Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 4: Eternality and Temporality Paradoxes
1. Introduction
A central theological tension in Christian doctrine lies between the sovereign predestination of God and human moral accountability. Scripture teaches that God, in His eternal counsel, predestines individuals to salvation (Romans 8:29–30; Ephesians 1:4–5), yet also holds humans responsible for their decisions, sins, and belief (Romans 2:6; Matthew 12:36). This paradox has sparked centuries of debate within theology: If God predetermines events, how can people be held responsible? Conversely, if humans are truly free, how can God’s will be certain?
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Predestination Affirmed
- Romans 8:29–30 – “Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate…”
- Ephesians 1:4–5 – “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world…”
- 2 Timothy 1:9 – “According to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
2.2 Human Responsibility Upheld
- Romans 2:6 – “Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”
- Matthew 12:36 – “Every idle word… they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
- Acts 17:30–31 – “God… commandeth all men every where to repent.”
3. Theological Meaning
- Predestination refers to God’s eternal plan, foreordaining all that comes to pass—including salvation,
- Accountability refers to human moral obligation and personal decision-making before God,
- These are not contradictory when rightly framed within divine mystery and biblical tension.
4. Paradox Explained
| Predestination | Human Accountability |
|---|---|
| God chooses before creation (Eph. 1:4) | Man must respond to the gospel (Acts 2:38) |
| Salvation is by grace alone (Eph. 2:8–9) | Judgement is based on deeds and belief (Rom. 2:6) |
| God hardens whom He wills (Rom. 9:18) | Yet men are condemned for rejecting truth (John 3:19) |
5. Harmonising the Mystery
- Scripture never apologises for holding these truths in tension—both are declared without contradiction,
- Human responsibility exists within God’s sovereign framework, not in opposition to it,
- God’s predestination includes the means (faith, repentance) as well as the end (glorification).
6. Historical Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Augustine: Strong advocate of divine grace and election, but did not deny real moral responsibility,
- Pelagius (rejected by Church): Emphasised free will to the exclusion of divine grace.
6.2 Reformation
- Luther & Calvin: Predestination was central to their theology, yet they still called men to repent and believe,
- Synod of Dort (1619): Affirmed both election and human culpability.
6.3 Modern Evangelical Thought
- J.I. Packer: Called this a “Divine Antinomy”—a truth held in tension, not contradiction,
- John Stott: Emphasised the coexistence of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in evangelism.
7. Implications for Salvation and Evangelism
- Believers are assured by God’s sovereign grace,
- Yet must call all people to respond in faith,
- Evangelism is effective because God works through human proclamation (Romans 10:14–17).
8. Summary Table
| Divine Sovereignty | Human Responsibility |
|---|---|
| God’s plan cannot fail (Isa. 14:24) | Man must choose to follow Christ (Deut. 30:19) |
| Grace is unmerited and irresistible | The gospel demands a personal response |
| All is foreknown and foreordained | Every act will be judged righteously |
9. Conclusion
The paradox of being predestined, yet accountable is not a contradiction, but a revealed mystery in Scripture. God’s sovereignty does not erase human responsibility; rather, it upholds and ensures it. Believers must stand in awe before this tension—trusting in the perfect justice and mercy of God, while actively calling others to repentance, knowing that salvation belongs to the Lord (Jonah 2:9).
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. On Grace and Free Will
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Packer, J.I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
- Stott, J. The Cross of Christ
- Synod of Dort. Canons of Dordt (1619)
- Wright, C.J.H. The Mission of God