Does predestination contradict the idea that God desires all to be saved?

Question

Sun Myung Moon · Accepted Answer

The question of predestination versus God's desire for universal salvation delves into the core of His character and humanity's purpose. It grapples with how an omnipotent, loving God desires salvation for all, yet suffering and spiritual separation persist. Understanding this tension is crucial for comprehending God's plan and our role within it. The Biblical Foundation Scripture presents what appears to be a paradox regarding God's will for salvation. On one hand, numerous verses articulate God's unequivocal desire for all humanity to enter a saving relationship with Him. The Apostle Peter affirms, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Similarly, Paul states, God "desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). These passages portray a compassionate God whose ultimate hope is for every individual to turn to Him. Conversely, other passages suggest a more restricted path to salvation or even predetermined outcomes. Jesus spoke of the difficulty: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13-14). This raises questions: If God desires all to be saved, why do many choose destruction? This tension has led to theological concepts like predestination, the belief that God has chosen in advance who will be saved. Romans 9 is often cited, where Paul discusses God's choosing of Jacob over Esau and states, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (Romans 9:15), and asks, "Has the potter no right over the clay to make out of the same lump one vessel for beauty and another for menial use?" (Romans 9:21). The Divine Principle teaches that these verses are not about the absolute predestination of individuals for salvation or damnation. Instead, they reveal God's sovereignty as the subject of the providence, who sets the conditions for His work and chooses individuals for specific missions within it. Divine Principle's Clarification The Divine Principle clarifies this by distinguishing between two types of predestination: the predestination of God's will and the predestination of the way its fulfillment. God's will, which is the accomplishment of the purpose of creation and restoration, is absolute, unique, eternal, and unchanging. Therefore, the predestination of God's will is absolute. This means God's will for a world of perfect love in the family, continuing forever, will absolutely happen. However, the predestination of the way in which God's will is fulfilled is conditional. God created human beings with a portion of responsibility (approximately 5%), which must be completed for His purpose to be realized. This human portion, though small relative to God's 95% responsibility, requires our full effort. God cannot absolutely predestine what happens to us as human beings or what kind of people we turn out to be. We become the ideal people God foreordained for us only if we fulfill our responsibility. Therefore, God's providence has been prolonged many times throughout history due to humanity's failure to complete its portion of responsibility. This demonstrates that God respects the free will He granted, and His will can only be achieved through co-creation, where humans fulfill their responsibility. Understanding the Deeper Meaning This approach resolves the biblical tension by asserting that God's predestination is for the outcome of creation – a world where all are saved and live in harmony with Him – but not for the individual choices leading to that outcome. God respects the autonomy He granted so deeply that He allows us to make choices, even those that temporarily impede His desire for our salvation. This is not divine weakness but profound, self-limiting love. True love cannot be compelled; it must be freely offered and received. Forcing salvation would reduce humanity to automatons, incapable of returning genuine love. Furthermore, God's love and providential work extend beyond physical life. Even evil spirits can attain complete resurrection when their earthly counterparts accept indemnity and overcome temptation, demonstrating God's persistent desire to guide all souls back to His love because He is our True Parent. "Eventually, all spirits will resurrect through their own conscience given by God and find their way to God's love because God is our True Parents. He searches to find every lost sheep and to guide us to green pastures and still waters and to restore our souls." Living the Principle Understanding this concept has profound practical implications that empower personal responsibility and inspire hope. 1. Embrace Your Responsibility: Recognize your vital 5% portion of respon

Does predestination contradict the idea that God desires all to be saved?

The Biblical Foundation

Divine Principle's Clarification

Understanding the Deeper Meaning

Living the Principle

Sources and further reading