I. The idea of “predestination.”
A. The term itself.
1. It means: foreordained; destination or end determined before.
a. The term is used in Scripture: Romans 8:30; Eph. 1:5.
b. It is the decree of God whereby He determined eternally the end of all creatures.
2. This pre-determination includes:
a. Angels (good and evil): I Tim. 5:21; Matt. 25:41; Jude 6.
b. Men (good and evil): Eph. 1:4; I Thess. 5:9.
B. This decree of predestination:
1. Is centrally for the glory of the Name of our God.
a. It does not exist because of necessity outside of God.
b. But God determined it that He might receive all the glory. Prov. 16:4; Eph. 1:6.
2. With respect to this decree we can state:
a. It is eternal decree.
1) God does not choose in the process of time.
2) But this takes place before the foundations of the earth. Acts 15:18; Eph. 1:4.
b. It is an unchangeable decree.
1) God’s plan does not change in process of time; He does not have to revise it to fit new circumstances.
2) But His Counsel stands: Is. 46:10.
c. It is a sovereign decree.
1) God does according to His own good pleasure–nor does He have to answer to man for His work.
2) Scripture shows this: Eph. 1:5; Dan. 4:35; Rom. 9:21.
II. Election:
A. What it is:
1. Election is that “eternal good-pleasure of God’s will to save some men through the means of faith in Christ to eternal glory” (Essentials of Ref. Doctrine).
2. Upon this basis rests the certainty of salvation for the church.
a. It is not based upon foreseen works–as Arminianism would maintain.
b. But wholly upon the sovereign good-pleasure of God.
B. Proof:
1. Eph. 1:4–we are chosen BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WORLD.
2. Rom. 9:11-13–Jacob is chosen apart from his having done good or evil.
C. Comfort of this doctrine:
1. It assures us of our salvation–which is not dependent upon our works but is only by Sovereign Grace.
2. Then nothing can destroy the church of Christ nor its individual members.
III. Reprobation:
A. What it is:
1. It is the “eternal good-pleasure of His will to condemn others to eternal damnation on account of their sin” (Essentials of Ref. Doctrine).
2. This has also been called “preterition”, or, “passing by.”
a. This idea of “passing by” appears to be in harmony with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt.
b. Yet there is more involved in reprobation shan a “passing by.”
3. This doctrine is greatly despised in our day–and almost universally denied.
B. Proof:
1. I Peter 2:8 “…disobedient, whereunto they were appointed.”
2. Rom. 9:13 “Even as it is written: Jacob have I loved, but Esau I hated.”
3. Rom. 9:22; I Thess. 5:9; Jude 4; Rev. 13:8.
C. How this serves God’s purpose:
1. Reveals the greatness of God’s goodness and holiness which is contrasted with this terrible darkness.
2. God uses this for the gathering of His people and fashioning of them for their place in glory.
Worksheet
A. Supplementary reading:
1. Scripture: Romans 9.
2. Canons of Dordt, first head of doctrine.
3. Westminster Catechism, questions 12, 13.
B. Proof-text (Election and reprobation): Romans 9:11-13 “For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
C. Questions for study and consideration:
1. Does not this article imply that election takes place AFTER the fall?
2. What is the difference between supra-lapsarianism and infra-lapsarianism? What approach does this confession take?
3. Why should reprobation be called a mere “passing-by?” Why is such an explanation of it given?
4. Is predestination the “heart of the Reformed doctrine”?
5. What does the Roman Catholic church believe concerning this doctrine?
6. Show that election is not based on foreseen works.
7. What can one say about the first point of common grace–and this predestination?
8. How can we know of our own personal election?
9. Can we call “election” also “selection”?