Page 67 - Absolute Predestination With Observations On The Divine Attributes

by us in the present state of imperfection, there is room for the
exercise of faith. The truths therefore, respecting predestination in
all its branches, should be taught and published, they, no less than
the other mysteries of Christian doctrine, being proper objects of

faith on the part of God's people." 45

With Luther the excellent Bucer agrees, particularly on Eph. 1., where his words
are:

"There are some who affirm that election is not to be mentioned
publicly to the people. But they judge wrongly. The blessings
which God bestows on man are not to be suppressed, but insisted

and enlarged upon, and, if so, surely the blessing of predestination
unto life, which is the greatest blessing of all, should not be passed
over." And a little after he adds: "Take away the remembrance and
consideration of our election, and then, good God! what weapons

have we left us wherewith to resist the temptations of Satan? As
often as he assaults our faith (which he is frequently doing) we
must constantly and without delay have recourse to our election in

Christ as to a city of refuge. Meditation upon the Father's
appointment of us to eternal life is the best antidote against the evil
surmisings of doubtfulness and remaining unbelief. If we are

entirely void of all hope and assurance, respecting our interest in
this capital privilege, what solid and comfortable expectation can
we entertain of future blessedness? How can we look upon God as

our gracious Father and upon Christ as our unchangeable
Redeemer? without which I see not how we can ever truly love
God; and if we have no true love towards Him, how can we yield
acceptable obedience to Him? Therefore, those persons are not to

be heard who would have the doctrine of election laid (as it were)
asleep, and seldom or never make its appearance in the

congregations of the faithful."

To what these great men have so nervously advanced permit me to add, that the
doctrine of predestination is not only useful, but absolutely necessary to be

taught and known.

(1) For without it we cannot form just and becoming ideas of God. Thus, unless

He certainly foreknows and foreknew from everlasting all things that should