TLDR;
This video explains the concept of predestination in Calvinism, addressing common misconceptions and objections. It clarifies that predestination isn't about God arbitrarily sending people to hell, but rather about God choosing to save some from the default state of sin that all humanity is in due to Adam's fall. The video also discusses the Five Points of Calvinism, infralapsarianism vs. superlapsarianism, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the Saints. It emphasizes that predestination is compatible with free will and God's love for everyone, and that it ultimately leads to a freeing understanding of God's control and plan for believers' lives.
- Predestination is not an invention of Calvin, but rooted in earlier Christian theology.
- It's about God choosing to save some, not actively sending others to hell.
- The Five Points of Calvinism are responses to Arminianism, not a summary of Calvinism.
- God's love for everyone and predestination can coexist.
- Understanding predestination can be freeing, as it assures believers of God's ultimate control and a happy ending to their story.
Introduction to Predestination [0:00]
The video addresses the common understanding of Calvinism, particularly the concept of predestination. It clarifies that predestination is not an invention of John Calvin, but rather a concept found in earlier theologians like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Predestination is defined as the idea that God has already decided whether a person's final destination is Heaven or Hell.
Original Sin and Free Will [1:02]
To understand predestination, one must understand original sin. Adam had free will in the Garden of Eden but chose death, corrupting humanity with sin and losing the ability to choose life. Because Adam represents all of humanity, all have sinned and destined themselves to Hell. God predestines some to Christ for salvation, leaving others in their sin.
Arminianism and the Five Points of Calvinism [1:48]
The video introduces Jacob Arminius's view that God predestines those He knows will freely choose Him. This view was rejected by the Reformed Church. The Senate of Dort clarified this, leading to the Five Points of Calvinism, which are responses to Arminianism. These points include Total Depravity (everyone deserves hell and can't turn to God on their own), Unconditional Election (God chooses who will believe), Limited Atonement (Jesus's sacrifice only pays for the sins of the elect), Irresistible Grace (God will effectually call the elect to become believers), and Perseverance of the Saints (the elect will never fall away from faith).
Infralapsarianism vs. Superlapsarianism [3:24]
The video discusses the debate between infralapsarianism and superlapsarianism. Infralapsarians believe God chose who to save in response to human sin, while superlapsarians believe God first chose who to save and then allowed everyone to sin. Both sides believe in double predestination (God decides who to save and who not to save) and that God loves everyone and is not the author of sin.
Limited Atonement and Other Views [4:15]
The video explains limited atonement, which states that Jesus's sacrifice only pays for the sins of the elect. There are stricter versions where Jesus only died for the elect, and hypothetical universalism where He died for everyone but only the elect benefit. Some, like four-point Calvinists, reject limited atonement, saying Jesus died for everyone, but only the elect will believe.
Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints [4:50]
Irresistible Grace means that if you are predestined, God will call you to become a believer, and you will be saved. Perseverance of the Saints means that if you are elect and become a believer, you will never fall away from the faith. This is different from "once saved, always saved" because traditional reformed theology believes in evanescent Grace, where someone not elect can be a temporary believer.
Christocentric View of Election and Providence [5:22]
The video warns against speculating on who is elect, stating that only God knows. It emphasizes a christocentric view of election, where the elect are Christ and all united to Him by faith. Predestination means God controls everything in the universe, which is called Providence.
Free Will and God's Love [6:56]
The video addresses the objections to predestination: free will and God's love. It asserts that both exist in Calvinism. While humans have free will in everyday choices and had it in the Garden of Eden, they don't have free will to come to Christ on their own. God loves everyone, but not equally. Biblical passages where God "hates" someone mean He loves them less.
Predestination and God's Mercy [8:02]
The video addresses the question of why God blames people if He chooses who will believe. It explains that God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy and hardens whom He wants to harden. Some are prepared for mercy and glory, others for wrath and destruction. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, implying He still loves the non-elect.
Reconciling God's Love and Predestination to Hell [8:54]
The video acknowledges the difficulty in reconciling God's love for everyone with the concept of predestination to hell. Traditional reformed theology affirms both. People go to hell because of their own sin and rejection of God, not because they are predestined to go to hell. Predestination to hell is passive on God's part, while predestination to Heaven is active.
Why Believe in Predestination? [9:34]
The video concludes by explaining why one should believe in predestination. It acknowledges that it's hard to accept not being in control, but it becomes freeing to trust that God is in control. The Bible shows God is always ultimately in control, and if you trust in Him, everything will work together for your benefit. God has written your story with a happy ending, so there's no need to be afraid.
