Predestination is not Fatalism

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(Boettner)

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." Ephesians 1:11

Fatalism implies that all events come to pass through the working of a blind, unintelligent, impersonal non-moral force which cannot be distinguished from physical necessity and carries us helplessly within its grasp as a mighty river carries a piece of wood.

Predestination teaches that from all eternity God has had one unified purpose which He is bringing to perfection through this world order of events.

The power of God is that ability and strength whereby He is able to bring to pass . . .
whatsoever He pleases,
whatsoever His infinite wisdom may direct, and
whatsoever the infinite purity of His will may resolve.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God--to those who are called according to His purpose.
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son;
and these whom He predestined, He also called;
and these whom He called, He also justified;
and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-3
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"Predestination, according to the Holy Scriptures, is that free and unfettered counsel of God by which He rules all mankind and all things, and also all parts and particles of the world by His infinite wisdom and incomprehensible justice." John Calvin
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"Scripture everywhere teaches that even the minutest details of life are of divine ordering!" Louis Louis Berkhof
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"Nothing can happen in this world without God's permission. There is no such thing in reality, as chance, accident, or luck!" J.C. Ryle
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"What a sad world this would be--were it governed by Fate! Were its blended lights and shadows, its joys and sorrows--the result of capricious accident--or blind and wayward chance! How blessed to think that each separate circumstance which befalls me--is the fulfillment of God's own immutable purpose!" John MacDuff

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