 |  |
avoid importing any ideas into the doctrine of predestination that derives from the
composition of the English word.
The Greek word translated "predestinate" is a compound of pro "before" and horizo
"to set bounds". In the New Testament horizo is translated "determinate", "ordain",
"limit", "declare". This word gives the English "horizon" which has no element of fate
in its meaning, but means simply the "boundary" where sea and sky appear to meet.
Predestination occurs twice in Ephesians, one it is "unto adoption" and once to an
"inheritance" (Eph. 1: 5, 11). This second occurrence falls into line with the usage of the
70:
Horizo in the LXX is found in the proximity of the words kleros and kleronomia,
words that mean "the obtaining of inheritance by lot":
"This shall be your west border" (horion, Numb. 34: 6).
"Jordan shall be their boundary (horion) on the east: this is the inheritance
(kleronomia) of Benjamin" (Josh. 18: 20).
"See, that I have given to you (lit. `cast upon you') these nations that are left to you by
lots (klerois) to your tribes . . . . . and the boundaries (or he shall be bound horizo) shall
be at the great sea westward" (Josh. 23: 4).
In the context of most of the references to horizo will be found words that mean an
inheritance obtained by lot.
Seeing the Apostle has linked "predestination" prohorizo with "obtaining an
inheritance" (kleroo), this Old Testament usage must be recognized.
Predestination, or "marking off beforehand" is what every one does when he makes a
will. Here, in the Will of the Father, we are permitted to see, that "adoption" or
"inheritance" are secured. That a human "will" is a permissible analogy, Gal. 3: 15 and
4: 1, 2 will make clear, and no legatee under a human will has ever been heard to raise
an objection on the lines of "fatalism".
Those who were chosen in Christ before the overthrow of Gen. 1: 2 were also
"marked off beforehand" and, as the Revised Version reads, were "foreordained" unto
adoption. The Authorized Version reads "the adoption of CHILDREN", the Revised
Version reads "adoption AS SONS".
This word "adoption" is the translation of the Greek huiothesia, a word composed of
huios "a son" and thesis "to place or constitute". The word is used only by Paul in the
New Testament and occurs five times as follows:
"Ye have received the spirit of adoption" (Rom. 8: 15).
"Waiting for the adoption" (23).
"To whom pertaineth the adoption" (9: 4).
"That we might receive the adoption of sons" (Gal. 4: 5).
"Unto the adoption of children" (Eph. 1: 5).