"The Fall of the Rebel Angels" c 1516, by Pieter the Elder Bruegel.
This post is the forth in a series on the question of Predestination (Election and Reprobation). This series will ultimately be part of a larger collection of posts on "The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption" from Dr. Wayne Grudem's textbook on Systematic Theology.
Many of the things of God are a challenge for us in our fallen state. How can we, with our finite minds, understand the things of God and His infinite wisdom?
The painting to the left is an excellent example of mind warping teachings. I have never seen an angel. I have never talked to an angel and as far as I know, an angel has never talked to me.
However, in spite of my experience, the Bible teaches that there are indeed angels. It gives names to some of the angels, describes different types of angels, and even describes fallen and elect angels.
As I study this painting by Bruegel, I once again am reminded that there are simply things that I must take on faith.
I have spent nearly 20 hours studying this issue and have come to the conclusion that I am not going to understand. It appears that God did "pass by" my grandfather. Just saying those words is extremely painful. I can't comprehend it. But clearly, the Bible teaches the concept of election and my inability to understand it doesn't make it less so.
Giving me some comfort to mix with my confusion is the fact that God did not and does not replace human responsibility with the doctrine of election. 1 Timothy 2:3-4:
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
Both the concept of election and human responsibility are taught in the scriptures.
My grandfather did, on his deathbed, reject all the appeals of Christ. So it appears that my grandfather was not one of the elect (chosen from eternity past) and at the same time could have been one of the elect with his simple and conscious belief and repentance. (I recognize that I could not know my grandfather's heart and pray that inside his heart was betraying his lips and I will see him in heaven).
Here is Spurgeon's take on the matter:
"There stands the text, and I believe that it is my Father's wish that "all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth." But I know, also, that He does not will it, so that He will save any one of them, unless they believe in His Son: for He has told us over and over again that He will not. He will not save any man except he forsakes his sins, and turns to Him with full purpose of heart; that I also know. And I know, also, that He has a people whom He will save, whom by His eternal love He has chosen and whom by His eternal power He will deliver. I do not know how that squares with this, that is another of the things I do not know."
I do not understand the Trinity but nonetheless believe it so. I do not understand the immaculate conception but nonetheless believe it so. I do not understand God incarnate but nonetheless believe it so. And, I do not understand the doctrine of election but now have come to believe it so.
Here are a number of audio links that I found helpful in my quest for understanding:
- Dr. Wayne Grudem: Election and Reprobation (Part 1)
- Dr. Wayne Grudem: Election and Reprobation (Part 2)
- Dr. John MacArthur: Election (Part 1)
- Dr. John MacArthur: Election (Part 2)
- Dr. John MacArthur: Election (Part 3)
- Dr. John MacArthur: Election (Part 4)
- Dr. John MacArthur: Election (Part 5)
