Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4900 Time  »  4936 fate  »  4937 fate, and fatalism

The belief that all things are predetermined, especially by the stars, removing human freedom and responsibility. Scripture affirms human freedom and responsibility and declares that the sun, moon and stars are all part of God's creation and are subject to him.

The heavenly bodies subject to God's authority

The heavenly bodies are created by God

Genesis 1:14-18; Job 9:9; Psalm 8:3; Psalm 74:16; Psalm 148:3-5; Amos 5:8

The heavenly bodies are subject to the rule and providence of God

Isaiah 40:26 See also Job 38:31-32; Psalm 104:19; Jeremiah 31:35; Matthew 5:45

The biblical rejection of fatalism in human choice

Human beings are free to choose between right and wrong

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 See also Deuteronomy 30:15-19; Ezekiel 18:21-23

Human beings are free to call upon the name of the Lord

Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:11-13

Human beings are free to seek the Lord

1 Chronicles 28:9; Isaiah 55:6

Human beings are free to come to the Lord

Revelation 22:17 See also Matthew 11:28

See also

1115  God, purpose of
1130  God, sovereignty
1355  providence
4005  creation
5051  responsibility
6209  pagans
6622  choice
6658  freedom
8160  seeking God
8640  calling upon God
8709  astrology