Bible Mysteries

Encore Bible Study | Originally Released November 2024

Does God predetermine who will be saved, or does every person have the free will to believe on Jesus Christ? What does the Apostle Paul actually teach about predestination in Romans 8?

In this teaching from the Unlock the Bible Now Romans 8 series, Scott Mitchell examines one of Christianity's most debated doctrines: predestination. Many interpret God's foreknowledge and election to mean that certain individuals were chosen for salvation before the foundation of the world, leaving others without a choice. But is that what Scripture teaches?

Beginning with Romans 8:26–30, Scott explains how the Holy Spirit's intercession, the effectiveness of prayer, and mankind's voluntary will help clarify the meaning of predestination. He distinguishes between God's foreknowledge and His predetermined purpose, demonstrating why knowing something beforehand does not necessarily mean causing it to happen.

Through a careful examination of Paul's writings, Scott explains that believers are predestinated to be conformed to the image of God's Son—not arbitrarily selected for salvation without the opportunity to believe.

This study also addresses the role of free will in Christ's obedience to the Father, the process of salvation through hearing and believing the gospel, and the sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures Examined:

Romans 8:26–30; Matthew 6:9–13; James 5:16–18; Leviticus 1:3; Acts 26:4–5; 1 Corinthians 2:7–8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 10:13–17.

In This Study:


Why the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers according to God's will.


How effective prayer demonstrates mankind's free will.


The distinction between foreknowledge (proginosko) and predestination (proorizo).


Why God's foreknowledge does not eliminate man's ability to choose.


What Romans 8:29 means by being conformed to the image of His Son.


How believers are called through the gospel, justified, and sealed by the Holy Spirit.


Why salvation is available to whosoever will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

The central question: Are we predestinated to be saved, or are those who believe predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ?
Scott encourages listeners to set aside theological assumptions and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.

About Unlock the Bible Now

Unlock the Bible Now is the weekly Bible teaching ministry of Scott Mitchell, host of Bible Mysteries Podcast. Through careful examination of the King James Bible, Scott teaches the Scriptures to help believers grow in their understanding of God's Word.

For additional Bible studies, podcast episodes, and ministry resources, visit biblemysteriespodcast.com.

Support the ministry and receive ad-free listening, Bible Study Notes, and additional subscriber benefits at biblemysteries.supercast.com.

The Unlock the Bible Now ministry provides weekly Sunday Bible Studies to help you understand God's word and unlock the secrets found in the Bible.

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Was there a world on Earth before Adam? And does Genesis 1:2 describe the beginning of creation—or the aftermath of a devastating judgment?

Six years after first presenting The World That Was, Scott revisits the teaching that helped launch Bible Mysteries and puts the original theory back under the microscope. Scripture reveals that the sons of God were already present when the foundations of the Earth were laid, while Genesis describes the Earth as “without form, and void” before the six days begin.

Could an angelic civilization have inhabited the Earth before Adam? Did Lucifer rule over that former world before pride and rebellion brought judgment? And could the waters of Genesis 1:2 represent an earlier global flood—long before Noah?

Scott and John examine Genesis 1–2 alongside Job 38, Isaiah 14 and 45, Jeremiah 4, Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12, and 2 Peter 3 to reconsider the biblical evidence for “the world that then was.”

In This Episode

Why Genesis 1:1 may describe the original creation as a completed act

What the Hebrew phrase tohu wa-bohu reveals about Genesis 1:2

Why Jeremiah 4 and Isaiah 34 connect the same language with divine judgment

The sons of God witnessing the foundations of the Earth in Job 38

Evidence for a possible pre-Adamic angelic civilization

Why Ezekiel 28 may reveal Lucifer as a ruler within that former world

Lucifer’s rebellion and the five “I wills” of Isaiah 14

Whether Revelation 12 connects one-third of the angels with Lucifer’s rebellion

The difference between the Earth and the world that existed upon it

Why 2 Peter 3 may describe a global flood before Noah

The six original claims from The World That Was—and whether they still hold up six years later

How the ancient rebellion may establish a prophetic pattern for events still to come

Key Scriptures 

Genesis 1:1–2; Job 38:4–7; Jeremiah 4:23–27; Isaiah 14:12–17; Isaiah 34:6–11; Isaiah 45:18; Ezekiel 28:12–18; Ecclesiastes 1:9–10; 2 Peter 3:3–7; Revelation 12:3–9
“Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.” — 2 Peter 3:6 (KJV)

The Bible does not answer every question about what existed before Adam, and some details remain speculative. But when these passages are compared together, a remarkable picture emerges: an Earth created to be inhabited, angelic beings present at its foundation, Lucifer associated with kingship and rebellion, a world brought under judgment, and a restored Earth eventually given to man.

As always, don’t simply take our word for it. Search the Scriptures and see what God’s Word reveals about the world that was.

Read the Companion Blog: The World That Was: Was There a Pre-Adamic World Before Genesis 1:2?  

https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/post/the-world-that-was-was-there-a-pre-adamic-world-before-genesis-1-2
Study Guide available for our subscribers:

Subscribe today at https://biblemysteries.supercast.com
Bible Mysteries is an educational ministry podcast exposing the ancient spiritual battle in the modern world. We seek to reveal the secrets in the Scriptures that current satanic world systems are trying to suppress. Join us each week as we discuss things in the Bible the world doesn’t want you to know.

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In Mystery Mailbag #23, Scott Mitchell answers listener questions about the identity of the Bright and Morning Star, the sea of glass and the Rapture, spiritual discernment, witchcraft, false prophets, and the growing number of supernatural claims being made in Christian circles.

What does Jesus mean when He calls Himself the “bright and morning star” in Revelation 22:16? Since Scripture also uses stars in connection with angelic beings, how should we understand this passage? Scott considers the angel of the Lord and what the text may reveal about the one speaking to John.
A listener also presents an intriguing picture of the Rapture: Could Israel passing through the Red Sea foreshadow the Church passing through the waters above and the sea of glass? Scott discusses the firmament, the waters above, the frozen face of the deep, and why Revelation’s statement that there will eventually be “no more sea” may be more significant than many realize.

Another family asks for guidance after their teenage son refused to enter a store centered around witchcraft and wizardry during a church youth trip—and was ridiculed for taking that stand. How should believers respond when spiritual discernment puts them at odds even with other Christians?

Finally, Scott addresses the rise of self-proclaimed prophets and seers who claim regular visits to heaven and hell, conversations with angels, supernatural encounters with Jesus, and other extraordinary experiences. Popularity, large platforms, and spiritual-sounding language are not the standard for truth. Every claim must ultimately be measured against the Word of God.

Questions in Mystery Mailbag #23

Why does Jesus call Himself the Bright and Morning Star?

Are the “morning stars” in Scripture fallen angels?

What Christian podcasts and teachers does Scott recommend?

Could Israel crossing the Red Sea be a picture of the Rapture?

Will believers pass through the sea of glass when caught up?

What happens to the waters above when God dwells with man?

Should Christians participate in entertainment centered on witchcraft and sorcery?

How should parents respond when a church leader dismisses their child’s spiritual concerns?

How can believers recognize false prophets and false supernatural experiences?

Does appearing on a popular Christian podcast make a teacher trustworthy?

How do we “try the spirits” and measure supernatural claims against Scripture?

In an age filled with extraordinary claims, spiritual experiences, and influential voices, believers must remain grounded in the Word of God and exercise biblical discernment.
Thank you to everyone who continues to send us your questions. Your questions make Mystery Mailbag possible!

Have a question for a future Mystery Mailbag? Visit BibleMysteriesPodcast.com and send it our way.

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Did Ron Wyatt actually find the remains of Noah’s Ark?

With renewed attention surrounding the Durupınar site in eastern Turkey, Scott and John sit down with Mary Nell Wyatt Lee, who worked alongside her late husband, biblical archaeology researcher Ron Wyatt, to hear the story of the investigation from someone who witnessed much of it firsthand.

Mary Nell takes us through decades of research at the unusual boat-shaped formation near Mount Ararat and presents the evidence that convinced Ron he had located the remains of the biblical Ark. From the dimensions of the formation and massive drogue stones to metal detector readings, subsurface radar, material samples, possible fossilized timbers, rivets, and later electrical-resistivity scans, the findings raise fascinating questions about what may still lie beneath the ground.

Mary Nell also addresses the renewed investigation taking place at Durupınar today, her concerns about excavation and drilling at the site, and why she believes Ron’s original research is important to understanding the discoveries now receiving worldwide attention.

Most importantly, the discussion returns to Scripture. Genesis tells us the Ark rested upon the “mountains of Ararat”(Genesis 8:4), and Jesus Himself pointed believers back to the days of Noah when describing the time surrounding His return.

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

— Matthew 24:37 KJV

Could God have preserved physical evidence of the Flood for this generation to see?

Join us as we examine the evidence, hear the history behind the Durupınar investigation, and consider what Noah’s Ark still has to say to a world approaching the days Christ warned would come again.

In This Episode

How Ron Wyatt became interested in the Durupınar formation

Why the biblical phrase “mountains of Ararat” matters

The surprising dimensions of the boat-shaped formation

Evidence from metal detection and subsurface radar

Material believed to be fossilized timber and pitch

Unusual metal findings and possible ancient rivets

The enormous stones Wyatt identified as drogue stones

Electrical-resistivity scans revealing structures beneath the surface

Turkey’s historical involvement with the site

Mary Nell’s concerns about current drilling and excavation

Why renewed interest in Durupınar matters today

Noah’s Ark, Matthew 24, and the prophetic significance of the days of Noah

Scripture References 

Genesis 4:22
Genesis 6:14–16
Genesis 7
Genesis 8:4
Matthew 24:37–39
Hebrews 11:7
Guest

Mary Nell Wyatt Lee
Mary Nell Wyatt Lee worked alongside the late Ron Wyatt and continues to preserve and share research connected with his investigations into biblical archaeology, including Noah’s Ark, the Red Sea crossing, Mount Sinai, and other sites associated with biblical history.

Links and Resources

Ron Wyatt and Noah’s Ark Research:
ronwyatt.com
Durupınar Research / Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/@ronwyattcom

Additional Research or Resources:

John Larsen’s website: arksubsurface.nz

The archaeological interpretations discussed in this episode represent the research and conclusions presented by Ron Wyatt and Mary Nell Wyatt Lee. Bible Mysteries encourages listeners to examine the evidence carefully and, above all, measure every conclusion against the Word of God.

Read the companion blog: Noah’s Ark Durupınar Site: Evidence of the Biblical Ark in Turkey?

https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/post/noah-s-ark-durupinar-site-evidence-of-the-biblical-ark-in-turkey
A Study Guide is Available for our Subscribers:

Subscribe today at https://biblemysteries.supercast.com
Bible Mysteries is an educational ministry podcast exposing the ancient spiritual battle in the modern world. We seek to reveal the secrets in the Scriptures that current satanic world systems are trying to suppress. Join us each week as we discuss things in the Bible the world doesn’t want you to know.

Unlock the Bible Now & Bible Mysteries Podcast

Visit our Website: https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/

Listen to our Podcast: https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/

Be a Premium Podcast Subscriber: https://biblemysteries.supercast.com

Support the Ministry: https://biblemysteries.supercast.com/donations/new

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What does it mean to “grieve not the holy Spirit of God”? Can a believer’s sin cause the Holy Spirit to leave—or even result in the loss of salvation?

Ephesians 4:30 gives both a warning and an assurance: believers can grieve the Holy Spirit, yet they are sealed unto the day of redemption. The issue is not whether Christ’s finished work can be undone, but how our walk affects our fellowship with God.

In this Bible study, we examine the difference between our secure position in Christ and our daily walk in the Spirit. Scripture shows that the believer has been forgiven all trespasses, justified by grace, given the righteousness of God through faith, and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Sin can grieve the Spirit and hinder fellowship, spiritual growth, comfort, and teaching—but it does not reverse our salvation.

We will also consider why David could pray, “take not thy holy spirit from me,” while believers today are sealed; what the discipline of the Corinthian believer teaches about eternal security; and why walking in the Spirit should flow from gratitude rather than fear.

The Holy Spirit is not only the One who seals us. He is the Comforter, our teacher, and the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, “Abba, Father.”

In This Study

What it means to grieve the Holy Spirit

The context of Ephesians 4:30

When and how the believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit

Why David feared losing the Spirit in Psalm 51

The difference between salvation and fellowship

What 1 Corinthians 5 teaches about sin and eternal security

The works of the flesh versus the fruit of the Spirit

Our judicial righteousness in Jesus Christ

The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of adoption

Why believers can call God “Abba, Father”

The Holy Spirit as Comforter and teacher

Walking in the Spirit without living under condemnation

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 4:17–32 — Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God
Ephesians 1:12–14 — Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise
Psalm 51:5–12 — Take not thy Holy Spirit from me
Genesis 6:5–6 — God grieved at His heart
Isaiah 63:7–10 — Israel vexed His Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 5:1–5 — The spirit saved in the day of the Lord Jesus
Colossians 2:10–15 — Forgiven all trespasses
Galatians 5:18–25 — Works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit
Romans 3:21–24 — The righteousness of God upon all who believe
Mark 14:34–36 — Jesus cries, “Abba, Father”
Romans 8:14–17 — The Spirit of adoption
Galatians 4:4–7 — Sons and heirs through Christ
John 14:26 — The Holy Ghost, the Comforter
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 — The God of all comfort
1 Corinthians 2:12–13 — The Holy Ghost teaches spiritual things
Key Takeaway

A believer can grieve the Holy Spirit, but grieving the Spirit is not the same as losing salvation. Those who have trusted Jesus Christ are sealed unto the day of redemption. Our standing before God rests upon Christ’s righteousness and His finished work at Calvary.
The question, then, is not whether every failure will cause God to cast us away. The question is whether we are walking in fellowship with the Spirit who sealed us.

Rather than living in fear and condemnation, let us walk in newness of life, allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in us and seeking to please our Heavenly Father out of gratitude for all He has freely given us in Christ.

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” — Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)

Read the companion blog: Grieving the Holy Spirit: What It Means for the Believer https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/post/grieving-the-holy-spirit-what-it-means-for-the-believer

Study Guide available to our subscribers: Subscribe today at https://biblemysteries.supercast.com

The Unlock the Bible Now ministry provides weekly Sunday Bible Studies to help you understand God's word and unlock the secrets found in the Bible.

Unlock the Bible Now & Bible Mysteries Podcast 

Visit our Website: https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/

Listen to our Podcast: https://www.biblemysteriespodcast.com/

Be a Premium Podcast Subscriber: https://biblemysteries.supercast.com

Support the Ministry: https://biblemysteries.supercast.com/donations/new

Shop Bible Mysteries Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/bible-mysteries-podcast/

Contact Us: unlockthebiblenow@gmail.com

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