To predestine means to "predetermine," "foreordain," or "mark off beforehand." Biblical predestination is God's eternal predetermination of all things according to His perfect will and character and for His own glory (Psalms 145:17; Romans 11:36; Ephesians 1:6, 11-12, 14). Predestination encompasses both directly caused events (e.g., Genesis 1; Psalms 33:9; James 1:18) and also divinely permitted events (e.g., Numbers 22-24; Luke 22:21-22; Acts 2:23-24; 4:27-28). Scripture relates divine predestination primarily to God's redemptive purposes for His people (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Acts 18:10; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Peter 2:9). The Christian doctrine of predestination is distinct from fatalism, since Scripture affirms human responsibility along with divine sovereignty (Acts 2:23, 36; Philippians 2:12-13).

This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.