Romans - Part 4: SPIRITSample

God Has Taken Hold of You

Predestination has been a difficult concept for many to accept, including Luther, Calvin, and Edwards. However, being yoked to the authority of the Word, each eventually realized the folly of their doubting; they could not escape what is widely embedded throughout Scripture. So, eventually, not only did they embrace the concept, but each became a profound proponent of this mighty doctrine.

But, alas, this doctrine flies in the face of a most-cherished American ideal – freedom! Truth is: God is so mighty that He is able to work His sovereign will over our lives without violating our free will. Yet, for many, that is not a satisfactory answer; they still question this concept of predestination.

Theologian W. Robert Godfrey asserts that “Paul wanted people to see that predestination is the answer, not the question and that it is the comfort, not the doubt or worry. The doctrine of predestination says, ‘God has taken hold of you, and He’ll never let go.’

The real requirement, then, is to help people see how comforting it is.” Consider how Jesus promotes predestination with these comforting words: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.” John 10: 27-29

“For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”. Romans 8:29

-Drek Beardsley