Daily Bible Lessons for You #2 ~ Fate

Some have asked: "Is it true that our time to die, is pre-determined?"

Here's the answer to that question coming direct from the Bible. No! We do not have a predetermined time to die. Rather than supporting the belief in fate, the Bible says that death is often due to "unexpected events." (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

"I have observed something else under the sun. The fasted runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, the skillful are not necessarily wealthy and those who are educated don't always lead successful lives because time and unexpected events overtake them all."

Some have responded back with: "Doesn't the Bible say that there is "a time to die"?

Yes, (Ecclesiastes 3:2) indeed says that there is

"a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted."

(KJV) However, the context of this verse shows that the Bible is discussing the continuing cycles that are common to life. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) God has not set our personal time to die any more than he forces a farmer to plant at a particular moment. Instead, the point is that we should avoid being so preoccupied with mundane matters that we neglect our Creator. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 | 12:1, and 13)

Life can be extended!

Despite life's uncertainties, we can often live longer if we make wise decisions. The Bible says:

"The teaching of the wise one is a source of life to turn one away from the snares of death."

(Proverbs 13:14) Likewise, Moses told the Israelites that they could "live a long time" if they obeyed God's commands. (Deuteronomy 6:2) In contrast, we can carelessly shorten our life by bad or foolish actions too. (Ecclesiastes 7:17)

No matter how wise or careful we are, though, we cannot escape death. (Romans 5:12)

"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned."

Yet, this situation will change, for the Bible promises a time when "death will be no more." (Revelation 21:4)

"He [God] will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. The former things have passed away."

LadyGrace · 70-79

The Bible tells us that “all the days ordained for me, were written in your book, before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). So, yes, God knows exactly when, where, and how we will die. God knows absolutely everything about us (Psalm 139:1-6). So does this mean our fate is sealed? Does this mean we have absolutely no control over when we will die?

We can change that by request or the way we live, as you have said. A person can die before their time, for many reasons. They may commit suicide or not take care of themselves. That is not contradictory it is only saying that God knows exactly when we will die, being he is omniscient.

As far as salvation goes, none are predestined. Some make the mistake of thinking God only saves certain ones, but that is not true, as we can see in John 3:16 and 17. Jesus didn't die to just save some. He died to save all. He is not willing that any parish.

Carazaa · F

And God has given us 10 commandments and the 5th one is

“Honor your mother and your Father so it will go well with you and you will live a long time!”

seotelkniwt · F

I also like Job 34:23 - "For God has NOT set an appointed time for any man to appear before Him in judgement." NWT