Handle with Care

As we have worked our way through the magnificent 8th and 9th chapters of Romans, we have repeatedly encountered theological terms and concepts that have confused and troubled Christians for centuries. These include “election,” “reprobation,” and the umbrella term for both, “predestination.” It may well be that no doctrine of the Christian faith engenders more argument or debate than that of predestination. While we have attempted to follow Paul’s line of thought as we have moved through his epistle, we would do well to pause to consider this doctrine more systematically, in order that we might discern exactly what the debate is about. Therefore, we will spend the next eight days exploring issues surrounding this controversial teaching with the help of Dr. R.C. Sproul’s “Renewing Your Mind” audio teaching series “Predestination.”

People are divided not only over the doctrine of predestination itself—they have widely varying views on how it should be treated. Some say that, like religion and politics, it should not be discussed in polite company, for it has no value for spiritual edification for those who discuss it. However, if the doctrine of predestination is true, it is not difficult to see that it can, in fact, bring great spiritual edification: appreciation for divine grace in mercy, without which we would be lost, and comfort in the personal struggles of faith. Other people see predestination as such a profoundly important doctrine for understanding our relationship to God and our salvation that they regard it as a matter of wicked neglect to ignore or denigrate it. Martin Luther was of this camp, for he declared that the doctrine of predestination was “the heart of the church.” But Luther and others who shared his view urged great care in handling this doctrine because it is so easily misunderstood. And these misunderstandings can lead to gross distortions of the Biblical views of God and man.

One thing is clear—the doctrine of predestination is not ignored in Scripture. It is discussed and taught throughout the Bible. God’s people must not neglect what God’s Word teaches; therefore, we need to devote time and effort to wrestle with this doctrine. And that is precisely what we will attempt to do in some small measure through the remainder of this month’s studies.