Why Preach The Gospel To All If God Has Already Chosen Or Preordained Only Few Individuals For Salvation?

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Why Preach the Gospel to All if God has Already Chosen or Preordained Only Few Individuals for Salvation?

Understanding the Tension between Predestination and Evangelism

As Christians, we often grapple with the concept of predestination and its relationship to evangelism. The question of why we should preach the gospel to all if God has already chosen or preordained only a few individuals for salvation is a complex and deeply theological issue. In this article, we will delve into the biblical evidence for predestination, explore the implications of this doctrine on evangelism, and examine the role of human responsibility in the salvation process.

The Biblical Evidence for Predestination

The Bible presents a clear picture of God's sovereignty and predestination in the salvation process. In Romans 8:29-30, the apostle Paul writes, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." This passage suggests that God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation, and that this choice is based on His sovereign will.

Similarly, in Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul writes, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." This passage emphasizes God's sovereign choice of individuals for salvation, and highlights the role of His love and pleasure in this process.

The Implications of Predestination on Evangelism

If God has already chosen or preordained only a few individuals for salvation, then why should we preach the gospel to all? This question has puzzled many Christians throughout history, and has led to various interpretations of the doctrine of predestination. Some have argued that predestination renders evangelism unnecessary, as God has already determined the outcome of the salvation process. Others have suggested that predestination implies a kind of fatalism, where human decisions and actions are irrelevant in the face of God's sovereign will.

However, a closer examination of the biblical evidence reveals that predestination does not necessarily negate the importance of evangelism. In fact, the Bible presents a complex and nuanced picture of human responsibility and divine sovereignty in the salvation process. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure.

The Role of Human Responsibility in the Salvation Process

The Bible emphasizes the importance of human responsibility in the salvation process. In John 3:16, Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This passage highlights the role of faith and belief in the salvation process, and emphasizes the importance of human decision-making in this process.

Similarly, in Romans 10:9-10, Paul writes, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." This passage emphasizes the role of human declaration and profession of faith in the salvation process.

The Relationship between Predestination and Evangelism

So how do we reconcile the doctrine of predestination with the importance of evangelism? The answer lies in understanding the complex and nuanced relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the salvation process. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure.

As evangelists, our role is not to determine who will be saved, but rather to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to be faithful witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ, and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to the gospel.

The Assurance of Salvation

One of the most significant implications of the doctrine of predestination is the assurance of salvation. If God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation, then we can be confident that our salvation is secure. In Romans 8:31-39, Paul writes, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is it that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This passage emphasizes the security of salvation and the assurance of God's love for those who are chosen for salvation. As Christians, we can be confident that our salvation is secure, not because of our own merit or worthiness, but because of God's sovereign will and pleasure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the doctrine of predestination presents a complex and nuanced picture of God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the salvation process. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure. As evangelists, our role is not to determine who will be saved, but rather to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to be faithful witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ, and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to the gospel.

Scriptures Referenced

  • Romans 8:29-30
  • Ephesians 1:4-5
  • John 3:16
  • Romans 10:9-10
  • Romans 8:31-39

Additional Resources

  • Calvin, J. (1559). Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by H. Beveridge.
  • Edwards, J. (1734). A Careful and Strict Enquiry into the Modern Prevailing Notions of that Freedom of the Will Which is Supposed to be Essential to Moral Agency, Vertue and Vice, Reward and Punishment, Praise and Blame.
  • Piper, J. (2013). The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright. Crossway.
  • Sproul, R. (2013). The Holiness of God. Tyndale House Publishers.
    Q&A: Understanding Predestination and Evangelism

Q: What is predestination, and how does it relate to evangelism?

A: Predestination refers to the doctrine that God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation, and that this choice is based on His sovereign will and pleasure. While predestination may seem to negate the importance of evangelism, it actually emphasizes the role of human responsibility in the salvation process. As evangelists, our role is not to determine who will be saved, but rather to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Q: If God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation, then why should we evangelize?

A: While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure. As evangelists, our role is to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to be faithful witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ, and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to the gospel.

Q: Does predestination imply a kind of fatalism, where human decisions and actions are irrelevant in the face of God's sovereign will?

A: No, predestination does not imply a kind of fatalism. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure. Human decisions and actions are still relevant in the salvation process, as we are called to respond to the gospel and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in our lives.

Q: How can we be confident in our salvation if God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation?

A: We can be confident in our salvation because of God's sovereign will and pleasure. As Romans 8:31-39 says, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" This passage emphasizes the security of salvation and the assurance of God's love for those who are chosen for salvation.

Q: What is the relationship between predestination and human responsibility in the salvation process?

A: The relationship between predestination and human responsibility in the salvation process is complex and nuanced. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure. Human decisions and actions are still relevant in the salvation process, as we are called to respond to the gospel and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in our lives.

Q: How can we balance the doctrine of predestination with the importance of evangelism?

A: We can balance the doctrine of predestination with the importance of evangelism by understanding the complex and nuanced relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the salvation process. As evangelists, our role is not to determine who will be saved, but rather to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to be faithful witnesses of the good of Jesus Christ, and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to the gospel.

Q: What is the significance of the gospel in the salvation process?

A: The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, and it is the means by which God brings about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to it. The gospel emphasizes the role of faith and trust in the salvation process, and it highlights the importance of human decision-making in this process. As evangelists, our role is to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to it.

Q: How can we be confident in the effectiveness of evangelism if God has already chosen certain individuals for salvation?

A: We can be confident in the effectiveness of evangelism because of the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to it. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure. Human decisions and actions are still relevant in the salvation process, as we are called to respond to the gospel and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in our lives.

Q: What is the relationship between predestination and the assurance of salvation?

A: The relationship between predestination and the assurance of salvation is one of security and confidence. While God has indeed chosen certain individuals for salvation, this choice is not based on human merit or worthiness, but rather on His sovereign will and pleasure. As Romans 8:31-39 says, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" This passage emphasizes the security of salvation and the assurance of God's love for those who are chosen for salvation.

Q: How can we balance the doctrine of predestination with the importance of human responsibility in the salvation process?

A: We can balance the doctrine of predestination with the importance of human responsibility in the salvation process by understanding the complex and nuanced relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the salvation process. As evangelists, our role is not to determine who will be saved, but rather to proclaim the gospel to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to be faithful witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ, and to trust in God's sovereign will to bring about salvation in the lives of those who hear and respond to the gospel.