Four Reasons People Oppose;

The Doctrine of Predestination

The term PREDESTINATION simply means; TO DETERMINE BEFOREHAND. This Doctrine of Predestination has two basic meanings;

1. GOD CONTROLS EVERY THING and EVERY ONE in a Broad and General way.
2. GOD CONTROLS the SALVATION of those that are saved (His Elect) in a Limited or Restricted way.

The Four Reasons For Opposition;

(1) Self imposed ignorance of the doctrine.

• Many never made an honest study of the scriptures and therefore do not know the doctrine.
• Many believe only what they were taught and most preachers DO NOT TEACH or PREACH the Doctrine of Predestination.

(2) Pride of the human heart

• Most want control of their destiny.
• Most think it is noble to say; "I did it my way".
• When man fell into sin he rebelled against Gods will and control.
• Predestination is a blow to man’s pride. The pride of man raised up to oppose it.
• Believers struggle with this doctrine also.

(3) Inability to reconcile the Doctrine of Predestination with the parallel Doctrine of Human Responsibility.

• The Doctrine of Predestination and the Doctrine of Human Responsibility seem to stand in contradiction to each other, where man is held responsible to his actions yet God predetermines all things.
• Both are taught in scriptures but man can not reconcile them.
• But whether you can reconcile it or not you must believe it.

(4) FAULTY THEOLOGY of the doctrine of man in relationship to sin.

• Many believe that the free will of man is the determining factor when it comes to salvation, and it is NOT.
• Many say that predestination would mean that man is merely a puppet responding while god jurks the string.
• Most believe that Man is a Free Moral Agent. The three errors with this are:
  1. MAN IS NOT FREE
  2. MAN IS NOT MORAL
  3. MAN IS NO ONE'S AGENT
• Eight effects of SIN upon MAN....
  1. CAN NOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD - John 3:3
  2. CAN NOT UNDERSTAND SPIRITURAL THINGS - 1 Cor. 2:14
  3. CAN NOT PLEASE GOD - Romans 8:8
  4. CAN NOT HEAR THE WORD - John 8:43
  5. CAN NOT RECEIVE THE SPIRIT - John 14:17
  6. CAN NOT COME TO THE SON - John 6:44
  7. CAN NOT CALL CHRIST LORD - 1 Cor 12:3
  8. CAN NOT BELIEVE IN CHRIST - John 12:39

Most men oppose the doctrine of predestination. But, when Paul writes about it he always breaks out in PRAISE concerning this doctrine.

Eph 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

2 thes 2:13

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

But the Doctrine of Predestination is a Biblical Doctrine. By why do so many not believe in it?

John 8:43-44

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil...

John:6:65

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

So . . . . .
What do you believe about this Biblical Doctrine
? ? ? ? ?

Predestination Web Page Listing;

• Introduction to the Doctrine of Predestination.
• Four Predominate Attitudes Concerning the Doctrine of Predestination.
• Four Reasons the Doctrine of Predestination is Opposed. (this page)
• Biblical Support for the Doctrine of Predestination.
• Basic Elements of the Doctrine of Predestination.

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This web page is an outline taken from the Sermon Series;

"OUR COFESSION OF FAITH - Predestination I-IV"
by:
Pastor Thomas W. Smith
Sovereign Grace Bible Chapel
RR#6 Box 6659
Saylorsburg, PA 18353 (717) 992-2702

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