The Divine Balance: Predestination and Free Will
We begin with an in-depth exploration of how theological teachings embody two aspects of divine action. On one hand, there is unconditional grace given to every person; on the other, there is conditional predestination that depends on how an individual uses this grace in life. This perspective emphasizes that although God is omniscient and knows how events will unfold, not all of His designs are rigidly fixed in advance.At the foundation of this teaching is the idea that predestination pertains to specific areas of God's plan—including salvation and the bestowal of blessings—where human participation is decisive. This distinction demonstrates how bold choices and personal responsibility intertwine in the fulfillment of the divine will, leaving room for free will and the possibility to change the future.In summary, theological reflections on predestination remind us of the harmonious combination of divine providence and personal choice. They inspire us to actively participate in our lives, be accountable for our actions, and appreciate the unconditional grace bestowed upon us from above.
Can it be asserted that all of God's actions are predetermined?The answer requires clarification, as sources indicate that not every act of God is predetermined. For example, one material notes that predestination regarding each person has two aspects: the unconditional grace bestowed by God and the conditional predestination that depends on how a person uses the given resources. It is explicitly stated here that even though God foresees everything, not everything is predestined by Him—an assertion made by St. John Damascene:"From His Divine power, He has bestowed upon us everything necessary for life and godliness... Predestination concerning each individual has two aspects: ... God foresees everything, but does not predestine everything, according to St. John Damascene." (source: link txt)This means that although God possesses omniscience and knows how events will develop, part of His actions remains open to human participation through free choice.Additionally, other texts emphasize that God's action in salvation and the bestowal of blessings is linked to His foreknowledge and predestination of the chosen. However, these statements concern specific aspects of the salvific plan rather than all of God's actions as a whole (as, for example, in the exposition on predestination which states: "Whom He foreknew, He predestined," source: link txt). This distinction implies that predestination applies to particular areas of God's design, rather than to all His actions.Thus, based on the provided quotations, it cannot be asserted that all of God's actions are predetermined. It is important to distinguish between those aspects of God's plan where predestination is at work and those where the space for free choice remains with the individual.Supporting citation(s):"From His Divine power, He has bestowed upon us everything necessary for life and godliness... Predestination concerning each individual has two aspects: ... God foresees everything, but does not predestine everything, according to St. John Damascene." (source: link txt)"God predestined and granted all people a preliminary grace and the means to attain beatitude. Directly towards beatitude, He predestined those who willingly accept the grace offered by Him, who utilize the salvific means provided, and who walk the path to beatitude as indicated by Him. The Word of God states: 'Whom He foreknew, He predestined.'" (source: link txt)