pre·des·ti·na·tion /(ˌ)priˌdɛstəˈneʃən, ˌpridɛs-/
 前定;宿命
 Pre·des·ti·na·tion n.
 1. The act of predestinating.
    Predestination had overruled their will.   --Milton.
 2. Theol. The purpose of Good from eternity respecting all events; especially, the preordination of men to everlasting happiness or misery. See Calvinism.
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 predestination
      n 1: previous determination as if by destiny or fate
      2: (theology) being determined in advance; especially the
         doctrine (usually associated with Calvin) that God has
         foreordained every event throughout eternity (including
         the final salvation of mankind) [syn: foreordination, preordination,
          predetermination]
 Predestination
    This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or
    purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is
    found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Rom. 8:29, 30; 1
    Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same
    meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and
    unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all
    events.
      This doctrine of predestination or election is beset with many
    difficulties. It belongs to the "secret things" of God. But if
    we take the revealed word of God as our guide, we must accept
    this doctrine with all its mysteriousness, and settle all our
    questionings in the humble, devout acknowledgment, "Even so,
    Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight."
      For the teaching of Scripture on this subject let the
    following passages be examined in addition to those referred to
    above; Gen. 21:12; Ex. 9:16; 33:19; Deut. 10:15; 32:8; Josh.
    11:20; 1 Sam. 12:22; 2 Chr. 6:6; Ps. 33:12; 65:4; 78:68; 135:4;
    Isa. 41:1-10; Jer. 1:5; Mark 13:20; Luke 22:22; John 6:37;
    15:16; 17:2, 6, 9; Acts 2:28; 3:18; 4:28; 13:48; 17:26; Rom.
    9:11, 18, 21; 11:5; Eph. 3:11; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2
    Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:2. (See DECREES OF GOD; ELECTION.)
      Hodge has well remarked that, "rightly understood, this
    doctrine (1) exalts the majesty and absolute sovereignty of God,
    while it illustrates the riches of his free grace and his just
    displeasure with sin. (2.) It enforces upon us the essential
    truth that salvation is entirely of grace. That no one can
    either complain if passed over, or boast himself if saved. (3.)
    It brings the inquirer to absolute self-despair and the cordial
    embrace of the free offer of Christ. (4.) In the case of the
    believer who has the witness in himself, this doctrine at once
    deepens his humility and elevates his confidence to the full
    assurance of hope" (Outlines).