Abstract
M.A.
This research was conducted to establish greater clarity regarding God's sovereignty and His
predetermined will. Many different views are held on this subject. Views on predestination
have been much debated over the centuries with many believers being undecided or unsure
on this subject. What adds to the confusion is that man cannot comprehend life outside of
time and therefore finds it difficult to grasp the concept of God having knowledge of all
things occurring within time. In order to gain a greater perspective and insight on the subject
it was decided to trace the development of the concept of God's establishing His
predetermined will through the Scriptures.
Approaches to this subject in the past were clouded by the fact that many Christian groups
held to the view that the Scriptures are the infallible Word of God. Many scholars in recent
years have come to the realisation that the Bible, though containing the Word of God,
displays the fallibility of man. This is the approach taken in interpreting Scripture for this
thesis. The view was also taken that the revelation of Christ is seen as the key to interpreting
Scripture (Heb. 1:1-3). The various factors influencing the writers of Scripture were also
taken into account.