On Predestination, Evil, Love And Glory

Reflections for Good Friday

14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them:

22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know — 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death."

- Acts 2:22f

What is clear are four things.

1) Christology: Jesus Christ has proven his divinity by miracles, wonders and signs. Peter affirms simultaneously that Jesus is also a man.

2) Sovereignty: the murder of Jesus was God's plan; it was no mere accident.

3) Evil: the men who murdered Jesus were guilty and responsible for their actions.

4) Soteriology: God intends to predetermine (orizw) evil for the sake of love, glory and redemption.