Calvin’s Predestination
Kipp Campbell
The Calvinistic concept of predestination is believed by many in the religious world. It all stems from the foundational beliefs of Calvinism (TULIP) in particular the belief that due to Adam’s sin, man is so abhorrent, so vile, that he cannot save himself. Therefore the need for God to step in and work His magic arises. However, the teaching of predestination puts God at variance with His own word, the Bible. It takes the matter of choice out of the hands of the one deciding to obey the gospel or not because the decision has already have been made for us. God has already chosen those who will spend eternity in heaven or hell. We point out though, the New Testament is full of examples of people being exhorted to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:40; 10:44-48; 16:14-15, 31-33; 17:30-31). It was a decision that each person would have to make for himself or her. We wish to look at five different areas in which predestination is at variance with the Bible.
First, it makes God a respecter of persons. Paul said, “For there is no partiality with God” (Rom. 2:11). It matters not to God how much money you make, what color of skin you have, or who your friends might be. What matters to Him is whether or not you follow Him. In fact, His desire is for everyone to be saved. Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (II Pet. 3:9).
Second, it makes God responsible for the loss of souls in Hell. If God arbitrarily chooses who is saved and who is not, is He not then responsible for innocent people spending eternity in hell? A person could choose to do right, obey the Lord’s commands and still spend eternity in hell. Does that seem fair? Paul said to Timothy, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:3-4). God doesn’t send people to hell. People will spend eternity in hell because they have chosen that path.
Third, predestination destroys man’s power to choose. As we have already noted, the teaching of predestination says that the choice has already been made, even without our knowledge or consent! If my destiny is already decided, there is nothing I can do to change it. Which, again, goes against biblical teaching. Joshua encouraged the people of Israel to “choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…. but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). The people of Israel had a decision to make. They could continue serving the gods of the land or they could turn back to God and faithfully serve Him. Either way, the choice was theirs.
Fourth, it negates the Great Commission. Why should we continue to preach Jesus Christ and His gospel to people that God has already decided will spend eternity in hell? It would be a waste of theirs and ours time. Yet, Jesus sent His disciples into the world to teach and preach His gospel so disciples could be made. If the Father had already decided who would be in heaven and hell, why did Jesus go to such lengths to prepare His apostles to take the gospel to the world?
Fifth, predestination makes man an irresponsible being. Under the Calvinistic system man is responsible for the transgressions he is born in (original sin). Ezekiel teaches though, that man is not held responsible for the sins that are committed by others (Ezek. 18:18-20). We will all be judged by what we do, not others, do (2 Cor. 5:10).
Predestination is an idea that has originated from man and is without biblical support. God has not and will not decide for us who will spend eternity in heaven or hell. That is a decision each and every person will have to make. It is God’s desire for each person to be saved. The question is are you willing to commit to Him and His law? Pause. Ponder. Profit.