The word "Predestinate" appears rarely in the Bible, but the idea is everywhere. It frightens sinners, comforts believers, exasperates thinkers, and humbles everyone. The Confession teaches the doctrine, corrects misunderstandings about it, and encourages its right use. One way of stating the doctrine of predestination without using the word is this: "God has a wonderful plan for your life." He has planned the salvation of all who believe, their good works, and every event in life so that all things work together for good to those who love God. God's plan includes everything necessary for our salvation, including the coming of Christ, his death at evil hands, and his resurrection. God's plan includes "secondary causes" which are genuine: it matters very much what we do. God's plan is not mere foreknowledge of events, which would make God a mere spectator of history. It is God's Plan. God's choosing some and not choosing others is not unfair: no one deserves to be chosen. Believers should embrace God's purpose for their election: to be conformed to Christ's image. It should give confidence since God's purpose and election stand sure. And it teaches us humility before God. Predestination is unpopular because it destroys the last vestige of the pretense that people are gods.
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Bill Edgar has been the pastor of the Broomall Reformed Presbyterian Church since 1981 and a teacher of mathematics at East High School in West Chester, Pennsylvania since 1980. He was graduated from Swarthmore College in 1968, attended the Reformed Presbyterian Theological...
