therefore I won't deal with it." Clearly, there is another option here. That being we accept this scriptural truth even though we don't completely understand it. We do that with infinity, and God is infinite. We do that with the holy trinity. The problem with your argument is you misunderstand how all the scriptures you quoted that you say are against predestination are actually compatible with them. In other words, the fact that God asks us to choose Him does not preclude that He predestined you and gave you the ability to choose Him. Consider this: repentance is a gift from God, not something you can do on your own. Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.” Acts 11:17-18 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30-31 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
Danny D
Thank you for sharing these verses about repentance being a gift from God as The Scripture says that God is the one that worketh in us both to Will and to do out of his good pleasure so whoever wills is actually whoever God has given the gift to repent and has worked in him to Will and to do out of his good pleasure.
Arby H.
Ryan, thank you for putting this resource together. I've been looking for a resource like this. I had a question, what's the angle on Romans 9:15-18. It seemed to be more supportive of predestination. Would you please elaborate?
clinton shedd
I trust God and willingly accept that I dont have to understand it all.....but God gave Adam a choice.... and choice is evident in many of His promises (If we....then God will), so it is clear that CHOICE is an integral part of Gods plan. Two points important to my decision on the issues are as follows... 1- It is difficult for me to get past one question every time I hear a discussion on this topic.... Can someone please explain how it is consistent with the nature of God for Him to ask His children to go out and preach the Gospel of Christ to a world that cant choose? I haven't heard an acceptable explanation yet. #2- Some of the verses in the article are clearly referring to God's "foreknowledge", which is definitely NOT the same thing as "predestinate". That is one reason I find Romans 8:28 to be the strongest of all the verses on this topic because BOTH "predestinate" and "foreknowledge" are presented to us in the same paragraph. So I find it interesting in Romans 8:28 that Paul FIRST writes.... "for whom God did "FOREKNOW"..... THEN AFTER....Paul follows with..... "He ALSO did PREDESTINATE to be CONFORMED to the image of His Son" That seems to place a timeline of... 1- God "foreknew" who would "choose" to believe.... 2- THEN those God "foreknew" would CHOOSE to believe in Christ... 3 - God ALSO THEN "predestined" to be CONFORMED to the image of His Son. In my limited understanding that description is also VERY CONSISTENT with Pauls later statement in Philippians 1:6 that "GOD who hath began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (AMEN and Praise Christ!) So until the Holy Spirit reveals and confirms something different to me in Gods word, that is how I interpret Romans and I am at total peace with it. Isn't it time for us ALL to stop trying to understand everything in the plan of GOD (we cant) , AND stop presenting a divided church to this lost world in our videos, online posts, and fruitless debates over ALL the "ISMS" created by MAN! AND INSTEAD.... RE-DIRECT ALL THAT ENERGY INTO SHOWING THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO THE ALL THE HURTING PEOPLE AROUND US. Isn't that what we, the children of GOD, are called out to do? The most important action we must take over everything else is to shine the light of Christ's LOVE into the lives of people. In these final days so many people will face their most critical CHOICE (aha!) of all! BELIEVE.... OR NOT..... THAT JESUS IS LORD! Church...Its time to focus our eyes SOLELY on JESUS CHRIST!! Praise His holy name!!
Anthony Middleton
Yes I agree. I've studied this throughly and have concluded, having spoken to others in our church also, that we could debate this for the rest of our lives and never confidently conclude the matter. Even if we could, it would make no difference to us as Christians as we don't know who will respond to Gods word and who will not, therefore, we must speak to everyone and let God be God. God bless.
John Doe
None of the scripture you listed actually contradicts Calvinistic doctrine but this is a solid compilation of passages!
Junior
Are we predestined to be saved? What about free will? Or is salvation predestined ?
Matt
I would encourage you to read Romans 9 in its entirety to help you answer those questions.
Mike
And when you’re done Romans 9, start again at Romans 1 and read to the end of the Romans. Romans 11 will clear up some confusion. Context matters.
Ernie
God knows everything. He knew us before we were born, what color our eyes would be, if we were going to be male or female, the number of hairs that would be on our head. He knows our comings and goings and knows every decision we will ever make before we even make them. His ways are so much higher than ours, how can we even begin to understand them? He is the creator of all things and gave us free will. Since He knows everything about us, He also knows who are His and who are not. Does that mean we should stop trying to tell others about Him and what He has done for us? Does that give us permission to deny others of hearing the Good News of Jesus that might save them? Does it give us a free pass to avoid telling others about Jesus? No. How would they know that they are even need of a savior when faith comes by hearing? Rather than focusing on this topic of predestination, we need to get the Gospel out and show love to as many as possible in hopes that it wakes them up and they will return to our Lord and Savior before His return. Our King is coming soon, rise up and be about His business! May God bless each and every one of you.
Jeremy Lee Finch
There are no scriptures that support or do not support the doctrine of predestination. This man made doctrine is completely foreign to scripture. No scriptures says what calvinism TEACHES that is says. There's one view the bible supports and that's the biblical view.
Plan Your Retirement in Just 3 Minutes a Day

The latest 401k, Medicare, and Social Security news — in your inbox — every morning.

Try the FREE newsletter