Predestined

“… Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called…” – Romans 8:30

One of the common misunderstandings about predestination is the fear that it might lead to a passive, even fatalistic attitude. Some might say, “If it’s all God, then why bother?” But Scripture never teaches that salvation is automatic or detached from human response. Jesus Himself said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many…will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24). That word “strive” doesn’t mean we earn salvation—it means we pursue assurance with urgency. Jesus didn’t answer the question “How many will be saved?” with statistics. He turned it personal: “Are you saved?” The call is clear—don’t wait, don’t assume, don’t drift. Make sure. The Holy Spirit confirms our adoption (Romans 8:14–16), but we must respond to His drawing. Grace doesn’t produce laziness—it produces longing.

Another concern is that teaching about election might discourage evangelism. But the opposite is true. The Apostle Paul, who wrote extensively about predestination, was also the most tireless evangelist. He was stoned, dragged out of cities, and still kept preaching. Why? Because he knew that God had people to save—and he wanted to be part of it. Charles Spurgeon once said, “If there are so many fish to be taken in the net, then I’m going to go catch some of them.” That’s the heart of gospel ministry. We don’t preach because we’re unsure of the outcome—we preach because we’re confident that God will use the message to draw His people. We’re sowers, not saviors. The power is in the seed, not the sower. And God makes it grow.

Never allow deep doctrine to make you distant or discouraged. Let it fuel your faith and your witness. Salvation is all of God, but He has chosen to use us as messengers. The gospel is not a secret to be shelved—it’s a seed to be scattered. “He who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30), and “those who turn many to righteousness…shall shine like the stars forever” (Daniel 12:3). If you’ve been saved by grace, share that grace. If you’ve been called, go and call others. And if you’re unsure, don’t wait—strive to enter the narrow gate. Eternity is too precious to gamble with. Let the truth of God’s sovereignty move you—not to sit back, but to step forward.

“Those whom God has justified, He has already glorified in His purpose. It is not that He will glorify them if they are faithful, but that glorification is the certain result of justification. The believer’s future is as secure as his past forgiveness.” – H.A. Ironside