In this video I tackle two tough questions about predestination: 1) Is the Gospel a real offer if God has already chosen the elect? 2) What happens to children who die in infancy?
The simple comment you made which you stated why would we assume that God would somehow get it wrong has been the simplest sentence I could ever have heard to clear up all the emotional confusion concerning this doctrine. Why wouldn’t I trust in a loving God to get it right? I wish every reformed theology apologist would use that statement. It’s so clear to me now.
Thank you sir, been watching your videos, clearly God has called you to teaching, you've helped me in my understanding of scripture. My wife and I both were raised pentecostal, we've attended a Baptist church for the past 14 years, now God is calling us to more understanding and we are visiting local PCA churches in the North Georgia area. You're doing a great job on these videos, to God be the glory!
It was great to hear your talk's on these two difficult subjects. Thanks for tackling them! :-) It was especially good to be reminded of balancing God's grace with his sovereignty. We have to look at his track record as recorded in the various accounts in the bible and trust him in the things that are out of our control and in the things that are not clearly defined for us in the scriptures.
Hello, Matthew. I’m a licenciate and candidate in the PCA’s Pittsburgh presbytery. That last thing you said may perhaps be the most important part. Regardless of whether we understand God’s sovereignty at times, we do understand that he will always do what is right. No one ever receives God’s wrath unjustly.
Thanks for the video. I have had a hard time wrapping my mind around predestination. This video really helps. It's both predestination and our requirement to accept the Gospel. ♥️
I think you did an excellent job addressing this point of doctrine. This was certainly my understanding after taking some time to read doctrine. I am glad I am on the right track! I am not from a Reformed or Presbyterian background. However, I am curious, spending the last year studying Calvin, the Westminster Catechism, and the transcript of the Colloquy of Montbeliard in 1586. I am not at all well versed in Calvinistic theology, at this time. But, I am glad to watch your videos and learn more. Thank you.
Hey Pastor Matt, thank you, very good Holy Bible teaching, and yes, it was also very helpful. John 8:32 tells us the truth shall make you free, and I said that to say this, there is much truth taught here on your channel. I line up everything you teach here with the Holy Scriptures, and it has all been the truth of the Word of God. So, yes, I will say, you got it right. Thank you again. Blessings of the Lord God to you and the family. Stay home Stay safe Be well
As the father of a child that was a full term stillbirth: Jeremiah 1:5 has been Ana amazing comfort to me. Also, our entire family was impacted positively by her life. She brought about such a change, that only be explained as being God’s vessel to accomplish a work in the hearts of so many. (Unfortunately, it also started a mental health crisis in my wife, who did not lay hold of God’s sovereign reign to find His blessings, that started a 20 battle with mental health which ultimately lead to her death)
Regardless of the position one holds to on this issue, one thing is certain for EVERYONE - we are to preach the Gospel to all. Now, I dont see anywhere in the "Great Comission" where we are required to explain to the lost sinner what the doctrine of predestination and election are. In fact, the reality of these doctrines are non-essentials to true Gospel preaching; i.e., the sinner doesnt need to undersrand them in order to be beneficiaries of Christ's meritorious work. That being the case, this ONE body of Christ the Bible refers to as the church, needs to get over the doctrinal dispute concerning this issue and unite under the banner that unites us - the Gospel! For far too long the church has divided itself, often with hostility, on an issue that is a mystery and irreconcilable textually and rationally speaking. I will unite with anyone who is preaching the purity of the Gospel and exalting the person of Christ in His death and resurrection. What the preordained plan determined by God as to His chosen method in ultimately bringing sinners to the cross should have no bearing on our fellowship with one another. Whatever God has ordained cannot be changed so let's accept it and accept the fact there will be disagreement. And you know what? That's okay. What's not okay is dividing over a complicated doctrine neither side can fully explain without leaving some questions unaswered in our conclusions. "ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM." (Ephesians 4:5)
I agree with you in evangelical terms. I think understanding the doctrines of election and grace are more important to fully grasp the sovereignty of God and the nothingness we bring to the table as we are saved by His grace.
@adam....Holy smokes! This is the bestest (not A word) comment I've heard! I was thinking of attending a Presbyterian church Sunday but thought I shouldn't because of James White and his anger over this doctrine!
Hey pastor Matthew, nice video. But I think and humbly suggest, that in topic of reformed doctrine about election and salvation of infants, it's necessary to mention about 1Cor 7:14 and 17th article of Canons of Dort.
Pastor Matt (***long text warning***), Thank you for your video and the several others I have watched. I've learned a lot as the videos are clear and concise about what Presbyterian claims are and what Reformation theology on predestination is. Although I can agree that predestination did occur for the very reason that you stated in another video... "It's in the Bible," I do not agree that this predestination is set apart only for a specific elect and excludes a reprobated non-elect as if we have no choice in the matter. Please allow me to provide this for consideration. 1 Tim 2:1-6 expresses that God wants ALL people to be saved. God would not be able to achieve His own desire because of His own doing if he predestined only a specific elect before the creation of the world. There are several other passages that convey that same intent that the election or offer of salvation is for all men, that the gospel is for all men, that Jesus died for all men, not just a specific predestined elect, and finally, that it's on us to choose to believe and accept this election (2 Cor 5:14-15; Heb 2:9; Lk 2:10; Jn 3:16-17; Acts 10:34-35; 1 Jn 2:2; Rom 10:11-13, etc). I'll us this as an illustration: In school, a teacher (God) generates a syllabus (Word of God/Bible) that displays the requirements to pass (achieve salvation). The obvious intent is that all students (the world) comprehend the desired learning objective (Jesus is Lord and Messiah) and ultimately pass. But based on how the students respond to the syllabus and complete the assignments, they either pass or fail: 1) Believe (Jn 3:16, Rom 10:9-10) 2) Repent (Gal 5:19-21; Lk 13:1-5) 3) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Pet 3:21-22) 4) Live as the Word of God instructs (James 2:14-17, Jn 8:31-32) 5) Make more Christians/Disciples (Matt 28:18-20; Rom 10:11-15) 1 through 3 culminates in salvation (not that we earned it by completing a checklist, but rather by the grace of God through faith - Eph 2:8-9). 4 and 5 is how you should live until you die. In summary, the glorious mystery referenced in Eph 1:8b-10 that God predestined according to His plan and foreknowledge is that ALL men (both Jew and Gentile) were to become God's elect, His royal priesthood, His holy nation (1 Pet 2:9-10). It is up to us to choose to believe, accept, and receive this election. Lastly, the letters Paul wrote to the Ephesian, Roman, and Galatian churches were largely to help the Jews who were insisting either that only Jews can become Christians because they believed that only they were God's chosen ones or insisting that Gentiles have to adhere to certain Jewish laws, such as circumcision, in order to become Christian. When cross referenced with the book of Acts, you will find this as a common theme that Jews struggled with and that Paul is trying to help them understand in his letters. Try keeping this precept in mind as you read the entire letters of Ephesians and Romans and see if you can come away with the same understanding. That is what all that detail and description in Eph 1, Rom 8, and Rom 9 is in relation to. I hope and pray this helps someone. Feel free to email me at rjordanjr11@yahoo.com.
I would recommend, if you gave the time, reading up on the teachings of Pelagius from our earlier church history, as well as the responses made towards his teachings.
Thanks for posting. I’m not reformed myself but I am seeking the truth. One thing I’d say is that many non reformed people (prbly not the majority, sadly, but those who love and believe all of Gods word) don’t deny predestination or election - but rather insist that those terms mean things different than in reformed doctrine. I’d also say that the first question falls more into the limited atonement category in my mind. My question would be if Jesus didn’t die for the sins of all - then how can there be a genuine offer for all? Just things to think about Thanks again for posting. Have tons of respect for you! God bless!
Nick, maybe it would be helpful to think about what the offer actually is: "If you turn away from your sin (repent) and turn to Jesus in faith (i.e. receive him as Savior), you will be saved." That is an offer that can be sincerely offered whether a person is among the elect or not (and, oh by the way, we have no way of knowing who is or isn't elect). No person who has ever repented and believed in Jesus has EVER been turned away. John 6:37 assures that, "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out". Even the fact that only the elect ever will repent and believe in Jesus doesn't nullify the validity of the offer. For it still holds true that if a person will repent and believe they'll be saved. Even if we KNEW that a person was not elect (which we can't know) we could still sincerely tell them, "If you will repent and believe in Jesus, you will be saved." That's my two cents worth on the topic.
Nick Hay, You have indeed a very good Question that needs a Good answer... =>>> Indeed many none-Calvinist like Arminian have different view of Election.. But their view is Not Biblical because They do not Believe God predestined some people to be saved since the Foundation of the World... But they believe that God predestined those who are already believers for service Not for Salvation... =>>> God indeed Predestined some since the foundation of the world to be saved, and predestined some to be cast to the Lake of fire for damnation... =>>> BUT, It is NOT the way the Calvinist Believe...The Calvinist believe that: Because God is Sovereign He can choose any one to be Saved and Any One to be Damned, that Nobody knows the basis of God why He choose one and not the other except God Himself because the Secret Things of God Belongs to God alone... =>>> However, Jesus Christ has revealed them already to us before He died at the cross... =>>> Jesus Revealed to us that Regarding Salvation, There are Only two(2) kinds of people in the world... The 'Elect and the Reprobates' Sometimes Jesus called them the 'Sheep and the Goats'... The Elect are the True Children of God since the foundation of the world, even before Adam and Eve sinned and were cursed by God...The Reprobates are the children of the the devil... =>>> Definitely, God Predestined all His True Children to be Saved... and Predestined all the children of the devil to be cast to the lake of fire...=>>> EXAMPLE of the children of the devil are: Cain, Judas, and Some of the Pharisees to whom Jesus said: ''you are of your father the devil''(John 8:44 KJV) =>>> SOURCE: Matthew 13:24-43 (KJV)... The Parable of the 'Wheat and Tares' =>>> In verse 35 of this chapter, It is said that this Revelation of Jesus, was KEPT SECRET since the foundation of the world but is Revealed to us before Jesus died at the cross... =>>> Therefore we cannot get any reference from the Old Testament about this Revelation because even the Prophets of the Old Testament, and the OT saints did not know about this Revelation... Thank you....
You are so right about the distrust of God in some arminians. *³ Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)* They seem to fear this verse when in fact it should be our greatest comfort, because whatever God pleases is good.
@@golfern58 *"³⁷ All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (John **6:37**)* *"⁴⁴ No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. ..." (John **6:44**)* I think you will agree to these three equations: 1. 'those whom the Father draws (v44)' = 'all that the Father gives me (v37)' = the elect 2. 'come to me' = repent and trust in Christ 3. 'never be cast out' = be surely saved So we can restate these verses in three statements: (A) "The elect will repent and trust in Christ" (v37) (B) "Whoever repents and trusts in Christ will surely be saved" (v37) (C) "No one can repent and trust in Christ unless he is one of the elect." (v44) *Your question, is, "Is there hope for the non-elect?"* From B we can say that there is hope for everyone who repents and trusts in Christ. *So your question will reduce to, "Will the non-elect repent and trust in Christ?"* But from C we see that the non-elect cannot do so. They cannot do so because they do not want to do so. They may want to go to heaven, but they will not want to commit themselves to Christ. Both repentance and faith are gifts of God: *"²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. GOD MAY PERHAPS GRANT THEM REPENTANCE leading to a knowledge of the truth, (2 Timothy **2:25**)"* *"⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8)"* Thank you for your question, friend. I don't always have short answers 😂 but I hope you understand it. God bless you.
@@perfectsnaitang Thank you so very much for the response! I feel like I understand it so MUCH better from your reply. This has been a problem of mine for a while now, not knowing if I was truly elect or not.
@@golfern58 You're welcome! So glad you asked! So you also question whether you're truly elect or not. See, knowing that you're elect is something that you believe (by faith); as for other promises of the Bible. For example, how do you know that you've been adopted by God? The answer is, you just believed what the Scriptures say. After you came to Christ, you also counted yourself as God's son because you believe the Scripture when you see the connection between adoption and salvation. In the same way, I know I am one of the elect, not because I have access to some divine book that lists the names of the elect, but because after I came to Christ, I see in Scripture the connection between election and salvation and I believe it. Knowing that you're elect is a matter of faith and not sight, like all God's promises.
Hmmm....Arminians distrust God? Question. Since Jesus was a Jew, as was Paul, do you believe they would agree with the current view of predestination? Be thoughtful. The New Testament did not exist when Jesus was alive which means you must rely on the Old Testament alone. “God does what he wills” is a blanket statement but how were the Jews “saved” or “forgiven of their sin?” My question basically is this. Did Jesus teach predestination? Did Jesus mention predestination in the Old Testament? Jesus claimed to be the Father several times. Is he or is he not?
"Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" Excellent conclusion. Also, regarding the second question, I'd suggest there is greater hope for infants dying in infancy for the predestinarion than for one who puts the burden for salvation on someone's choice/free will/decision - the baby (or someone with greatly limited mental capacity) never had a chance to hear and repent and believe. They're only "chance" is if God freely chooses to save them, and their salvation doesn't depend on them in the least. I think, to put another Ngle on what you said at the end, people often feel like the "God of Arminianism/synergism" is nicer than God as understood in Calvinism, so obviously He'd save babies. But fundentally, we can, we must, trust God. He is good! We will declare all that He has done to be right, best, most glorious. That faith is a firmer foundation than trusting Him specifically to do what we want and what we think is best.
Pastor Matt, your explanation of predestination and human responsibility are similar to how John MacArthur preached it. I believe there are parallel truths that we Christians must accept this side of eternity.
Thanks Matthew for this explanation. Luther called Romans 9 and other scriptures like it "The inscrutable will of God." guess this is why John Wesley said he could not believe that there were people born into this world who never had a chance to be saved in the first place. It seems that there are many people who embrace Calvinism these days, but unlike Calvin, they are are afraid to say the quiet part out loud, for Calvin said that there are babies in hell not more than a span long. Thats tough to swallow. Much better and more honest to relegate it to mystery.
I'm a baptist pastor from Sumter, SC and found your channel recently while searching for a new Bible. Have really enjoyed your channel! I wouldn't say I'm reformed, but only one point away😬! Predestination has fascinated me not long after I was saved at 14. I'm 42 and have been a pastor for nearly 20 years. I have come a long way in my knowledge about the subject at hand but can't fully understand it the way you do. Still searching and studying! Continue your work, good brother!
If you are a Baptist pastor you should be using the same bible that all Baptist pastors have been using for the past 400 years the king James Bible. Also you been preaching 20 years and don't understand predestination?what the hell is wrong with you? We are saved by The Grace of God
@@spencershaw2407 Ad hominem attacks do not add anything to the conversation. Not only are we to be humble before God, but we are to be humble before others.
If you want to understand reformed theology in the most concise manner, I’d recommend Berkhof’s Systematic Theology. It’s definitely dry, but it’ll explain reformed theology clearly and succinctly on nearly every issue you might have.
sSir, you reviewed the fact that there is election and there’s human responsibility to believe. You didn’t reconcile the two in order to present a unified doctrine. However, I have never found anyone who can reconcile the two. I have been reformed 25 years and yet no preacher and no commentary can do it either. Thanks for your social media ministry. 15:36
Fate and freewill coexist. Things can be fated to happen even if freewill exists. God's mind is so infinite and all-knowing that He knows us infinitely better than we know ourselves, and thus He is able to know the choices we make before we make them.
I understand predestination is mentioned several times in scripture. How do we reconcile that reality with numerous scriptural examples which clearly state that Christ died for all, not the elect only..e.g. John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, 1 John 2:1-2, John 1:29 ..just to name a few!!
Good job. One recommendation about process. I always BEGAN my response to predest-questions with divine mystery. The reason being that that is where we must always inevitably end up at anyway. When one begins by trying to show how pd and freewill can both be true, we give the impression that it is possible to resolve the issue that way ... and we cannot. Then, when we finally resort to divine mystery (saying both are Scriptural and true even though seemingly contradictory) we sound like we are attempting to escape or "slip out the back, Jack." I used to work it this way. "I have a rational explanation for you. Do you believe that God's ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts? Yes? Good. If that is true, is it not rational, reasonable, logical that we should expect, then, to find things both in our Bible and in our Christian walk that we cannot understand? In fact, would it not then be a warning sign if we did not? So it is with pd and fw, ie. the full reality of our responsibility to turn to Christ." There you have it ... a rational explanation to a rational question about a supra-rational issue. If it weren't for mystery, we would have no need of faith.
Thank you, The Divine Mystery is. real - we exist in Eternity and this life is only like an inning in the History of BB and we will experience every game 1st hand and ......every position and .....
The way it always came together in my little mind was that He always knew who would choose His ways, but would not interfere with free will. But i just poke seeds in the ground for a living, I am not a theologian.
Hey Ps. Matt. I love the content....Please keep it coming..... I do have a few legitimate questions here...... In today's day and age, it's real easy to become defensive and argumentative over a keyboard - but I do come to you out of sincere curiosity. It's quite the contentious topic..... Maybe I'm not getting it.... Predestination - doesn't it all originate with God knowing all (beginning to end and all points inbetween), and knowing who will choose to accept Him? Spurgeon talks about election, then adoption. So, wouldn't the process be our choice, His election, then His adoption? God loves us all. You, me, the guy across the street, the atheist, the whole shebang. If he loves us equally, how can he say to you - Matt Everhard - yep! I'm choosing you. Joe Athiest - I love you just as much as Matt - but you I'm going to make sure you're in hell for all of eternity. I don't see how that is in God's nature? We all choose to do something. Eve chose to listen to the snake. Adam chose to eat it, also he (i always find this funny, chose to throw Eve under the bus and blame her)...Wasn't their choice that set the course? I tell my kids all the time that life is all about choices, and every action has a reaction (the reap what you sow argument)? With God, in His infinite knowledge and love know who will make what choices, then based upon those choices, THEN predestine who makes the cut, and who doesn't - so to speak? isn't the choice that allows God to predestine us? I can't see anything in His nature that allows Him, with everyone being on a level playing field, to decide that I'm chosen to going to Heaven, but my neighbour is going to hell. Why would He not choose that guy? I'd love to hear your thoughts/feedback. Side question - any thoughts on Kevin Conner? He's my all-time favourite teacher of the word. He's since gone home to be with The Lord, but I'm still amazed by his love for Christ.
I came across this comment 3 years after you posted it, so I’m curious where you stand on this topic now, but you should look at what Paul writes in Romans 9 because your contention with predestination is summarized in the contention that Paul anticipates in v14 “what shall we say then, is there injustice in God? Certainly not”. Similarly, is it contrary to God’s nature to show mercy to one and not to another? Paul explains why we cannot state that. God bless you and I’d love to hear back from you here
@VictorBorbaMusic Hey Victor. Thanks for writing. I can't question the justness of God. He is loving and fair - and not dependent on what I think is fair, but what He set it as. I think (certainly no expert) that our predestination (also talks about it in Ephesians 1) is also based on our decision. Yahweh knows all from the beginning until the end of the Universe. If He knows I'll choose and stick with Jesus, then I'm predestined. That's how I see it.
@@marksarookanian2753thanks for these posts. I've been struggling with this. I'm at pretty much the same place you are with it, but I couldn't put it together clearly. God bless.
The better way to phase the opposing view is to say if the Calvinistic view of predestination is correct then how is it consistent with Romans 2:11 and the multitude of Scripture that gives the impression that we have a choice in whether we sin or not. If God is impartial (Romans 2:11) and we are all in the same sinful state, how does God maintain impartiality when in Calvinism God has clearly judged people differently than others.
I'm a former Catholic trying to find a church and want to attend an Evangelical Presbyterian church. However, I don't subscribe to strict doctrines of T.U.L.I. P. Should I attend anyway? I like singing of hymns, liturgy, Apostles and Nicene creeds but also believe it's limiting God to say gifts of Spirit aren't functional today as the Perfect (bible) has now come. I interpret the Perfect to mean Christ's second coming. I also don't believe in predestination of the believer and limited atonement. Christ died for all, is calling all however many will not answer him. We're only predestined if we answer his call, we have a choice. God bless!
I don’t think that those who question predestination doubt the goodness of God at all. They would argue that BECAUSE God is good and just He offers each individual the choice of accepting His grace based on that person’s free will. Also, well-informed, scripturally literate Christians ALL believe in the doctrine of predestination. However, those who disagree with the standard Calvinistic/Reformed view argue that God predestined that His grace would be bestowed on all those who would freely accept the offer of salvation. Opponents of the Reformed position claim that the Calvinist argument denies God’s goodness as well. They claim that if God is good He would never condemn someone to eternity in hell for a decision that they couldn’t possibly make for him/herself. Personally, I’m bothered by both sides’ tendency to denigrate the opponents’ trust in God’s justice and sovereignty.
Where is the good news in reformed /calvinism theology? God IS love….., consider ramifications of where conclusions lead. These dynamics are life-altering in how one applies their subscribed theology. These dynamics are more expansive than the typical dichotomy. All the best .
So does God actually pre-determine who is going to be saved or lost, or can predestination as it appears in the Bible be explained by the fact that God knows the end from the beginning? I have tried to understand this subject and attended a Presbyterian Reformed church for some time, but someone there told me that some people are 'born to go to hell'. I have a son whom I hope and pray will accept Jesus one day and be saved, but if I am required to believe that he may have no chance at all of ever being saved, even if he wanted to, then I will continue to reject the doctrine of predestination as it is believed by the Presbyterian Reformed Church.
Deanne, toward the end of your comment I think you hit on a fundamental misunderstanding that can be a huge barrier and one I shared as a former Arminio-Dispy-Baptist (tm). :D The phrase "even if he wants to" is the key I think. As fallen people we are all in a state of rebellion with no desire to repent and trust in God until by a sovereign act of His grace God regenerates our soul. The desire to turn is itself a gracious and unmerited gift. That said there is comfort in that it does seem that God works through family units. Being born into a believing family where one is exposed to the gospel from an early age is itself a gracious gift of God. You may have noticed a difference in how children are viewed in Aminian v.s. Reformed circles. Rather than viewing children as outsiders desperately in need of being convinced to believe the reformed tend to think of them as part of the covenant community (ergo covenant baptism) to be instructed and brought up in the faith while still asserting their need to own it. A matter of emphasis perhaps but I think it makes a difference.
Just on the point of King David referring to his son with Bathsheba, it seems he was just talking about the grave. Did Jesus not say that David did not ascend to heaven?
My problem is that I will go through getting close to God but it was never enough for Him to where I make it to heaven. Am I predestined for this? He already knows if I’m going to heaven or hell.
I may have an overly simplified view of it but it seems obvious that God just foreknows those who will repent and accept Christ, as He foreknows those who will not. This fact does not take away His offering of salvation for all through Christ. The acceptance is in the hands of the individual. It's clear we all must make up our own minds. God only reveals so much, yet none have an excuse to deny Him as He provides us with great general revelation via His natural creation. The Holy Spirit's promptings are available to all. Many simply accommodate their hard hearts.
Jack, the Greek word which we translate as “foreknowledge” means a lot more than just know ahead of time. It also carries the meaning of a relationship in advance of an action. He chose before the foundation of the world. 15:36 Your conclusion will not stand the scrutiny of Scripture.
Actually, the Bible mentions predestination only five times which is very few. Have you considered different perspectives of what predestination could mean? Look through Ephesians one and ask if you did not believe in the Calvinist understanding of predestination; how would you interpret it?
So, if I understand this doctrine correctly, and I may be wrong, those that are not chosen (predestined) to be saved are in fact already condemned to hell? If that is correct, that hardly seems like a real offer of salvation. How can you have a legitimate offer of salvation, if the ones to be saved are chosen before hand? Furthermore, what would be the point of proclaiming the gospel to everyone if that's the case. If it's true that God is no respecter of person, shouldn't the offer of salvation be available to all? Perhaps I'm missing something, but it would seem to me that the doctrine of predestination contradicts the rest of the bible.
Excellent video. Thirty years ago, when I was I was a Finney man, living by the Lectures of Revival of Religion and Finney's Systematic Theology, I would have given your video an emphatic thumbs down. Thanks to Ligonier Ministries, even though I only go as far as saying God chose me, I didn't chose Him, I ended up taking Charles Finney's views on the Justice of God and Benevolent Moral Government, much of which he got from Jonathan Edwards and Hugo Grotius, and applied it to predestination. If indeed God does predestinate who will be saved and who will be lost, what kind of choices would God makes? Perfectly Just and Wise choices. So, I can't complain, even if I don't understand how God choses. I believe the passages you read from the Westminster Confession describe God as a Benevolent and Moral Governor of His creation. I still keep Finney and Wesley and Grotius on my bookshelf, but I got better into something in between the Confessional Reformed and Confessional Lutheran camps. I don't get offended at all by Reformed Theology.
@Philip Voerding, May I post my response here to Nick Hay, Nick Hay, You have indeed a very good Question that needs a Good answer... =>>> Indeed many none-Calvinist like Arminian have different view of Election.. But their view is Not Biblical because They do not Believe God predestined some people to be saved since the Foundation of the World... But they believe that God predestined those who are already believers for service Not for Salvation... =>>> God indeed Predestined some since the foundation of the world to be saved, and predestined some to be cast to the Lake of fire for damnation... =>>> BUT, It is NOT the way the Calvinist Believe...The Calvinist believe that: Because God is Sovereign He can choose any one to be Saved and Any One to be Damned, that Nobody knows the basis of God why He choose one and not the other except God Himself because the Secret Things of God Belongs to God alone... =>>> However, Jesus Christ has revealed them already to us before He died at the cross... =>>> Jesus Revealed to us that Regarding Salvation, There are Only two(2) kinds of people in the world... The 'Elect and the Reprobates' Sometimes Jesus called them the 'Sheep and the Goats'... The Elect are the True Children of God since the foundation of the world, even before Adam and Eve sinned and were cursed by God...The Reprobates are the children of the the devil... =>>> Definitely, God Predestined all His True Children to be Saved... and Predestined all the children of the devil to be cast to the lake of fire...=>>> EXAMPLE of the children of the devil are: Cain, Judas, and Some of the Pharisees to whom Jesus said: ''you are of your father the devil''(John 8:44 KJV) =>>> SOURCE: Matthew 13:24-43 (KJV)... The Parable of the 'Wheat and Tares' =>>> In verse 35 of this chapter, It is said that this Revelation of Jesus, was KEPT SECRET since the foundation of the world but is Revealed to us before Jesus died at the cross... =>>> Therefore we cannot get any reference from the Old Testament about this Revelation because even the Prophets of the Old Testament, and the OT saints did not know about this Revelation... Thank you....
More pastoral -- Canons of Dort 1.17 Since we are to judge of the will of God from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature, but in virtue of the covenant of grace, in which they, together with the parents, are comprehended, godly parents have no reason to doubt of the election and salvation of their children, whom it pleaseth God to call out of this life in their infancy. More precise -- WCF 10.3 Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit,[a] who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth.[b] So also are all other elect persons who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.[c] a: Luke 18:15-16, John 3:3, John 3:5, Acts 2:38-39, Romans 8:9, 1 John 5:12 b: John 3:8 c: Acts 4:12, 1 John 5:12
Regarding the first question, you can find in Jeremiah that God told Jeremiah to go to the king of Judah, and give him the opportunity to repent, but God tells Jeremiah, however, he, and the people, will NOT listen and repent. He tells Jeremiah they won’t listen but that Jeremiah must keep giving the message, even until he gets imprisoned. God says that these people are predetermined for his wrath, yet STILL sends Jeremiah back again and again, even to Jeremiah’s harm. This doesn’t say why God offers salvation to those that are destined for punishment regardless. However, it does very much show that God does this.
Give scripture reference. There is a huge difference in being told they won't listen, and God forcing them to disobey. God takes pleasure in Men Repenting from their disobedience and he does NOT take pleasure in men continuing in unrighteousness unto death. Ezekiel 33:11 "Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! God has given the Word of Life however, men in the hardness of their hearts have rejected it rather loving their own crooked paths.
I am not a Calvinist, But I want to answer your two questions... (1.) ''IS THE GOSPEL A REAL OFFER IF GOD HAS ALREADY CHOSEN THE ELECT?'' =>>> ANSWER: Definitely God has chosen the Elect to be saved since the foundation of world to be saved... They are not saved yet in their time because the Elect were fallen also after the fall of Adam and Eve... In the beginning of the world, the elect were still seeds as well as the reprobates... After the Fall of Adm and Eve the Elect inherited the Sinful Nature of Adam and Eve and they all died Spiritually and lose their connection with their Father God... That is the reason why God sent Jesus Christ to Redeem the the Elect... The Elect must hear first the Gospel and believe and be born again to be saved... =>>> To Redeem means: To pay to the present owner the ransom to take back something to return to the Original owner... In this case the thing that belongs to satan is the Elect before he or she is born again... The Ransom is the Life and Blood of Jesus that He paid to Redeem the Elect.. And the Original Owner of the Elect is God the Father.. (2.) ''WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDREN WHO DIE IN INFANCY?'' =>>> ANSWER: If the infant is the Elect, he/she will surely go to heaven...=>>> BIBLICAL SUPPORT: ACTS 13:48 (NLT) ''When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.'' =>>> NOTE: Those Gentiles that heard the gospel for the first time were ALREADY CHOSEN FOR ETERNAL LIFE... Even before they hear the gospel and became believers.... THANKS...
Whoever wants to cut and/or delete certain verses out of their Bible will not have their share in eternal life, Revelation 22:18-19. Beware! Predestination is a God-glorifying doctrine taught all over Scripture.
God reprobates unto death the non elect? I see know where in scripture where God predestines the majority of His creation to Hell. When I read the scriptures, I see a God who is passionate over restoring His creation, a God who is constantly reaching out His hands to a rebellious and prideful people. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and desires all to come to the knowledge of the truth. If that's true, and predestination for salvation is true, then God would have irresistibly saved every human on earth. If God truly loves the world, and God is the one who is opening hearts and re birthing people, God would have happily done that to everyone. That's pretty plain and simple. How can you genuinely say that God loves all people while at the same time believing the same God predestined the majority of His creation to the lake of fire for eternity?
I agree to a certain portion of your message but I don't agree to your notion that "God predestines unto life of the elect before the foundation of the world". Please furnish the subject verses that supports your claim. Thank you.
So there may be a category of non-elect infants who die in infancy and go straight to hell. As a Christian, I am so disgusted that this is the face of Christianity for some. I hope anyone watching this knows that most Christians who do not cling to these sorts of odious beliefs about God.
I think the suffering in hell must be worse for those who had more knowledge, which an infant has very little. He said that he can't say that there is a category for non-elect infants who die.
We don't need to understand the gospel --- it's a gift by the FINISHED and completed work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our repentance is SO weak but trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and HIS righteousness imputed to us by His completed work for us
1. Any Calvinist who "Offers" the Gospel should just call himself an Arminian and be done with it. 2. All God's elect shall be saved, the reprobate shall be damned. Age is meaningless.
Spurgeon was once ask how to reconcile predestination & our choice. Spurgeon said they he never had to reconcile friends.
The simple comment you made which you stated why would we assume that God would somehow get it wrong has been the simplest sentence I could ever have heard to clear up all the emotional confusion concerning this doctrine. Why wouldn’t I trust in a loving God to get it right? I wish every reformed theology apologist would use that statement. It’s so clear to me now.
Thank you sir, been watching your videos, clearly God has called you to teaching, you've helped me in my understanding of scripture. My wife and I both were raised pentecostal, we've attended a Baptist church for the past 14 years, now God is calling us to more understanding and we are visiting local PCA churches in the North Georgia area. You're doing a great job on these videos, to God be the glory!
It was great to hear your talk's on these two difficult subjects. Thanks for tackling them! :-) It was especially good to be reminded of balancing God's grace with his sovereignty. We have to look at his track record as recorded in the various accounts in the bible and trust him in the things that are out of our control and in the things that are not clearly defined for us in the scriptures.
Hello, Matthew. I’m a licenciate and candidate in the PCA’s Pittsburgh presbytery. That last thing you said may perhaps be the most important part. Regardless of whether we understand God’s sovereignty at times, we do understand that he will always do what is right. No one ever receives God’s wrath unjustly.
Good, clear, and concise. Thanks for posting. Hope you and your family are doing well, Matt.
Thanks for the video. I have had a hard time wrapping my mind around predestination. This video really helps. It's both predestination and our requirement to accept the Gospel. ♥️
So glad I found another great teacher. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this. It's answered many questions.
I think you did an excellent job addressing this point of doctrine. This was certainly my understanding after taking some time to read doctrine. I am glad I am on the right track!
I am not from a Reformed or Presbyterian background. However, I am curious, spending the last year studying Calvin, the Westminster Catechism, and the transcript of the Colloquy of Montbeliard in 1586. I am not at all well versed in Calvinistic theology, at this time. But, I am glad to watch your videos and learn more. Thank you.
Hey Pastor Matt, thank you, very good Holy Bible teaching, and yes, it was also very helpful. John 8:32 tells us the truth shall make you free, and I said that to say this, there is much truth taught here on your channel. I line up everything you teach here with the Holy Scriptures, and it has all been the truth of the Word of God. So, yes, I will say, you got it right. Thank you again. Blessings of the Lord God to you and the family. Stay home Stay safe Be well
Thanks for sharing the doctrine of predestination ..
Im from Followers of Jesus Church Reformed Presbyterian,
Philiphines..❤❤❤
As the father of a child that was a full term stillbirth: Jeremiah 1:5 has been Ana amazing comfort to me. Also, our entire family was impacted positively by her life. She brought about such a change, that only be explained as being God’s vessel to accomplish a work in the hearts of so many. (Unfortunately, it also started a mental health crisis in my wife, who did not lay hold of God’s sovereign reign to find His blessings, that started a 20 battle with mental health which ultimately lead to her death)
Regardless of the position one holds to on this issue, one thing is certain for EVERYONE - we are to preach the Gospel to all. Now, I dont see anywhere in the "Great Comission" where we are required to explain to the lost sinner what the doctrine of predestination and election are. In fact, the reality of these doctrines are non-essentials to true Gospel preaching; i.e., the sinner doesnt need to undersrand them in order to be beneficiaries of Christ's meritorious work. That being the case, this ONE body of Christ the Bible refers to as the church, needs to get over the doctrinal dispute concerning this issue and unite under the banner that unites us - the Gospel! For far too long the church has divided itself, often with hostility, on an issue that is a mystery and irreconcilable textually and rationally speaking. I will unite with anyone who is preaching the purity of the Gospel and exalting the person of Christ in His death and resurrection. What the preordained plan determined by God as to His chosen method in ultimately bringing sinners to the cross should have no bearing on our fellowship with one another. Whatever God has ordained cannot be changed so let's accept it and accept the fact there will be disagreement. And you know what? That's okay. What's not okay is dividing over a complicated doctrine neither side can fully explain without leaving some questions unaswered in our conclusions. "ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM."
(Ephesians 4:5)
Good point here
I agree with you in evangelical terms. I think understanding the doctrines of election and grace are more important to fully grasp the sovereignty of God and the nothingness we bring to the table as we are saved by His grace.
@adam....Holy smokes! This is the bestest (not A word) comment I've heard! I was thinking of attending a Presbyterian church Sunday but thought I shouldn't because of James White and his anger over this doctrine!
Hey pastor Matthew, nice video.
But I think and humbly suggest, that in topic of reformed doctrine about election and salvation of infants, it's necessary to mention about 1Cor 7:14 and 17th article of Canons of Dort.
Pastor Matt (***long text warning***),
Thank you for your video and the several others I have watched. I've learned a lot as the videos are clear and concise about what Presbyterian claims are and what Reformation theology on predestination is. Although I can agree that predestination did occur for the very reason that you stated in another video... "It's in the Bible," I do not agree that this predestination is set apart only for a specific elect and excludes a reprobated non-elect as if we have no choice in the matter. Please allow me to provide this for consideration. 1 Tim 2:1-6 expresses that God wants ALL people to be saved. God would not be able to achieve His own desire because of His own doing if he predestined only a specific elect before the creation of the world. There are several other passages that convey that same intent that the election or offer of salvation is for all men, that the gospel is for all men, that Jesus died for all men, not just a specific predestined elect, and finally, that it's on us to choose to believe and accept this election (2 Cor 5:14-15; Heb 2:9; Lk 2:10; Jn 3:16-17; Acts 10:34-35; 1 Jn 2:2; Rom 10:11-13, etc).
I'll us this as an illustration: In school, a teacher (God) generates a syllabus (Word of God/Bible) that displays the requirements to pass (achieve salvation). The obvious intent is that all students (the world) comprehend the desired learning objective (Jesus is Lord and Messiah) and ultimately pass. But based on how the students respond to the syllabus and complete the assignments, they either pass or fail:
1) Believe (Jn 3:16, Rom 10:9-10)
2) Repent (Gal 5:19-21; Lk 13:1-5)
3) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Pet 3:21-22)
4) Live as the Word of God instructs (James 2:14-17, Jn 8:31-32)
5) Make more Christians/Disciples (Matt 28:18-20; Rom 10:11-15)
1 through 3 culminates in salvation (not that we earned it by completing a checklist, but rather by the grace of God through faith - Eph 2:8-9). 4 and 5 is how you should live until you die.
In summary, the glorious mystery referenced in Eph 1:8b-10 that God predestined according to His plan and foreknowledge is that ALL men (both Jew and Gentile) were to become God's elect, His royal priesthood, His holy nation (1 Pet 2:9-10). It is up to us to choose to believe, accept, and receive this election.
Lastly, the letters Paul wrote to the Ephesian, Roman, and Galatian churches were largely to help the Jews who were insisting either that only Jews can become Christians because they believed that only they were God's chosen ones or insisting that Gentiles have to adhere to certain Jewish laws, such as circumcision, in order to become Christian. When cross referenced with the book of Acts, you will find this as a common theme that Jews struggled with and that Paul is trying to help them understand in his letters. Try keeping this precept in mind as you read the entire letters of Ephesians and Romans and see if you can come away with the same understanding. That is what all that detail and description in Eph 1, Rom 8, and Rom 9 is in relation to. I hope and pray this helps someone. Feel free to email me at rjordanjr11@yahoo.com.
I would recommend, if you gave the time, reading up on the teachings of Pelagius from our earlier church history, as well as the responses made towards his teachings.
Thanks for posting. I’m not reformed myself but I am seeking the truth. One thing I’d say is that many non reformed people (prbly not the majority, sadly, but those who love and believe all of Gods word) don’t deny predestination or election - but rather insist that those terms mean things different than in reformed doctrine.
I’d also say that the first question falls more into the limited atonement category in my mind. My question would be if Jesus didn’t die for the sins of all - then how can there be a genuine offer for all?
Just things to think about
Thanks again for posting. Have tons of respect for you! God bless!
Nick, maybe it would be helpful to think about what the offer actually is: "If you turn away from your sin (repent) and turn to Jesus in faith (i.e. receive him as Savior), you will be saved." That is an offer that can be sincerely offered whether a person is among the elect or not (and, oh by the way, we have no way of knowing who is or isn't elect). No person who has ever repented and believed in Jesus has EVER been turned away. John 6:37 assures that, "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out". Even the fact that only the elect ever will repent and believe in Jesus doesn't nullify the validity of the offer. For it still holds true that if a person will repent and believe they'll be saved. Even if we KNEW that a person was not elect (which we can't know) we could still sincerely tell them, "If you will repent and believe in Jesus, you will be saved." That's my two cents worth on the topic.
Nick Hay, You have indeed a very good Question that needs a Good answer... =>>> Indeed many none-Calvinist like Arminian have different view of Election.. But their view is Not Biblical because They do not Believe God predestined some people to be saved since the Foundation of the World... But they believe that God predestined those who are already believers for service Not for Salvation... =>>> God indeed Predestined some since the foundation of the world to be saved, and predestined some to be cast to the Lake of fire for damnation... =>>> BUT, It is NOT the way the Calvinist Believe...The Calvinist believe that: Because God is Sovereign He can choose any one to be Saved and Any One to be Damned, that Nobody knows the basis of God why He choose one and not the other except God Himself because the Secret Things of God Belongs to God alone... =>>> However, Jesus Christ has revealed them already to us before He died at the cross... =>>> Jesus Revealed to us that Regarding Salvation, There are Only two(2) kinds of people in the world... The 'Elect and the Reprobates' Sometimes Jesus called them the 'Sheep and the Goats'... The Elect are the True Children of God since the foundation of the world, even before Adam and Eve sinned and were cursed by God...The Reprobates are the children of the the devil... =>>> Definitely, God Predestined all His True Children to be Saved... and Predestined all the children of the devil to be cast to the lake of fire...=>>> EXAMPLE of the children of the devil are: Cain, Judas, and Some of the Pharisees to whom Jesus said: ''you are of your father the devil''(John 8:44 KJV) =>>> SOURCE: Matthew 13:24-43 (KJV)... The Parable of the 'Wheat and Tares' =>>> In verse 35 of this chapter, It is said that this Revelation of Jesus, was KEPT SECRET since the foundation of the world but is Revealed to us before Jesus died at the cross... =>>> Therefore we cannot get any reference from the Old Testament about this Revelation because even the Prophets of the Old Testament, and the OT saints did not know about this Revelation... Thank you....
All Christians (possible exception for universalists) believe in limited atonement. The point of contention is who gets to set the limits.
You are so right about the distrust of God in some arminians.
*³ Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)*
They seem to fear this verse when in fact it should be our greatest comfort, because whatever God pleases is good.
Possibly you can answer I have regarding pre-destination. If you are not of the elect, is their any hope for salvation?
@@golfern58 *"³⁷ All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (John **6:37**)*
*"⁴⁴ No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. ..." (John **6:44**)*
I think you will agree to these three equations:
1. 'those whom the Father draws (v44)' = 'all that the Father gives me (v37)' = the elect
2. 'come to me' = repent and trust in Christ
3. 'never be cast out' = be surely saved
So we can restate these verses in three statements:
(A) "The elect will repent and trust in Christ" (v37)
(B) "Whoever repents and trusts in Christ will surely be saved" (v37)
(C) "No one can repent and trust in Christ unless he is one of the elect." (v44)
*Your question, is, "Is there hope for the non-elect?"*
From B we can say that there is hope for everyone who repents and trusts in Christ.
*So your question will reduce to, "Will the non-elect repent and trust in Christ?"*
But from C we see that the non-elect cannot do so. They cannot do so because they do not want to do so. They may want to go to heaven, but they will not want to commit themselves to Christ. Both repentance and faith are gifts of God:
*"²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. GOD MAY PERHAPS GRANT THEM REPENTANCE leading to a knowledge of the truth, (2 Timothy **2:25**)"*
*"⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8)"*
Thank you for your question, friend. I don't always have short answers 😂 but I hope you understand it. God bless you.
@@perfectsnaitang Thank you so very much for the response! I feel like I understand it so MUCH better from your reply. This has been a problem of mine for a while now, not knowing if I was truly elect or not.
@@golfern58 You're welcome! So glad you asked!
So you also question whether you're truly elect or not. See, knowing that you're elect is something that you believe (by faith); as for other promises of the Bible.
For example, how do you know that you've been adopted by God? The answer is, you just believed what the Scriptures say. After you came to Christ, you also counted yourself as God's son because you believe the Scripture when you see the connection between adoption and salvation.
In the same way, I know I am one of the elect, not because I have access to some divine book that lists the names of the elect, but because after I came to Christ, I see in Scripture the connection between election and salvation and I believe it.
Knowing that you're elect is a matter of faith and not sight, like all God's promises.
Hmmm....Arminians distrust God? Question. Since Jesus was a Jew, as was Paul, do you believe they would agree with the current view of predestination? Be thoughtful. The New Testament did not exist when Jesus was alive which means you must rely on the Old Testament alone. “God does what he wills” is a blanket statement but how were the Jews “saved” or “forgiven of their sin?” My question basically is this. Did Jesus teach predestination? Did Jesus mention predestination in the Old Testament? Jesus claimed to be the Father several times. Is he or is he not?
"Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" Excellent conclusion. Also, regarding the second question, I'd suggest there is greater hope for infants dying in infancy for the predestinarion than for one who puts the burden for salvation on someone's choice/free will/decision - the baby (or someone with greatly limited mental capacity) never had a chance to hear and repent and believe. They're only "chance" is if God freely chooses to save them, and their salvation doesn't depend on them in the least. I think, to put another Ngle on what you said at the end, people often feel like the "God of Arminianism/synergism" is nicer than God as understood in Calvinism, so obviously He'd save babies. But fundentally, we can, we must, trust God. He is good! We will declare all that He has done to be right, best, most glorious. That faith is a firmer foundation than trusting Him specifically to do what we want and what we think is best.
Pastor Matt, your explanation of predestination and human responsibility are similar to how John MacArthur preached it. I believe there are parallel truths that we Christians must accept this side of eternity.
Thanks Matthew for this explanation. Luther called Romans 9 and other scriptures like it "The inscrutable will of God." guess this is why John Wesley said he could not believe that there were people born into this world who never had a chance to be saved in the first place. It seems that there are many people who embrace Calvinism these days, but unlike Calvin, they are are afraid to say the quiet part out loud, for Calvin said that there are babies in hell not more than a span long. Thats tough to swallow. Much better and more honest to relegate it to mystery.
I'm a baptist pastor from Sumter, SC and found your channel recently while searching for a new Bible. Have really enjoyed your channel! I wouldn't say I'm reformed, but only one point away😬! Predestination has fascinated me not long after I was saved at 14. I'm 42 and have been a pastor for nearly 20 years. I have come a long way in my knowledge about the subject at hand but can't fully understand it the way you do. Still searching and studying! Continue your work, good brother!
If you are a Baptist pastor you should be using the same bible that all Baptist pastors have been using for the past 400 years the king James Bible. Also you been preaching 20 years and don't understand predestination?what the hell is wrong with you? We are saved by The Grace of God
@@spencershaw2407 Ad hominem attacks do not add anything to the conversation. Not only are we to be humble before God, but we are to be humble before others.
@@stefaanvermeire4511 it's a rebuke it's biblical
@@spencershaw2407 No, it isn't. The truth will set us free. Not an attack on someone's character.
If you want to understand reformed theology in the most concise manner, I’d recommend Berkhof’s Systematic Theology. It’s definitely dry, but it’ll explain reformed theology clearly and succinctly on nearly every issue you might have.
sSir, you reviewed the fact that there is election and there’s human responsibility to believe. You didn’t reconcile the two in order to present a unified doctrine. However, I have never found anyone who can reconcile the two. I have been reformed 25 years and yet no preacher and no commentary can do it either. Thanks for your social media ministry. 15:36
Fate and freewill coexist. Things can be fated to happen even if freewill exists. God's mind is so infinite and all-knowing that He knows us infinitely better than we know ourselves, and thus He is able to know the choices we make before we make them.
I understand predestination is mentioned several times in scripture. How do we reconcile that reality with numerous scriptural examples which clearly state that Christ died for all, not the elect only..e.g. John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, 1 John 2:1-2, John 1:29 ..just to name a few!!
Good job. One recommendation about process. I always BEGAN my response to predest-questions with divine mystery. The reason being that that is where we must always inevitably end up at anyway. When one begins by trying to show how pd and freewill can both be true, we give the impression that it is possible to resolve the issue that way ... and we cannot. Then, when we finally resort to divine mystery (saying both are Scriptural and true even though seemingly contradictory) we sound like we are attempting to escape or "slip out the back, Jack." I used to work it this way. "I have a rational explanation for you. Do you believe that God's ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts? Yes? Good. If that is true, is it not rational, reasonable, logical that we should expect, then, to find things both in our Bible and in our Christian walk that we cannot understand? In fact, would it not then be a warning sign if we did not? So it is with pd and fw, ie. the full reality of our responsibility to turn to Christ." There you have it ... a rational explanation to a rational question about a supra-rational issue. If it weren't for mystery, we would have no need of faith.
Thank you, The Divine Mystery is. real - we exist in Eternity and this life is only like an inning in the History of BB and we will experience every game 1st hand and ......every position and .....
Amen!
The way it always came together in my little mind was that He always knew who would choose His ways, but would not interfere with free will. But i just poke seeds in the ground for a living, I am not a theologian.
That's how I understand it also. He is omniscient so he knows who with believe and repent.
I understand your points. Still shaking a sick feeling after processing it.
trust your gut on this, those feelings are indicators/signals . God designed us with this “ predestined” faculty. All the best to you .
Hey Ps. Matt. I love the content....Please keep it coming..... I do have a few legitimate questions here...... In today's day and age, it's real easy to become defensive and argumentative over a keyboard - but I do come to you out of sincere curiosity.
It's quite the contentious topic..... Maybe I'm not getting it....
Predestination - doesn't it all originate with God knowing all (beginning to end and all points inbetween), and knowing who will choose to accept Him? Spurgeon talks about election, then adoption.
So, wouldn't the process be our choice, His election, then His adoption?
God loves us all. You, me, the guy across the street, the atheist, the whole shebang.
If he loves us equally, how can he say to you - Matt Everhard - yep! I'm choosing you. Joe Athiest - I love you just as much as Matt - but you I'm going to make sure you're in hell for all of eternity. I don't see how that is in God's nature?
We all choose to do something. Eve chose to listen to the snake. Adam chose to eat it, also he (i always find this funny, chose to throw Eve under the bus and blame her)...Wasn't their choice that set the course? I tell my kids all the time that life is all about choices, and every action has a reaction (the reap what you sow argument)?
With God, in His infinite knowledge and love know who will make what choices, then based upon those choices, THEN predestine who makes the cut, and who doesn't - so to speak? isn't the choice that allows God to predestine us?
I can't see anything in His nature that allows Him, with everyone being on a level playing field, to decide that I'm chosen to going to Heaven, but my neighbour is going to hell. Why would He not choose that guy?
I'd love to hear your thoughts/feedback.
Side question - any thoughts on Kevin Conner? He's my all-time favourite teacher of the word. He's since gone home to be with The Lord, but I'm still amazed by his love for Christ.
I came across this comment 3 years after you posted it, so I’m curious where you stand on this topic now, but you should look at what Paul writes in Romans 9 because your contention with predestination is summarized in the contention that Paul anticipates in v14 “what shall we say then, is there injustice in God? Certainly not”. Similarly, is it contrary to God’s nature to show mercy to one and not to another? Paul explains why we cannot state that. God bless you and I’d love to hear back from you here
@VictorBorbaMusic Hey Victor. Thanks for writing. I can't question the justness of God. He is loving and fair - and not dependent on what I think is fair, but what He set it as. I think (certainly no expert) that our predestination (also talks about it in Ephesians 1) is also based on our decision. Yahweh knows all from the beginning until the end of the Universe. If He knows I'll choose and stick with Jesus, then I'm predestined. That's how I see it.
@@marksarookanian2753thanks for these posts. I've been struggling with this. I'm at pretty much the same place you are with it, but I couldn't put it together clearly. God bless.
The better way to phase the opposing view is to say if the Calvinistic view of predestination is correct then how is it consistent with Romans 2:11 and the multitude of Scripture that gives the impression that we have a choice in whether we sin or not.
If God is impartial (Romans 2:11) and we are all in the same sinful state, how does God maintain impartiality when in Calvinism God has clearly judged people differently than others.
I'm a former Catholic trying to find a church and want to attend an Evangelical Presbyterian church. However, I don't subscribe to strict doctrines of T.U.L.I. P. Should I attend anyway? I like singing of hymns, liturgy, Apostles and Nicene creeds but also believe it's limiting God to say gifts of Spirit aren't functional today as the Perfect (bible) has now come. I interpret the Perfect to mean Christ's second coming. I also don't believe in predestination of the believer and limited atonement. Christ died for all, is calling all however many will not answer him. We're only predestined if we answer his call, we have a choice. God bless!
Jacob and Joseph… and David, etc in the OT seem to be examples of Predestination.
I don’t think that those who question predestination doubt the goodness of God at all. They would argue that BECAUSE God is good and just He offers each individual the choice of accepting His grace based on that person’s free will. Also, well-informed, scripturally literate Christians ALL believe in the doctrine of predestination. However, those who disagree with the standard Calvinistic/Reformed view argue that God predestined that His grace would be bestowed on all those who would freely accept the offer of salvation. Opponents of the Reformed position claim that the Calvinist argument denies God’s goodness as well. They claim that if God is good He would never condemn someone to eternity in hell for a decision that they couldn’t possibly make for him/herself. Personally, I’m bothered by both sides’ tendency to denigrate the opponents’ trust in God’s justice and sovereignty.
Where is the good news in reformed /calvinism theology? God IS love…..,
consider ramifications of where conclusions lead.
These dynamics are life-altering in how one applies their subscribed theology.
These dynamics are more expansive than the typical dichotomy.
All the best .
So does God actually pre-determine who is going to be saved or lost, or can predestination as it appears in the Bible be explained by the fact that God knows the end from the beginning? I have tried to understand this subject and attended a Presbyterian Reformed church for some time, but someone there told me that some people are 'born to go to hell'. I have a son whom I hope and pray will accept Jesus one day and be saved, but if I am required to believe that he may have no chance at all of ever being saved, even if he wanted to, then I will continue to reject the doctrine of predestination as it is believed by the Presbyterian Reformed Church.
Deanne, toward the end of your comment I think you hit on a fundamental misunderstanding that can be a huge barrier and one I shared as a former Arminio-Dispy-Baptist (tm). :D
The phrase "even if he wants to" is the key I think. As fallen people we are all in a state of rebellion with no desire to repent and trust in God until by a sovereign act of His grace God regenerates our soul. The desire to turn is itself a gracious and unmerited gift.
That said there is comfort in that it does seem that God works through family units. Being born into a believing family where one is exposed to the gospel from an early age is itself a gracious gift of God. You may have noticed a difference in how children are viewed in Aminian v.s. Reformed circles. Rather than viewing children as outsiders desperately in need of being convinced to believe the reformed tend to think of them as part of the covenant community (ergo covenant baptism) to be instructed and brought up in the faith while still asserting their need to own it. A matter of emphasis perhaps but I think it makes a difference.
Just on the point of King David referring to his son with Bathsheba, it seems he was just talking about the grave. Did Jesus not say that David did not ascend to heaven?
My problem is that I will go through getting close to God but it was never enough for Him to where I make it to heaven. Am I predestined for this? He already knows if I’m going to heaven or hell.
I may have an overly simplified view of it but it seems obvious that God just foreknows those who will repent and accept Christ, as He foreknows those who will not. This fact does not take away His offering of salvation for all through Christ. The acceptance is in the hands of the individual. It's clear we all must make up our own minds. God only reveals so much, yet none have an excuse to deny Him as He provides us with great general revelation via His natural creation. The Holy Spirit's promptings are available to all. Many simply accommodate their hard hearts.
Jack, the Greek word which we translate as “foreknowledge” means a lot more than just know ahead of time. It also carries the meaning of a relationship in advance of an action. He chose before the foundation of the world. 15:36 Your conclusion will not stand the scrutiny of Scripture.
Actually, the Bible mentions predestination only five times which is very few.
Have you considered different perspectives of what predestination could mean? Look through Ephesians one and ask if you did not believe in the Calvinist understanding of predestination; how would you interpret it?
So, if I understand this doctrine correctly, and I may be wrong, those that are not chosen (predestined) to be saved are in fact already condemned to hell? If that is correct, that hardly seems like a real offer of salvation. How can you have a legitimate offer of salvation, if the ones to be saved are chosen before hand? Furthermore, what would be the point of proclaiming the gospel to everyone if that's the case. If it's true that God is no respecter of person, shouldn't the offer of salvation be available to all? Perhaps I'm missing something, but it would seem to me that the doctrine of predestination contradicts the rest of the bible.
All earned hell God chooses to save some. the offer is there, but none other than the elect will be reborn. Man does not desire God.
Would you want your wife to be forced to love you or realize she really loves you by her choice or free will?
Matthew...ever talk to Leighton Flowers?!
Excellent video. Thirty years ago, when I was I was a Finney man, living by the Lectures of Revival of Religion and Finney's Systematic Theology, I would have given your video an emphatic thumbs down. Thanks to Ligonier Ministries, even though I only go as far as saying God chose me, I didn't chose Him, I ended up taking Charles Finney's views on the Justice of God and Benevolent Moral Government, much of which he got from Jonathan Edwards and Hugo Grotius, and applied it to predestination. If indeed God does predestinate who will be saved and who will be lost, what kind of choices would God makes? Perfectly Just and Wise choices. So, I can't complain, even if I don't understand how God choses. I believe the passages you read from the Westminster Confession describe God as a Benevolent and Moral Governor of His creation.
I still keep Finney and Wesley and Grotius on my bookshelf, but I got better into something in between the Confessional Reformed and Confessional Lutheran camps. I don't get offended at all by Reformed Theology.
@Philip Voerding, May I post my response here to Nick Hay, Nick Hay, You have indeed a very good Question that needs a Good answer... =>>> Indeed many none-Calvinist like Arminian have different view of Election.. But their view is Not Biblical because They do not Believe God predestined some people to be saved since the Foundation of the World... But they believe that God predestined those who are already believers for service Not for Salvation... =>>> God indeed Predestined some since the foundation of the world to be saved, and predestined some to be cast to the Lake of fire for damnation... =>>> BUT, It is NOT the way the Calvinist Believe...The Calvinist believe that: Because God is Sovereign He can choose any one to be Saved and Any One to be Damned, that Nobody knows the basis of God why He choose one and not the other except God Himself because the Secret Things of God Belongs to God alone... =>>> However, Jesus Christ has revealed them already to us before He died at the cross... =>>> Jesus Revealed to us that Regarding Salvation, There are Only two(2) kinds of people in the world... The 'Elect and the Reprobates' Sometimes Jesus called them the 'Sheep and the Goats'... The Elect are the True Children of God since the foundation of the world, even before Adam and Eve sinned and were cursed by God...The Reprobates are the children of the the devil... =>>> Definitely, God Predestined all His True Children to be Saved... and Predestined all the children of the devil to be cast to the lake of fire...=>>> EXAMPLE of the children of the devil are: Cain, Judas, and Some of the Pharisees to whom Jesus said: ''you are of your father the devil''(John 8:44 KJV) =>>> SOURCE: Matthew 13:24-43 (KJV)... The Parable of the 'Wheat and Tares' =>>> In verse 35 of this chapter, It is said that this Revelation of Jesus, was KEPT SECRET since the foundation of the world but is Revealed to us before Jesus died at the cross... =>>> Therefore we cannot get any reference from the Old Testament about this Revelation because even the Prophets of the Old Testament, and the OT saints did not know about this Revelation... Thank you....
More pastoral -- Canons of Dort 1.17
Since we are to judge of the will of God from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature, but in virtue of the covenant of grace, in which they, together with the parents, are comprehended, godly parents have no reason to doubt of the election and salvation of their children, whom it pleaseth God to call out of this life in their infancy.
More precise -- WCF 10.3
Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit,[a] who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth.[b] So also are all other elect persons who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.[c]
a: Luke 18:15-16, John 3:3, John 3:5, Acts 2:38-39, Romans 8:9, 1 John 5:12
b: John 3:8
c: Acts 4:12, 1 John 5:12
Regarding the first question, you can find in Jeremiah that God told Jeremiah to go to the king of Judah, and give him the opportunity to repent, but God tells Jeremiah, however, he, and the people, will NOT listen and repent. He tells Jeremiah they won’t listen but that Jeremiah must keep giving the message, even until he gets imprisoned. God says that these people are predetermined for his wrath, yet STILL sends Jeremiah back again and again, even to Jeremiah’s harm. This doesn’t say why God offers salvation to those that are destined for punishment regardless. However, it does very much show that God does this.
Give scripture reference.
There is a huge difference in being told they won't listen, and God forcing them to disobey.
God takes pleasure in Men Repenting from their disobedience and he does NOT take pleasure in men continuing in unrighteousness unto death.
Ezekiel 33:11 "Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn!
God has given the Word of Life however, men in the hardness of their hearts have rejected it rather loving their own crooked paths.
I am not a Calvinist, But I want to answer your two questions... (1.) ''IS THE GOSPEL A REAL OFFER IF GOD HAS ALREADY CHOSEN THE ELECT?'' =>>> ANSWER: Definitely God has chosen the Elect to be saved since the foundation of world to be saved... They are not saved yet in their time because the Elect were fallen also after the fall of Adam and Eve... In the beginning of the world, the elect were still seeds as well as the reprobates... After the Fall of Adm and Eve the Elect inherited the Sinful Nature of Adam and Eve and they all died Spiritually and lose their connection with their Father God... That is the reason why God sent Jesus Christ to Redeem the the Elect... The Elect must hear first the Gospel and believe and be born again to be saved... =>>> To Redeem means: To pay to the present owner the ransom to take back something to return to the Original owner... In this case the thing that belongs to satan is the Elect before he or she is born again... The Ransom is the Life and Blood of Jesus that He paid to Redeem the Elect.. And the Original Owner of the Elect is God the Father.. (2.) ''WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDREN WHO DIE IN INFANCY?'' =>>> ANSWER: If the infant is the Elect, he/she will surely go to heaven...=>>> BIBLICAL SUPPORT: ACTS 13:48 (NLT) ''When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.'' =>>> NOTE: Those Gentiles that heard the gospel for the first time were ALREADY CHOSEN FOR ETERNAL LIFE... Even before they hear the gospel and became believers.... THANKS...
If I could fit God into my 3lb. brain, He would not be God.
Whoever wants to cut and/or delete certain verses out of their Bible will not have their share in eternal life, Revelation 22:18-19. Beware! Predestination is a God-glorifying doctrine taught all over Scripture.
Limited atonement is not in the bible. If so then we would not have a whosoever will invitation.
Umm unless 1) all are saved. or 2) none are saved, atonement MUST be limited.
God reprobates unto death the non elect?
I see know where in scripture where God predestines the majority of His creation to Hell. When I read the scriptures, I see a God who is passionate over restoring His creation, a God who is constantly reaching out His hands to a rebellious and prideful people. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and desires all to come to the knowledge of the truth. If that's true, and predestination for salvation is true, then God would have irresistibly saved every human on earth. If God truly loves the world, and God is the one who is opening hearts and re birthing people, God would have happily done that to everyone. That's pretty plain and simple. How can you genuinely say that God loves all people while at the same time believing the same God predestined the majority of His creation to the lake of fire for eternity?
Easy: God doesn't love all people (Psa. 5:5, 11:5).
@@taylorsexton5739 God created billions of people to burn and torment for your enjoyment
God created billions of people so He can burn and torment them forever for your sick enjoyment
I'm glad I dont get my doctrines and beliefs outside of the bible.
Sorry, but that predestination explanation didn’t explain much.
I agree to a certain portion of your message but I don't agree to your notion that "God predestines unto life of the elect before the foundation of the world". Please furnish the subject verses that supports your claim. Thank you.
Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love. ESV
@@termikesmike please do your homeword to find who the "us" refers to? Thank you.
If this almighty already knows what transpires before it happens.......
So there may be a category of non-elect infants who die in infancy and go straight to hell. As a Christian, I am so disgusted that this is the face of Christianity for some. I hope anyone watching this knows that most Christians who do not cling to these sorts of odious beliefs about God.
I think the suffering in hell must be worse for those who had more knowledge, which an infant has very little. He said that he can't say that there is a category for non-elect infants who die.
We don't need to understand the gospel --- it's a gift by the FINISHED and completed work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our repentance is SO weak but trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and HIS righteousness imputed to us by His completed work for us
1. Any Calvinist who "Offers" the Gospel should just call himself an Arminian and be done with it.
2. All God's elect shall be saved, the reprobate shall be damned. Age is meaningless.