Edited by Tin-chee Lo (T. C. Lo 盧天賜)
Predestination is a hard subject. However, its concept permeates throughout the entire Bible that Christians should not overlook. Predestination of God can also be viewed as part of the Sovereignty of God.
Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham (神對亞伯拉罕說), “Be not displeased because of the boy (你不必為這童子) and because of your slave woman (和你的使女憂愁). Whatever Sarah says to you (凡撒拉對你說的話), do as she tells you (你都該聽從), for through Isaac shall your offspring be named (因為從以撒生的、纔要稱為你的後裔).
Exodus 9:16 But I have raised you up (其實我叫你存立) for this very purpose, that I might ( 是特要向你) show you my power and that (顯我的大能) my name (並要使我的名) might be proclaimed in all the earth (傳遍天下).
Exodus 33:19 耶和華說、我要顯我一切的恩慈、在你面前經過 (I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you)、宣告我的名．我要恩待誰、就恩待誰 (I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy)．要憐憫誰、就憐憫誰 (I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion )。
Joshua 11:20 For it was the Lord himself (因為耶和華的意思) who hardened their hearts (是要使他們心裡剛硬) to wage war against Israel (來與以色列人爭戰) , exterminating them, so that he might destroy them totally (好叫他們盡被殺滅) without mercy (不蒙憐憫), as the Lord had commanded Moses (正如耶和華所吩咐摩西的).
Job 23:14 He carries out his decree against me (他向我所定的、就必作成), and many such plans he still has in store (這類的事他還有許多).
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation (那國是有福的) whose God is the Lord (以耶和華為 神的), the people (那民是有福的) he chose for his inheritance (他所揀選為自己產業的).
Psalm 65:4 Blessed are those (這人便為有福) you choose (你所揀選) and bring near (使他親近你) to live in your courts (住在你院中的)! We are filled with the good things of (我們必因…的美福知足了) your house, of your holy temple (你居所、你聖殿).
Psalm 106:5 使我見你選民的福、樂你國民的樂 (that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones)、與你的產業一同誇耀 (join your inheritance in giving praise)。
Proverbs 16:4, 9 (v. 4) The LORD has made everything (耶和華所造的) for its purpose (各適其用), even (就是) the wicked (惡人) for the day of trouble (也為禍患的日子所造). 9 In his heart a man plans his course (人心籌算自己的道路), but the Lord determines his steps (惟耶和華指引他的腳步).
Isaiah 44:1 我的僕人雅各、我所揀選的以色列阿、現在你當聽 (But now listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen).
Isaiah 46:10 I make known the end (指明末後的事) from the beginning (我從起初), from ancient times (從古時), what is still to come (言明未成的事). I say: My purpose (我的籌算) will stand (必立定), and I will do (我必成就) all that I please (凡我所喜悅的).
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I (我未) formed you in the womb (將你造在腹中) I knew (曉得) you, and before you (你未) were born (出母胎) I consecrated you (我已分別你為聖); I appointed you (已派你) a prophet to the nations (列國的先知).”
Ezekiel 37:1-28 (v. 4) Then he said to me (他又對我說), “Prophesy to these bones (你向這些骸骨發預言) and say to them, ‘Dry bones (枯乾的骸骨阿), hear the word of the LORD (要聽耶和華的話)! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD (主耶和華) says to these bones (對這些骸骨如此說): I will make breath enter you (我必使氣息進入你們裡面), and you will come to life (你們就要活了). 6 I will attach tendons to you (我必給你們加上筋) and make flesh come upon you (使你們長肉) and cover you with skin (又將皮遮蔽你們); I will put breath in you (使氣息進入你們裡面), and you will come to life (你們就要活了). Then you will know that I am the LORD (你們便知道我是耶和華).
Haggai 2:23 On that day (到那日), declares the Lord of hosts (萬軍之耶和華說), I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel (我僕人撒拉鐵的兒子所羅巴伯阿), declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring ((我必以你為印), for I have chosen you (因我揀選了你), declares the Lord of hosts (這是萬軍之耶和華說的).
Malachi 1:2-3 (v. 2) “I have loved you (我曾愛你們),” says the Lord . “But you ask (你們卻說), ‘How have you loved us (你在何事上愛我們呢)?’ “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother (以掃不是雅各的哥哥麼)?” the Lord says. “Yet I have loved Jacob (我卻愛雅各), 3 but Esau I have hated (惡以掃), and I have turned his mountains into a wasteland (使他的山嶺荒涼) and left his inheritance to (把他的地業交給) the desert jackals (曠野的野狗).”
Matthew 20:23 Jesus said to them (耶穌說), “You will indeed drink from my cup (我所喝的杯、你們必要喝), but to sit at my right or left (只是坐在我的左右) is not for me to grant (不是我可以賜的). These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father (乃是我父為誰預備的、就賜給誰).
Matthew 22:14, 22, 31 (v.14) For many are called (因為被召的人多), but few are chosen (選上的人少).” 22 If those days had not been cut short (若不減少那日子), no one would survive (總沒有一個得救的), but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened (只是為選民、那日子必減少了). 31 And he will send his angels (他要差遣使者) with a loud trumpet call (用號筒的大聲), and they will gather his elect (將他的選民…都招聚了來) from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other [從四方、從天這邊、到天那邊 (方原文作風)].
Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right (於是王要向那右邊的說), ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father (你們這蒙我父賜福的); take your inheritance , the kingdom (可來承受…的國) prepared for you (為你們所預備) since the creation of the world (那創世以來).
Mark 4:10-12 (v.10) 無人的時候 (When he was alone)、跟隨耶穌的人、和十二個門徒 (the Twelve and the others around him)、問他這比喻的意思(asked him about the parables)。11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God (神國的奧秘) has been given to you (只叫你們知道). But to those on the outside (外人) everything is said in parables (凡事就用比喻). 12 so that, ” ‘they may be ever seeing (叫他們看是看見) but never perceiving (卻不曉得), and ever hearing (聽是聽見) but never understanding (卻不明白); otherwise (恐怕) they might turn (他們回轉過來) and be forgiven (就得赦免)!’ ”
Mark 13:20, 22 (v. 20) 若不是主減少那日子 (If the Lord had not cut short those days、凡有血氣的、總沒有一個得救的 (no one would survive)．只是為主的選民 (But for the sake of the elect)、他將那日子減少了 (he has shortened them)。22 For false Christs (假基督) and false prophets will appear (將要起來) and perform (顯) signs and miracles (神蹟奇事) to deceive the elect (就把選民迷惑了)–if that were possible (倘若能行).
Luke 4:25-27 (v. 25) I assure you (我對你們說實話) that there were many widows in Israel (以色列中有許多寡婦) in Elijah’s time (當以利亞的時候), when the sky was shut for three and a half years (天閉塞了三年零六個月) and there was a severe famine throughout the land (遍地有大饑荒). 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to (以利亞並沒有奉差往) any of them (他們一個人那裡去), but to (只奉差往…那裡去) a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon (西頓的撒勒法的一個寡婦). 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy (以色列中有許多長大痲瘋的) in the time of Elisha the prophet (先知以利沙的時候), yet not one of them was cleansed–only (但內中除了…沒有一個得潔淨的) Naaman the Syrian (敘利亞國的乃縵).
Luke 8:10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God (神國的奧秘) has been given to you (只叫你們知道), but to others (至於別人) I speak in parables (就用比喻), so that, ” ‘though seeing, they may not see (叫他們看也看不見); though hearing, they may not understand (聽也聽不明).’
Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you (然而不要因鬼服了你們就歡喜), but rejoice (要因…歡喜) that your names are written in heaven (你們的名記錄在天上).
Luke: 18:7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones (豈不終久給他們伸冤麼), who cry out to him day and night (神的選民、晝夜呼籲他)? Will he keep putting them off (他縱然為他們忍了多時)?
Luke 22:22 The Son of Man will (人子固然要) go as (照…去世) it has been decreed (所預定的), but woe to that man who betrays him (但賣人子的人有禍了).”
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world (因為 神差他的兒子降世、不是要) to condemn the world (定世人的罪), but to save the world through him (乃是要叫世人因他得救).
John 6:37, 39, 44-45 (v. 37) 凡父所賜給我的人 (All that the Father gives me)、必到我這裡來 (will come to me)．到我這裡來的 (and whoever comes to me)、我總不丟棄他 (I will never drive away)。39 And this is the will of him who sent me (差我來者的意思), that I shall lose none of all (叫我一個也不失落) that he has given me (就是他所賜給我的) , but raise them up at the last day (在末日卻叫他復活). 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him (若不是差我來的父吸引人、就沒有能到我這裡來的). And I will raise him up on the last day (在末日我要叫他復活). 45 It is written in the Prophets (在先知書上寫著說): ‘They will all be taught by God (他們都要蒙 神的教訓).’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns (凡聽見父之教訓又學習的) from him comes to me (就到我這裡來).
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth (我若從地上被舉起來), will draw all men to myself (就要吸引萬人來歸我).
John 13:18 I am not speaking of all of you (我這話不是指著你們眾人說的); I know whom I have chosen (我知道我所揀選的是誰). But the Scripture will be fulfilled (現在要應驗經上的話、說）, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me (同我喫飯的人、用腳踢我).
John 15:16, 19 (v. 16) You did not choose (揀選) me, but I chose you and appointed (分派) you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide (叫你們的果子常存), so that whatever you ask the Father in (奉) my name, he may give it to you (他就賜給你們). 19 If you belonged to the world (你們若屬世界), it would love you as its own (世界必愛屬自己的). As it is, you do not belong to the world (只因你們不屬世界), but I have chosen you out of the world (乃是我從世界中揀選了你們). That is why the world hates you (所以世界就恨你們).
John 17:2, 6, 9 (v. 2) “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you (正如你曾) granted him authority (賜給他權柄) over all people (管理凡有血氣的) that he might give eternal life to (叫他將永生賜給) all those you have given him (你所賜給他的人). 6 I have revealed you to those whom (我已將你的名顯明與他們) you gave me out of the world (你從世上賜給我的人). They were yours (他們本是你的); you gave them to me (你將他們賜給我) and they have obeyed your word (他們也遵守了你的道). 9 I pray for them (我為他們祈求). I am not praying for the world (不為世人祈求), but for those you have given me (卻為你所賜給我的人祈求), for they are yours (因他們本是你的).
John 21:23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers (這話傳在弟兄中間) that this disciple would not die (說那門徒不死). But Jesus did not say that he would not die (不是說他不死); he only said (其實耶穌乃是說), “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you (我若要他等到我來的時候、與你何干)?
Acts 2:23, 39 (v. 23) this Jesus, delivered up (被交與人) according to (按著) the definite plan (定旨) and foreknowledge of God (神的先見), you crucified and killed (把他釘在十字架上殺了) by (藉著) the hands of lawless men (無法之人的手). 39 The promise is for you (因為這應許是給你們) and your children (和你們的兒女) and for all who are far off–for (並一切在遠方的人) all whom the Lord our God will call (就是主我們 神所召來的).
Acts 4:27-28 (v. 27) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate (希律和本丟彼拉多) met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city (外邦人和以色列民、果然在這城裡聚集) to conspire against your holy servant Jesus (要攻打聖僕耶穌、〔僕或作子〕), whom you anointed (你所膏的). 28 They did (成就) what your power and will had decided (你手和你意旨) beforehand should happen (所預定必有的事).
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing (就歡喜了) and glorifying the word of the Lord (讚美 神的道), and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed (凡預定得永生的人都信了).
Acts 17:25 他從一本造出萬族的人 (From one man he made every nation of men)、〔本有古卷作血脈〕住在全地上 (they should inhabit the whole earth)、並且預先定準他們的年限 (he determined the times set for them)、和所住的疆界 (and the exact places where they should live) 。
Acts 22:14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers (我們祖宗的 神) has chosen you (揀選了你) to know his will (叫你明白他的旨意) and to see the Righteous One (又得見那義者) and to hear words from his mouth (聽他口中所出的聲音).
Romans 1:6 And you also are among those (其中也有你們) who are called to belong to Jesus Christ (這蒙召屬耶穌基督的人).
Romans 8:1-39 (v. 15) For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy (我要憐憫誰、就憐憫誰), and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion (要恩待誰、就恩待誰).” 16 It does (據此看來) not, therefore, depend on man’s desire (這不在乎那定意的), or effort (也不在乎那奔跑的), but on God’s mercy (只在乎發憐憫的 神). 28 And we know (我們曉得) that for those who love God all things work together for good (萬事都互相效力, 叫愛 神的人得益處), for those who are called according to his purpose (就是按他旨意被召的人). 29 For those whom he foreknew (因為他預先所知道的人) he also predestined to be (就預先定下) conformed to the image of his Son (效法他兒子的模樣), in order that he might be (使他兒子) the firstborn among many brothers (在許多弟兄中作長子). 30 And those whom he predestined (預先所定下的人) he also called (又召他們來), and those whom he called (所召來的人) he also justified (又稱他們為義), and those whom he justified (所稱為義的人) he also glorified (又叫他們得榮耀). 33 Who shall bring any charge against (誰能控告) God’s elect (神所揀選的人)? It is God who justifies (有 神稱他們為義).
Romans 9:1-33 (v. 7) Nor because (也不因為) they are his descendants (亞伯拉罕的後裔) are they all Abraham’s children (就都作他的兒女). On the contrary (惟獨), “It is through Isaac (從以撒生的) that your offspring will be reckoned (纔要稱為你的後裔).” 8 In other words, it is not the natural (肉身所生的) children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise (惟獨那應許的兒女) who are regarded as (纔算是) Abraham’s offspring. 11 [雙子還沒有生下來 (Yet, before the twins were born)、善惡還沒有作出來 (or had done anything good or bad]、只因要顯明 神揀選人的旨意 (in order that God’s purpose in election might stand)、不在乎人的行為、乃在乎召人的主. 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy (我要憐憫誰、就憐憫誰), and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion (要恩待誰、就恩待誰).” 13 As it is written (正如經上所記), “Jacob I loved, (雅各是我所愛的) but Esau I hated (以掃是我所惡的).” 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy (我要憐憫誰、就憐憫誰), and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion (要恩待誰、就恩待誰).” 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire (據此看來、這不在乎那定意的) or effort (也不在乎那奔跑的), but on God’s mercy (只在乎發憐憫的 神). 18 Therefore (如此看來) God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy (神要憐憫誰、就憐憫誰), and he hardens whom he wants to harden (要叫誰剛硬、就叫誰剛硬). 20 But who are you, O man (你這個人哪, 你是誰), to talk back to God (竟敢向 神強嘴呢)? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it (受造之物豈能對造他的說), ‘Why did you make me like this (你為甚麼這樣造我呢)? 21 Does not the potter have the right (兠匠難道沒有權柄) to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes (從一團泥裡拿一塊作成貴重的器皿) and some for common use (又拿一塊作成卑賤的器皿麼)? 22 What if God (倘若 神), choosing to show his wrath (要顯明他的忿怒) and make his power known (彰顯他的權能), bore with great patience (就多多忍耐寬容) the objects of his wrath–prepared for destruction (那可怒預備遭毀滅的器皿)? 23 What if he did this to make (又要將) the riches of his glory (他豐盛的榮耀) known to (彰顯在…的器皿上) the objects of his mercy, whom (那蒙憐憫) he prepared in advance for glory (早預備得榮耀)– 24 even us (這有甚麼不可呢? 這器皿就是), whom he also called (我們被 神所召的), not only from the Jews (不但是從猶太人中) but also from the Gentiles (也是從外邦人中). 25 As he says in Hosea (就像 神在何西阿書上說): “I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people (那本來不是我子民的、我要稱為我的子民); and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one (本來不是蒙愛的、我要稱為蒙愛的). 29 It is just as Isaiah said previously (又如以賽亞先前說過): “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants (若不是萬軍之主給我們存留餘種), we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah (我們早已像所多瑪、蛾摩拉的樣子了).
Romans 11:1-36 (v. 2) God did not reject (棄絕) his people (百姓), whom he foreknew (預先所知道的). Don’t you know (豈不曉得…呢) what the Scripture says (經上論到) in the passage about Elijah (以利亞)–how he appealed to God against Israel (在 神面前怎樣控告以色列人): 4 And what was God’s answer to him (神的回話是)? “I have reserved for myself (為自己留下) seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal (未曾向巴力屈膝的).” 5 So too, at the present time (如今也是這樣) there is (還有) a remnant (所留的餘數) chosen by grace (照著揀選的恩典). 7 What then (這是怎麼樣呢)? What Israel sought so earnestly (以色列人所求的) it did not obtain (沒有得著), but the elect did (惟有蒙揀選的人得著了). The others were hardened (其餘的就成了頑梗不化的), 26 And so (於是), all Israel will be saved (以色列全家都要得救) as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion (必有一位救主、從錫安出來); he will turn godlessness away from Jacob (要消除雅各家的一切罪惡). 27 And (又說) this is (這就是) my covenant with them (我與他們所立的約) when I take away their sins (我除去他們罪的時候). 28 As far as the gospel is concerned (就著福音說), they are enemies on your account (他們為你們的緣故是仇敵); but as far as election is concerned (就著揀選說), they are loved (他們是蒙愛的) on account of the patriarchs (為列祖的緣故), 29 for (因為) God’s gifts and his call (神的恩賜和選召) are irrevocable (是沒有後悔的).
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (v. 26) Brothers (弟兄們哪), think of what you were when you were called (可見你們蒙召的). Not many of you were wise by human standards (按著肉體有智慧的不多); not many were influential (有能力的不多); not many were of noble birth (有尊貴的也不多). 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world (神卻揀選了世上愚拙的) to shame the wise (叫有智慧的羞愧); God chose the weak things of the world (又揀選了世上軟弱的) to shame the strong (叫那強壯的羞愧). 28 He chose the lowly things of this world (神也揀選了世上卑賤的) and the despised things (被人厭惡的)–and the things that are not (以及那無有的)–to nullify the things that are (為要廢掉那有的), 29使一切有血氣的、在 神面前一個也不能自誇 (so that no one may boast before him)。
1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of (我們講的) God’s secret wisdom (神奧秘的智慧), a wisdom that has been hidden and (乃是從前所隱藏) that God destined for our glory (預定使我們…得榮耀的) before time began (就是 神在萬世以前).
Galatians 1:15 But (然而) when he who had set me apart before I was born (把我從母腹裡分別出來), and who called me by his grace (又施恩召我的 神), was pleased…
Ephesians 1:3-5, 9-12, 14 (v. 3) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (願頌讚歸與我們主耶穌基督的父 神), who has blessed us in the heavenly realms (曾從天上賜給我們) with every spiritual blessing (各樣屬靈的福氣) in Christ (他在基督裡). 4 even as he chose us in him (就如 神、在基督裡揀選了我們) before the foundation of the world (從創立世界以前), that we should be holy and blameless before him (使我們在他面前成為聖潔、無有瑕疵). In love (又因愛我們) 5 he predestined us (預定我們) for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ (藉著耶穌基督得兒子的名分), according to the purpose of his will (就按著自己意旨所喜悅的), 9 And he made known to us (叫我們知道) the mystery of his will (他旨意的奧秘) according to his good pleasure (都是照他自己所預定的美意), which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect (要照所安排的) when the times will have reached their fulfillment (在日期滿足的時候)–to bring (使) all things in heaven and on earth (天上地上一切所有的) together under one head, even Christ (都在基督裡面同歸於一). 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance (我們也在他裡面 得/成 了基業), having been predestined according to (照著…所預定的) the purpose of him (他旨意) who works (這原是) all things according to the counsel of his will (那位隨己意行作萬事的), 12 so that we who were (從我們這…的人) the first to hope in Christ (首先在基督裡有盼望) might be to the praise of his glory (叫他的榮耀…可以得著稱讚) 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance [是我們得基業的憑據、(原文作質)] until the redemption of those who are God’s possession [直等到 神之民 (民原文作產業) 被贖]–to the praise of his glory (使他的榮耀得著稱讚).
Ephesians 2:8-10 (v. 8) For it is by grace you have been saved (你們得救是本乎恩), through faith (也因著信)–and this not from yourselves (這並不是出於自己), it is the gift of God (乃是 神所賜的)– 9也不是出於行為、免得有人自誇 (not by works, so that no one can boast) 。 10我們原是他的工作、在基督耶穌裡造成的、為要叫我們行善、就是 神所預備叫我們行的。
Ephesians 3:11 This was according to (這是照) the eternal purpose (神從萬世以前在…所定的旨意) that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord (我們主基督耶穌裡),
Colossians 3:12 Put on (存 or 穿) then, as God’s chosen ones (既是 神的選民), holy and beloved (聖潔蒙愛的人), compassionate hearts (憐憫和…的心), kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (恩慈、謙虛、溫柔、忍耐).
1 Thessalonians 1:4 For we know (我知道), brothers loved by God (被 神所愛的弟兄阿), that he has chosen you (你們是蒙揀選的),
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you (我們本該常為你們感謝 神), brothers loved by the Lord (主所愛的弟兄們哪), because from the beginning God chose you (因為他從起初揀選了你們) to be saved through (因…能以得救) the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth (信真道、又被聖靈感動成為聖潔),
1 Timothy 5:21 I charge (囑咐) you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus (在…面前) and the elect angels (蒙揀選的天使), to keep these instructions (要遵守這些話) without partiality (不可存成見), and to do nothing out of favoritism (行事也不可有偏心).
2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling (以聖召召我們), not because of our works (行為) but because of his own purpose (按他的旨意) and grace, which he gave us in (在…裡面賜給我們) Christ Jesus before the ages began (萬古之先).
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore (所以) I endure everything for the sake of the elect (我為選民凡事忍耐), that they too may obtain (叫他們也可以得著) the salvation that is in Christ Jesus (那在基督耶穌裡的救恩), with eternal glory (和永遠的榮耀).
Titus 1:1-2 (v. 1) Paul, a servant of God (神的僕人) and an apostle of Jesus Christ (耶穌基督的使徒), for the sake of the faith of God’s elect (憑著 神選民的信心) and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness (與敬虔真理的知識), 2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life (盼望那所應許的永生), which God, who does not lie (無謊言的神), promised before the beginning of time (在萬古之先),
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation (因為 神救眾人的恩典) has appeared to all men (已經顯明出來). [“all men” means “all categories of peoples.”]
James 1:18 He chose to (他按自己的旨意) give us birth (生了我們) through the word of truth (用真道), that we might be (叫我們) a kind of first-fruits (好像初熟的果子) of all he created (在他所造的萬物中).
1 Peter 1:2, 20 (v. 2) who have been chosen (被揀選) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father (就是照父 神的先見), through the sanctifying work of the Spirit (藉著聖靈得成聖潔), for obedience to Jesus Christ (以致順服耶穌基督) and sprinkling by his blood (又蒙他血所灑的人): Grace and peace be yours in abundance. May grace and peace (願恩惠平安) be multiplied to you (多多的加給你們). (v. 20) He (基督) was foreknown (是預先被 神知道的) before the foundation of the world (在創世以前) but was made manifest (顯現) in the last times (卻在這末世) for the sake of you (纔為你們).
2 Peter 1:10 所以弟兄們、應當更加殷勤 (be all the more eager)、使你們所蒙的恩召和揀選堅定不移 (to make your calling and election sure)．你們若行這幾樣 (For if you do these things)、就永不失腳 (you will never fall).
1 Peter 2:10 But you are a chosen people (惟有你們是被揀選的族類), a royal priesthood (是有君尊的祭司), a holy nation (是聖潔的國度), a people belonging to God (是屬 神的子民), that you may declare (要叫你們宣揚) the praises of him (那…的美德) who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (召你們出黑暗入奇妙光明者).
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise (主所應許的尚未成就) as some count slowness (有人以為他是耽延), but (其實不是耽延) is patient toward you (乃是寬容你們), not wishing that any should perish (不願有一人沉淪), but that all should reach repentance (乃願人人都悔改).
1 John 2:2 他為我們的罪作了挽回祭 (atoning sacrifice)．不是單為我們的罪、也是為普天下人的罪 (for the sins of the whole world)。
Jude 1:4 For certain men (因為有些人) whose condemnation was written about long ago (就是自古被定受刑罰的) have secretly slipped in among you (偷著進來). They are godless (是不虔誠的) men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality (將我們 神的恩變作放縱情慾的機會) and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord (不認…獨一的主宰)
Revelation 13:8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it (凡住在地上), everyone whose name has not been written (名字沒有記在) before the foundation of the world (從創世以來) in the book of life (生命冊) of the Lamb who was slain (被殺之羔羊).