cowboymatt said:
Again, Judas is wrapped up in the entire "send Jesus to the cross" deal.
And what would it mean anyway that God predetermined to use some evil people? What are driving at here?
As someone who believes in the compatibility view, that is, man is 100% responsible for his action while at the same time accomplishing the predetermined will of God.
This is what I see in Luke 22:22.
Consider Joseph's journey to Egypt: His brother meant it for evil, but God meant it for God.
I know you're an NIV guy, so here's it in the NIV:
And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that
God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7
But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. (Gen 45, emphasis mine)
Notice that his brothers were 100% involved, but God was also 100% involved.