What do you think of the idea of predestination?  That only those who have been predestined by God (from eternity past) can be saved: but not anyone else. The doctrine can be found or at least intimated (possibly: depending on how you interpret them) in a few – though not many – passages of the Bible.  The following are three that seem the clearest (key words highlighted; these translations are from the NRSV ue):   Romans 8 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family.[s] 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.    Ephesians 1 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [...]