Double Predestination, Part 1

What do you think of when you read the words, “double predestination?”  The words sound strange to those who are not taught in theology. Even those who are educated in theology, the thought of “double predestination” is something to stay clear from.

It is one thing to believe that God chooses some to salvation.  It is another to believe that the rest have been chosen for damnation.  It is one thing to say that God has His people whom He elects unto eternal life, but what about those who are not elected?  Are they predestined to eternal hell?

Most all Christians believe in “single predestination,” that is, some are predestined by God to eternal life.  However, others say there is no need to go so far as to believe that the non-elect are predestined to damnation.

Here, let me say it this way:  Many hold to the belief that some are predestined to salvation, but nevertheless everyone has an opportunity to be saved.  God, in His sovereign choosing, makes sure that some (His elect) receive extra help, while the rest of mankind, do not receive God’s extra help, but nonetheless, still have a chance to be saved.   This is what many believe. I am going to show that this is not completely correct.

I have to admit, there is a strong point to believe in single predestination only and to avoid any discussion of double predestination.  However, unless we choose to conclude that every human being is predestined to salvation, we must talk about the flip side of election.

You see, if predestination does not include all people, then we must not shrink from the necessary inference that there are two sides to predestination.

God said, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” (Rom. 9:13).  While we have no problem talking about God’s love for Jacob, we still cannot avoid the fact that Esau was hated by God.  And if we do not choose to talk about the flip side, then it may be a choice that’s rooted in cowardice.

It is true that the Bible does not use the word “predestination” or “election” for the damned. But again, the inference is there. If God does sovereignly choose “some” to eternal life, then the “rest” are also chosen to be by-passed.  God’s choice of some is just as strong and determinative as His choice of not choosing others. 

The Bible does not mention the “Trinity” or “Rapture,” but any Bible student will tell you that there are overwhelmingly strong inferences.

I believe this is also true with regards to double predestination. While we know for a fact that God does choose some for His own personal reasons to be given eternal life and to be with Him forever, we have to conclude that for reasons known only to God, He chooses not to elect others unto eternal life.

Double predestination is a teaching that few want to talk about. But if something is taught in the Word of God or strongly suggested, then it needs to be addressed.   While we gravitate personally to those passages in the Bible that talk about God’s love for others, we also want to address such passages that do teach of God’s hatred for others we well.

End of Part 1