God has foreordained and controls all things whatsoever by his mysterious foreknowledge and providence. By definition, the eternal destinies of the elect and non-elect must fall under God’s foreordination and control. Yet Scripture does not directly state that God predestines people to hell. Instead, it continually emphasizes that God elects to eternal salvation. In light …
Continue reading “Should Christians say, “God Predestines People to Hell”?”
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/does-god-predestine-people-to-hell Audio Transcript A podcast listener named Steve writes in to ask this very pointed question: “Pastor John, are some people predestined for hell?” Before I give my clear and definite answer, it really is crucial that a few preliminary things be said that are always lurking right there below the surface, ready to turn …
The co-existence of God’s sovereignty and humankind’s free will has been a hotly-debated topic among theologians across the centuries. Understanding how God can have complete control and yet also grant free will to people is a mind-boggling concept. Most argumentative folk will take one of two extreme viewpoints: Viewpoint #1: Human beings are God’s puppets; God …
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“Are you a Christian or a Calvinist?” We received this question not that long ago. I am used to receiving questions/complaints from people who strongly disagree with Calvinism. But, this was the first one I had ever seen in which the person was insinuating that if you are a Calvinist, you are not a Christian. …
Continue reading “Why do some people so passionately hate Calvinism?”
No doctrine is more despised by the natural mind than the truth that God is absolutely sovereign. Human pride loathes the suggestion that God orders everything, controls everything, and rules over everything. The carnal mind, burning with enmity against God, abhors the biblical teaching that nothing comes to pass except according to His eternal decrees. …
Carla submitted this very difficult question: “I struggle mightfully, painfully, fearfully with the concept of God’s Elect/Chosen. Does God choose some to be his own but not others? If so, how does that work with the verses that suggest man has a choice/can seek out God and expect His grace/mercy/acceptance? How terrifying to think some …
Continue reading “Does God choose who will be saved and who will be lost?”
As Christians, we believe we are saved solely by the grace of God. God sets us apart for salvation based not on anything we could do (or have done), but based instead on the free gift of salvation offered by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Our works play no role in our salvation. We cannot earn our way into Heaven, this …
Continue reading “Are There Different Degrees of Reward in Heaven?”
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