Casting Lots The custom of deciding doubtful questions by lot is one of great extent and high antiquity. Among the Jews, lots were used with the expectation that God would so control them as to give a right direction to them. They were very often used by God's appointment. "As to the mode of casting lots, we have no certain information. Probably several modes were practiced.“ -- Smith’s Bible Dictionary

Casting Lots (Heb. goral, a “pebble”), a small stone used in casting lots .The lot was always resorted to by the Hebrews with strictest reference to the interposition of God, and as a method of ascertaining the divine will, and in serious cases of doubt. Thus the lot was used at the division of the land of Canaan among the several tribes, at the detection of Achan, the election of Saul to be king, the distribution of the priestly offices of the temple service, and over the two goats at the feast of Atonement. Matthias, who was “numbered with the eleven” (Act_1:24-26), was chosen by lot. This word also denotes a portion or an inheritance, and a destiny, as assigned by God.

WHAT ABOUT JONAH? Jonah 1: 1 – 7 Five questions asked of Jonah: For whose cause is this evil? What is thine occupation? Whence cometh thou? What is thy country? What people art thou?

WHAT ABOUT JONAH? Jonah 1: 1 – 7 Jonah’s answer and consequence: Jonah 1:9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

WHAT ABOUT JONAH? Jonah 1: 1 – 7 Jonah’s answer and consequence: Jonah 1: 10 – 17 Was God involved in this destiny?

What of Saul and Jonathon? 1 Samuel 14: 24 – 45 Saul’s commandment was unknown to Jonathon Ignorance is NOT an excuse (vss. 27 – 28) “Common sense” is not always the better choice! (vss. 29 – 32)

What of Saul and Jonathon? 1 Samuel 14: 24 – 45 Now what of the DESTINY? 1. vss. 33 – 42 2. vss.43 – 45 Was God in this casting of lots?

What of Casting Lots for Christ’s Inner Cloak? Matthew 27: 35 -- And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

What of Casting Lots for Christ’s Inner Cloak? Mark 15:24 --And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. .

What of Casting Lots for Christ’s Inner Cloak? Luke 23: 34 -- Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

What of Casting Lots for Christ’s Inner Cloak? John 19: 24 -- ey said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

What of Casting Lots for Christ’s Inner Cloak? Was God involved in this matter? Psalms 22: 1 – 18

What of Mathias? Acts 1: 15 – 26 Note the request of Peter: vs. 24 – AND THEY PRAYED vs. 24 – “Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen.” Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Our salvation is NOT by “casting lots” – as in determining an unknown factor 1. No one “votes” on our allotment, or appointment to salvation 2. No one “gains more than another” by our obedience to the gospel 3. No one has to “guess” at the results of obedience to the truth!

God has already determined what we MUST do … Now, do you agree with this God involved decision regarding HOW we must be saved? If not, what choice do you leave God when considering He has already determined what will be done with those who disobey Him?