Day 70

Of God’s Decree

Chapter 3, Paragraph 7.

“…diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.“

Scripture Lookup

Luke 10:20.

Reflection

…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. -Philippians 2:12,13

The doctrine of predestination does not mean that we can simply sit back and do whatever we desire. Rather, we are still called to obey God’s commands. While we strive for holiness, we do not have to be anxious about doing it on our own. The outcome is assured because God has decreed it so; we can pursue holiness with confidence that we will obtain salvation.

Knowing that God has chosen some for salvation is a great comfort when it comes to evangelism. His elect are out there!  The pressure is off; there is no convincing on our part that will change someone’s mind apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in them. There is no need to “win souls”, to meet a certain quota of decisions for Christ. Be ready to defend the Gospel, proclaim the Gospel, and be a faithful witness to the Gospel. God will use us to reach those who are His.

Because of the doctrine of predestination, we stand amazed at the wisdom and power of God. He has freely chosen a people for Himself. He has decreed the means by which His elect obtain salvation, and He loses none of them. For that, we are forever thankful.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. -Philippians 1:6

Questions to Consider

• What have you learned about the doctrine of predestination? Will it affect how you evangelize?