Predestination continued

I finished reading the section on predestination from Andrew Farley's book. Here are some final thoughts.

When we read Ephesians to study predestination we find a use of we/us versus you. Early in the letter, Paul says "we" were predestined, and then he goes on to say "you also" were included.

So, who is the "we?' Jews.  Who is the "you also?" Gentiles.

It's a plural you.  The point is that "we Jews" were always picked as God's chosen people. But now, under God's new way, "you Gentiles" are also included.

What if predestination is not about you at the exclusion of your next-door neighbor? What if it's actually about God's radical and controversial move to include the Gentiles in the gospel?

That is why we find predestination explicitly taught in Ephesians and Romans-two letter to the Gentiles. And that's why Paul is the only one to discuss it at length, because he was the apostle to the Gentiles!

The doctrine of predestination is not taught in any comprehensive way in Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1, 2 or 3 John, or any epistles written to the Jews. Because the Jews already knew that Israel had been chosen!

It is not necessary that we get the doctrine of predestination  "right" in order to ensure our salvation. It's just an area that I have particular interest in, and I think Andrew Farley's interpretation is brilliant!