O futuro está determinado | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

The Future is Determined

Introduction to the Sermon

• The sermon titled "The Future is Determined" is part of a series called "Because I am not Arminian." It references Acts 2:23, emphasizing that Jesus was delivered by God's predetermined counsel and foreknowledge.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

• The speaker discusses the duality of responsibility in Jesus' death, attributing it both to God's sovereignty and human actions. God determined Jesus' death, yet humans are also responsible for crucifying Him.

• Emphasizes that God is sovereign over all events; nothing occurs without divine consent, including minor details like a falling hair or a sparrow's death. This includes both good and evil actions.

Free Will vs. Divine Foreknowledge

• The speaker argues that while God has predetermined all things, humans still act freely according to their corrupt nature. This freedom does not negate God's sovereignty but coexists with it.

• Critiques the Arminian perspective on foreknowledge as viewing God merely as a spectator rather than an active determiner of future events, contrasting this with biblical teachings on divine sovereignty.

Reactions to Divine Determinism

• Highlights how modern Arminians react negatively when confronted with the idea that God determines every aspect of life, citing Psalm 139 as evidence of God's intimate knowledge and control over individual lives.

• Questions the logic behind an Arminian view where human will can frustrate God's plans, suggesting such beliefs undermine God's omnipotence and authority.

Personal Testimony on Suffering and Sovereignty

• Shares personal experiences of suffering (loss of a child, legal battles) to illustrate how belief in divine determinism provides comfort amidst hardship, asserting that all occurrences serve either punishment for sin or greater good through adversity.

• Argues against anxiety about the future by affirming that everything is under God's meticulous control; thus, there should be no fear regarding what lies ahead if one believes in His sovereignty.

Critique of Arminian Theology

• Challenges the notion within Arminianism that man possesses ultimate autonomy over his choices while denying God's intervention in human affairs; questions how prayer for protection can be meaningful under such beliefs if God cannot intervene.

• Describes Arminianism as absurd due to its implications about nature's autonomy from divine influence; asserts this leads to fatalistic views where chance governs outcomes rather than divine providence.

Conclusion on Divine Control

Understanding Free Will and Divine Sovereignty

The Calvinist Perspective on Free Will

• The speaker asserts that Calvinism does not endorse free will in the Pelagian or Arminian sense, but acknowledges that humans act freely without divine coercion.

• Joe Owen's view is referenced, emphasizing that while God determines all things, humans still possess an active form of free will.

God's Sovereignty vs. Human Choice

• The discussion highlights a misunderstanding of God's sovereignty; it is clarified that God does not consult human choices when determining events. Instead, He acts sovereignly over all creation.

• An example from the Bible illustrates this point: God’s judgment on David for his sin with Bathsheba was predetermined and executed through Absalom's actions, showcasing God's control over events without being passive.

The Nature of Human Actions

• It is emphasized that Absalom acted freely in his decision to commit violence against David's wives; he was not coerced by God but chose to do so out of his own volition.

• Despite God's ability to intervene, He allowed Absalom's actions as part of His divine plan to judge David’s sin, demonstrating a complex relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom.

Clarifying Misconceptions about Free Will

• The speaker addresses misconceptions regarding Calvinism and free will, stating that while they reject Pelagian notions of inherent goodness leading to good actions, they affirm human freedom in choosing evil according to one's desires.

• A distinction is made between different interpretations of free will: true freedom exists in making choices aligned with one’s heart rather than being forced by external factors or internal necessities.

Biblical Examples Supporting the Argument

• References are made to biblical instances where people acted contrary to God's commands (e.g., burning children), illustrating their freedom in choice despite divine warnings against such actions.

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The Purpose of Suffering

• God uses suffering for a greater purpose, as illustrated by the story of Job. Before his trials, Job only knew God through hearsay; after enduring suffering, he gained a deeper understanding of God.

• John 17:3 emphasizes that eternal life is knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of personal knowledge of God over mere belief.

The Analogy of Conflict

• An analogy is presented involving two children fighting; an adult has the power to intervene but chooses not to. This raises questions about responsibility when conflict occurs in their presence.

• If a parent observes this situation, they would likely hold the adult accountable for not preventing the fight, suggesting that having power implies responsibility for outcomes.

Divine Sovereignty Over Events

• The speaker argues that God's sovereignty means He allows events to unfold according to His plan without instilling evil in people's hearts. Instead, He permits actions for a divine purpose.

• A contemporary example involves Israel's recent conflicts; some argue that Israel's openness led to its vulnerabilities, questioning whether this reflects on their sovereignty over such events.

Understanding God's Role in Evil

• The discussion posits that if Israel had the power to prevent attacks but did not act, it could be seen as responsible for those events—paralleling how God operates with humanity regarding good and evil.

• Biblical references are made where God asserts His control over life and death, indicating His sovereignty extends over both good and evil actions without forcing individuals into wrongdoing.

Nature of Free Will

• The nature of free will is explored through examples like wild animals; while humans have free will inclined towards sin due to their corrupt nature, they still act freely within those inclinations.

• Augustine’s perspective is cited: human will is free yet corrupted by sin; thus people act according to their sinful nature while still being held accountable for their choices.

Conclusion on Divine Freedom

• The speaker concludes that while humans can only choose what aligns with their sinful nature now, future redemption will change this dynamic entirely—indicating a transformation in human capability post-redemption where sin no longer exists.

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Human Free Will

The Role of Events in Divine Purpose

• The speaker discusses how certain events serve a greater good, exemplified by Joseph's journey to Egypt, which ultimately led to the salvation of his family, including future generations like Jesus Christ.

God's Control Over Events

• It is emphasized that negative occurrences do not happen randomly; rather, they are part of God's divine plan as stated by Bavin: "Because things are as they are because God willed it." This aligns with Psalm 115:3 and Job's assertion that God's plans cannot be thwarted.

Predestination and Knowledge of the Future

• The speaker argues that God has predetermined the future, citing Acts 2:23 regarding Jesus' crucifixion being part of God's foreknowledge. This suggests that if the future were open-ended, even God could not predict it accurately.

Salvation and Divine Determination

• A reference is made to the concept of a specific group (144,000) being saved, indicating that salvation is not universal but determined by God’s decree. If the outcome were uncertain, it would imply limitations on God's omniscience.

The Nature of Free Will vs. Divine Sovereignty

• An analogy is presented where if one asks God about their whereabouts tomorrow and receives a specific answer, any deviation from this would indicate a failure in divine knowledge—contradicting Arminian views on free will suggesting an open future.

Divine Intervention in Human Choices

• The speaker posits that while humans may feel they have free will in making choices (like going to a restaurant), ultimately, God can intervene at any moment according to His purpose—demonstrating His sovereignty over human actions.

Providence and Omniscience

• It is asserted that God's providence means He orchestrates all events with infallible knowledge of what will occur tomorrow; thus implying no possibility for error or deviation from His plan. This reinforces the idea that the future is predetermined by divine will rather than chance or human choice.

Who Determines the Future?

• A critical question arises regarding who determines the future—whether it's random chance or Satan—and emphasizes that attributing control to anything other than God diminishes His sovereignty and elevates creation above Him. This perspective challenges beliefs held by some theologians about free will without divine determination.

Blasphemy Against Divine Sovereignty

• The speaker critiques views suggesting humans dictate outcomes independent of God’s influence as blasphemous since it implies God must consult humanity rather than acting solely based on His own will and purpose. Such beliefs lead to a misunderstanding of divine authority versus human autonomy.

Mystery in Free Will Theology

• Reference is made to Roger Olson's view on Arminianism where he describes a mystery surrounding how free decisions can exist without prior determination—a stance seen as problematic since it undermines God's ultimate authority over creation and events within it.

Consequences of Denying Divine Sovereignty

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Immutability

The Nature of God’s Decrees

• The speaker emphasizes that questioning God's decrees is blasphemous, asserting the truth of God's omniscience and sovereignty.

• Citing Isaiah, the speaker highlights that God announces future events, indicating His role as a divine decree-maker rather than a mere observer.

• The text asserts that God's will prevails over all creation, emphasizing His authority in determining what will happen throughout history.

Divine Immutability

• The speaker discusses the concept of divine immutability, contrasting it with human imperfection and changeability.

• A Greek myth about a ship's reconstruction serves as an analogy for identity; while humans change physically and morally, their essence remains constant.

• Unlike humans who can change opinions due to limitations, God does not change because He possesses complete knowledge and moral perfection.

Knowledge and Eternity of God

• The speaker explains that God's knowledge is self-sufficient; He does not learn from external sources but knows all things inherently.

• Emphasizing God's eternal nature, the speaker states that He is unaffected by time or location—attributes of His omnipresence.

Biblical Evidence of Sovereignty

• Several biblical passages are cited to illustrate God's sovereignty over life events. For instance, God sees and determines all days before they exist.

• A contrast is drawn between deterministic views (God's foreknowledge vs. Arminian perspectives), arguing that God predetermines actions rather than merely observing them.

Human Agency vs. Divine Will

• The discussion includes how human actions align with divine purpose; even when people act out of malice, they fulfill God's predetermined plan.

• The speaker challenges opposing views on whether death is determined by God or chance, insisting on the necessity to acknowledge divine sovereignty in all circumstances.

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Will

The Nature of God’s Sovereignty

• The speaker argues that if God's plans can be frustrated by human will, then He cannot be considered all-powerful. This challenges the Arminian perspective that suggests human choices can thwart divine intentions.

Augustine's Influence on Christian Doctrine

• The speaker references Augustine, emphasizing his significant role in shaping Christian doctrine. They criticize those who claim Augustine distorted the faith, suggesting ignorance or malice in such assertions.

Historical Consensus on Divine Sovereignty

• The speaker highlights that many early church fathers supported the views presented, indicating a long-standing belief in God's sovereignty prior to Augustine's contributions.

The Goodness of God Amidst Evil

• A quote from Augustine is shared, asserting that everything occurs according to God's will, even actions perceived as evil. This underscores the belief that God permits evil for a greater good.

Implications of Suffering and Justice

• The speaker discusses personal suffering and how it relates to divine justice. They argue that every hardship serves a purpose within God's sovereign plan, providing comfort through understanding His omnipotence.

Testimony of Apostolic Suffering

• The discussion shifts to the apostles' experiences of suffering and martyrdom as evidence of their truthfulness regarding Jesus’ resurrection. Their willingness to endure pain reinforces their credibility.

Logical Conclusions About Truth and Sacrifice

• It is posited that no one would lie at great personal cost; thus, the apostles must have spoken truthfully about their experiences with Christ’s resurrection despite facing severe consequences.

Assurance in God’s Plan

• The speaker reassures listeners that all events in life are part of God's sovereign design. Even negative experiences contribute positively to one's spiritual journey.

Fearlessness Through Faith

• Emphasizing trust in God’s sovereignty alleviates fear of human malice or future uncertainties. Believers are encouraged not to live in fear but rather rely on divine protection.

Purposeful Existence Under Divine Guidance

• Life circumstances are framed as intentional placements by God, reinforcing the idea that every aspect—joy or sorrow—is part of His predetermined plan for individuals.

Conclusion: Living Without Fear