The term Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω) is often translated as “predestined”; however, it does not convey the concept of being determined or ordained in advance. Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω) is derived from a combination of “boundaries” or “region” (as in Matthew 4:13) and the preposition “before,” expressing the idea of setting boundaries beforehand. It does not inherently imply a destination but rather defines a boundary or area. Therefore, translating it as “predestined” introduces a meaning that is not present in the original word and will lead to confusion regarding the implications of its use in Scripture.
The term predestined carries significant theological baggage, often stemming from the mistranslation of Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω). The word predestined is frequently interpreted to mean that God predetermined who would be saved and, consequently, who would go to Hades. However, when examined within its proper context, this interpretation of Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω) contradicts what is revealed about salvation and God’s plan.
To address this issue, the first step is to discard the erroneous definition of predestined and adopt the correct definition, “marking off the bounds beforehand.” Additionally, careful attention must be paid to the context, particularly the distinction between singular and plural subjects, to accurately understand the meaning conveyed in Scripture.
A clear example of the proper use of Marking Off the Bounds (προορίζω) is found in Peter’s defense before the leaders of Israel. Speaking on behalf of himself and John, Peter referenced the actions of those leaders concerning the Messiah, stating that they acted according to what had been "marked off beforehand.
… to do as much as your hand and your determinate will marked off beforehand to come to be – Acts 4:28.
This passage illustrates that the leaders had already set boundaries for their plans regarding Christ, long before sending guards to arrest Him on the night of His betrayal. Their actions were in line with what they had predetermined within those boundaries, aligning with the proper understanding of the term.
In Romans, God’s plan is revealed, showing how, according to His purpose, He calls individuals. Those whom He foreknew, He marked off their bounds. They are not predestined to salvation; rather, according to His purpose, those who will be saved in the dispensation of grace are given boundaries. These boundaries have been predetermined as part of God’s plan.
And we intuitively know that for the ones loving God all things work together unto good, the ones according to purpose being called. Because those whom He foreknew, also He marked off the bounds to be together conformed to the image of His Son, for the purpose that He should be a first fruit among many brethren. - Romans 8:28-29
Within God's plan, He offers salvation to humanity. As part of this offering, He has chosen to take a specific group and mark off their bounds for a particular purpose. This concept is further elaborated in Ephesians 1:5, which states that those who are in Christ are marked off for the placement as sons.
Based on this plan, all who are saved during the Dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:2) have their bounds marked off to be sons. This distinction signifies that they will not be children and therefore under the law; rather, as sons, they will be under grace.
Regarding foreknowledge in Romans, the context does not allow for foreknowledge to be applied to an individual. The context pertains to God's plan; therefore, foreknowledge refers to the content of salvation within His plan regarding what will be given to those who are saved during the Dispensation of Grace. This aligns with the truth that the Church will be conformed to the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:13; 1 John 3:2).
Interpreting this as applying to individuals—saying "you" He foreknew—violates the context and introduces a subject not present in the text. As with Ephesians 1:5, the focus is not on the individual but on the group. Therefore, individuals were not predestined. Rather, all who are in Christ will have their bounds marked off to the placement of sons, just as their calling is based on God's foreknowledge of taking this group and marking off their bounds.
As Paul continues in Romans, he explains that those whom God marked off the bounds to be conformed to the placement of sons, He also called. Once again, the focus is not on an individual but on a group. All references here are plural, not singular—not "you," but all who will be in Christ.
Today, in contrast to other dispensations where individuals were to seek God (Hebrews 11:6), those of the Church are called by God. It is God who seeks us (Romans 3:11). Therefore, according to His plan, those who are marked off for the placement of sons are called by Him.
Moreover, those whom He marked off the bounds, these also He called, and those whom He called, these also He justified, and those whom He justified, these also He glorified. - Romans 8:30.
The Greek term προορίζω means to “mark off the bounds beforehand.” Within God’s plan for the universe and creation, He determined that among those who are saved, He would take a group and mark them off specifically to be conformed to the image of His Son. No one is predestined to salvation; instead, God predetermined that those who will be in Christ are marked off for a specific purpose.
Scripture consistently affirms God's desire for all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), countering the notion of selective predestination. Scripture does not support the doctrine of predestination as commonly understood; this is a theological error imposed on Scripture that blinds the mind. The reality is that anyone can accept the message of salvation, for salvation is universally offered. However, it is offered only according to God’s plan, not based on human effort or desire (Romans 9:16).
Today, salvation is received by believing that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This is how God has determined to save humanity during this dispensation. This is God’s call. All who are saved during this time are placed into Christ and have their bounds marked off as sons, just as God determined He would do before the foundation of the world.