Predetermination and Choice (in the sense of desire) from God's Perspective

Some people think God predetermined Jesus’ death in the sense that he chose to die for our sins as if it were his desire. Of course, in God’s plan, God did predetermine every event in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It was not accidental, nor was it something God knew would happen but could not prevent. God did determine each event and persons involved in the cross event beforehand. 

 

However, did Jesus desire this painful method for people’s emancipation? No. Therefore, he prayed, “If you can, take this cup of suffering away from me.” So how do we understand this phenomenon of God predetermining his death yet not choosing it? We can compare this scenario with drinking a bitter medicine for the only cure. Rarely would anybody desire this option if another less painful alternative is available. 

 

Nevertheless, if this is the only possible way, they will still choose it with the better end result in mind. Similarly, God had no other option left to simultaneously solve all the problems of the fall –hatred, sin, evil, devil, violence, death, and decay– except the less desirable option of dying on a cross and rising again. 

 

Why was the cross the only way? Because any other way would contradict the nature of God. God is love. Therefore, suppose Jesus defeated evil and the devil with hatred and violence. He might still bring justice to those harassed by evil. However, in the process, Jesus would deny his nature. Jesus would not remain a loving God, nor would he prove that love is always more powerful than hatred and violence. That is why he chose the more challenging way for himself and perhaps for you.

 

Let us consider the implications of this thinking. Suppose God has a plan for your life. However, the people and circumstances against its materialization seem overwhelming. How must you evaluate the possible happenings and outcomes? First, know that God can do it anyway because God cannot lie. However, you and I do not know which way he has in mind. Of course, God has predetermined everything in your life as he did in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Still, you would likely go through a tumultuous journey to reach the end goal. You may wonder why God opted for this way when he could have accomplished it easily some other way.

 

Further, you may feel resentment towards God. You may think he is cruel. Why would God choose a more challenging path to accomplish his promise in your life and choose a more comfortable path for somebody else? It would seem like God is showing partiality. Even so, if you think about it in the following way, the hindrances created by others and circumstances against God’s promises in your life would seem tolerable. What’s more, it would still keep God in your good books. 

 

First, let us rule out the wrong ways of thinking about this scenario. 1. God permitted: If you think God allowed suffering in your life, you will make God a condoner of evil. 2. God could not stop others from abusing their free will: if you think this way, you may feel God is powerless. However, the following three-stage approach would help you better understand God and his work. 

 

1. God predetermined everything in your life, including all your pains, sufferings, challenges, and enemies. 2. However, he did not desire many of those things. It was painful for you and for him because you are his. 3. Still, like the bitter medicine or the cross –in God’s book– that was the only way God could fulfill his promises in your life without denying his nature or yours. In sum, God did not desire the more challenging and painful way, but that was the only way for him to accomplish his purpose for you without denying his nature: Love. 

 

Therefore, if hardships arrive, think of these three factors in sequence. 1. God predetermined every event and person –good or bad– in your life. 2. However, God did not desire many painful events in your life. God is not a sadist. He was sad when you were sad. God’s heart ached when you were in pain. He did not like those happenings that hurt your life. 3. Still, that was the only way for God to accomplish his purpose for your life without denying his nature. Therefore, remember, God predetermined your sufferings does not imply that God desired your sufferings.