The Eternal Predestination Of God
church in the world, and that in the congregation composing the visible church there are always some who are truly converted, and that I am one of this number; and therefore a member of both the visible and invisible church, and shall forever remain such.
OF THE ETERNAL PREDESTINATION OF
GOD The Common Place of the eternal predestination of God, or of election and reprobation naturally grows out of the doctrine of the church: and is for this reason correctly connected with it. In the discussion of this subject we must enquire principally, I. Is there any predestination?
II. What is it?
III. What is the cause of it?
IV. What are the effects of it?
V. Is it unchangeable?
VI. To what extent may it be known by us?
VII. Are the elect always members of the church, and the reprobate never?
VIII. Can the elect fall from the church, and may the reprobate always remain in it?
IX. What is the use of this doctrine?
I. IS THERE ANY PREDESTINATION?
When the question is asked, Is there any such thing as predestination? it is the same thing as to enquire, if God has any counsel or decree, according to which he has determined that some should be saved, and
others condemned. There are some who affirm that election, when used in the Scriptures, means excellence, on account of which some are regarded worthy to be chosen unto everlasting life, just as a man may make choice of a noble horse, or of pure gold. It is in the same way that they explain the idea of reprobation.
This view, however, is false, in as much as election is the eternal counsel of God. That there is such a thing as predestination, or election and reprobation in God, is proven by these declarations of Scripture: "Many are called but few are chosen." "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold." "He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." "I have much people in this city." "And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." "Whom he did predestinate, them he also called." (Matt. 20:16. John 15:16; 10:16. Eph. 1:4, 5. Acts 18:10;
13:48. Rom. 8:30.) The following passages of the word of God, may be regarded as having a special reference to reprobation. "God willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction." "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."
"It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." "Who were before of old ordained to this condemnation." "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise, and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes, even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." "Ye have not the words of God, because ye are not of God." "Ye believe not; because ye are not of my sheep." "The Lord hath made all things for himself, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." (Rom. 9:22,
13. Matt. 13:11. Jude 4. Matt. 11:25, 26. John 8:47; 10:26. Prov. 16:4.) Obj. 1. But the promise of grace is universal. Ans. It is universal in respect to the faithful, that is, it extends to all those that believe. And it is particular in respect to all men. Our adversaries, however, deny that it is universal, because, say they, those who are converted may fall away, which is to weaken the general promise.
To this it is objected, that God wills that all men should be saved. (2 Tim.
2:4.) We reply, that there are other passages which must be taken in connection with this: such as these: "Many are called, but few are chosen." "This people's heart is waxed gross, saith the Lord, lest they should be converted, and I should heal them." (Matt. 20:16; 13:15.) Here it is declared that God wills that some should not be saved. Are we then to infer, that these declarations of divine truth contradict each other? God forbid! God wills that all men should be saved, in as far as he rejoices in the salvation of all: and he rejoices in the punishment of the wicked, yet not in as far as it is the torment of his creatures; but in as much as it is the execution of his justice. God wills that all should be saved, in as much as he, in a certain respect, invites, and calls all to repentance, but he does not will the salvation of all, as it respects the efficacy of this calling. He blesses all, "if haply they might feel after him, and find him:" (Acts 17:27.)
He invites all, and says to all; Honesty and obedience are pleasing to me, and due to me from you; but he does not say to all, I will produce this honesty, and obedience in you; but to the elect alone, and that because, from everlasting it has so pleased him. "The election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded." (Rom. 11:7.) Obj. 2. He who bestows his gifts unequally upon those who are equal, is a respecter of persons. Ans. He is, indeed, a respecter of persons who gives unequally to those who are equal, if he confer his gifts on account of external causes, which are not the conditions on account of which equal rewards or punishments should be given, or not given; that is, when the cause common to both parties is in his judgment overlooked, and others are regarded which do not properly belong to the cause, such as the riches, power, honors and friendship, of the one party. God, however, does not look to the outward circumstances of men, but requires faith and conversion, and gives eternal life to those who possess these, and withholds it from those who have not this faith and conversion. Again: he is a respecter of persons, who gives unequally to those who are equal, when he is bound to give equally to all. But God gives most freely, out of his pure mercy and grace; and is bound to no one. We were all his enemies; and hence he might most justly have rejected us all. And if unrighteousness should in any respect attach itself to God, (which God forbid that we should say) he would in that case be unrighteous, and a
respecter of persons if he were to give any thing. God, therefore, when he has compassion upon some, and not upon others, is no more a respecter of persons, than thou art, if, being moved by thy mercy and compassion, thou dost give alms to one beggar, and none to another, or if thou give a farthing to one, and a penny to another. Why then dost thou, O man, accuse God of injustice, because he has mercy upon whom he will, whilst he has no mercy upon those whom he will not, seeing that he is under obligation to none? "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?" "Who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again." (Matt. 20:15. Rom. 11:35.)
A knowledge of this has an important bearing upon the glory of God.
Obj. 3. It is proper and just that he who has received a ransom sufficient for the sins of all, should admit all into his favor. God has received in his
Son a ransom sufficient for the sins of the whole world. Therefore he is bound to receive all into his favor. Ans. It is just that he should admit all into his favor, who has received a ransom sufficient for all, and which is to be applied to all. But there is no application of this to all, because it is said, "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me."
But a ransom, say our opponents, that is sufficient for all, ought to be applied to all; because it belongs to infinite mercy to do good to all. But we deny that infinite mercy consists in the number, that are saved. It consists rather in the manner in which they are saved. God, moreover, will not bestow this blessing upon all, because he is most wise and just.
He can, and will exercise his mercy and justice at the same time. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "He that believeth not is condemned already," &c. (John 3:16, 18.) It is still further objected: He who receives a ransom that is sufficient for all, and yet does not save all, is unjust; because he receives more than he bestows. But God is not unjust. Therefore he receives all into his favor. Ans. He, who thus acts, is unjust unless he himself gave the ransom. But God gave it.
Therefore he receives of his own, and not of that which belongs to us.
Again: it is not the sufficiency, but the application of this ransom which binds God to receive all into his favor. But he has not obligated himself to apply this ransom to all.
Obj. 4. He who afflicts some for the sake of his own glory, is unjust. God is not unjust. Therefore he does not afflict, nor cast off any for the sake of his own glory. Ans. We deny the major proposition if understood generally. Of creatures it is true, but it is not true of God, because he is the highest good, and the greatest respect ought to be had for the highest good. But the highest good, or the glory of God, does not merely require, that the mercy of God, but that his justice also, should be manifested.
Again: he is unjust who, for his own glory, afflicts some without any sufficient cause, as when those who are punished are not worthy of death.
But this is not the case with God, who, for his own glory, permits some to perish, inasmuch as they themselves willingly fall into sin, and perish.
Nor is God any more bound to save men, than he was to create them. He does, indeed, permit men to fall into sin; but they do it freely, himself not being bound to save any; but bound to have a greater regard for his own glory, than the salvation of the reprobate.
Obj. 5. But he who predestinates to a certain end, also predestinates the means through which this end is attained. God, according to this doctrine, predestinates some to damnation. Therefore he also predestinates them to sin, as the means through which they are brought to this end. That sin is the means through which this end is reached, is evident from the fact that none are damned, but those who are guilty of sin. Ans. There are two kinds of means. There are some means which, in whatever way it may be, go before the end, and which he employs who is aiming at a certain end, and by the help of which he reaches and accomplishes the end which he intended. There are also other means which do, indeed, contribute to a certain end, but which are not done by him who intends the end; but are merely permitted, from which it does not follow that he wills them. We reply, therefore, to the major proposition; he who wills the end, wills also the means which he himself employs, and by which he works for the accomplishment of the end which he intends; but he does not will all means, otherwise there would be more in the conclusion, than in the premises. Neither does God will those things which he permits: he merely does not prevent their accomplishment, if they do not hinder his end.
Obj. 6. He who calls all, and, in the mean while, wills to save only a
certain number, dissembles. God, according to this doctrine, does so.
Therefore he dissembles. Ans. Nothing can be inferred from mere particulars. Or we may reply, that there is here an incorrect chain of reasoning, by putting that for a cause which is no cause. The first proposition, moreover, if understood universally, is false; because there may be another cause. God calls all, not that he may dissemble and deceive, but that he say render all inexcusable. Hence the major proposition ought to be distinguished thus: He who calls all, and yet wills to save only a certain number, that he may deceive them, is guilty of dissembling, if he call them indiscriminately, and with a mind unwilling to influence all to obey. But God never promised that he would effect this in all. There is, therefore, no contradiction in these premises or declarations; all ought to do it, and I will effect it in some; because the terms are not the same.
Obj. 7. They cannot have comfort whose salvation depends on the secret counsel of God. Our salvation depends upon the secret counsel of God.
Therefore we cannot have comfort. Ans. We cannot, indeed, have comfort before the will of God is revealed unto us. But God has made known his secret counsel through his Son, and the Holy Spirit; and also by the effects which accompany it, according as it is said: "Being justified by faith we have peace." "Who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." "Hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." (Rom. 5:1. 2 Cor. 1:22. Rom.
8:16. 1 John 3:24.) It is true, therefore that before the secret counsel of God is made known unto us, we can obtain no comfort from it; but it is different after it is once known.
Obj. 8. No man ought to attempt that which is done in vain. But it is to no purpose that reprobates repent, in as much as their salvation is impossible. Therefore they ought not to attempt it. Ans. This would be true if they knew that they were among the reprobate; but God has not been pleased to reveal this to any one. The objection, therefore, involves a contradiction, in that it affirms that one can be among the reprobate, and yet repent. If any one repent, he is no longer a reprobate. There is, therefore, no danger to be apprehended from this absurdity.
II. WHAT IS PREDESTINATION?
Predestination differs from providence, as species from genus.
Providence is the counsel of God concerning all his creatures; but predestination is the counsel of God, with reference to the salvation of angels, and men. Predestination is, therefore, the eternal, most righteous and unchangable counsel of God concerning the creation of man, the permission of man to fall into sin and eternal death, the sending of his
Son in the flesh that he might be a sacrifice, and the salvation of some by true faith and conversion through the Holy Spirit and the word for the sake of the mediator, by, and on account of whom they are justified, raised to glory, and rewarded with eternal life; whilst the rest are left in sin and death, raised to judgement, and cast into everlasting punishment.
This definition of predestination is given with reference to men, and not to angels, because it is of the salvation of men that we shall here speak.
The two parts of predestination are embraced in election and reprobation. Election is the eternal and unchangeable decree of God, by which he has graciously decreed to convert some to Chist, to preserve them in faith, and repentance, and through him to bestow upon them eternal life. Reprobation is the eternal, and unchangeable purpose of God, whereby he has decreed in his most just judgement to leave some in their sins, to punish them with blindness, and to condemn them eternally, not being made partakers of Christ, and his benefits. That both election and reprobation are the decree of God, these and similar declarations of Scripture prove: "I know whom I have chosen."
"According to his grace which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began." "He hath mercy on whom he will." (John 13:18. 2. Tim. 1:9.
Rom. 9:18.) Election and reprobation were, therefore, made with counsel; and hence each is the decree of God, and for this reason eternal: because there is nothing new in God, but all things are from everlasting, or before the foundation of the world. In as much now as he has chosen us, he must have rejected the rest, which is still further proven by the import of the word election, or choice; for that which is chosen, is selected, whilst other things are rejected.
III. WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PREDESTINATION?
The efficient and moving cause of predestination is the good pleasure of God. "Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Matt. 11:26.)
God saw nothing good in us, on account of which he chose us, seeing that we were all by nature the children of wrath, even as others. And whatever good there is in us, that God has wholly wrought. But he effects nothing in us, which he has not decreed from everlasting. Wherefore the good pleasure of God, which alone is most free, and gracious, or the mercy of God exercised most freely, is the efficient, and moving cause of our election. It is of grace we say, and not out of regard to any goodness seen in us. "He hath mercy on whom he will." "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." "God hath predestinated us, unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will." "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto her, the elder shall serve the younger. So it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Whom he will, he hardeneth." "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou, that thou didst not receive." "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began." (Rom. 9:18. John 15:16. Rom. 9:10, 11, 16.
Col. 1:12. 1. Cor. 4:7. 2. Tim. 1:9.) The efficient cause of reprobation is also, in like manner, the good pleasure of God which is most free. For seeing that we are all by nature the children of wrath we should all perish if sin were the cause of reprobation. The cause of reprobation is, therefore, not in men, but in God, and is his will showing forth his own glory, as it is said, "He hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will be hardeneth."
"Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight." Hence in relation to individuals, no other reason can be given why this one is elected, and that one reprobated, but the good pleasure of God.
The cause of damnation, however, which is sin, is wholly in men. God will declare his justice in the condemnation of the reprobate. And hence he
condemns no one, neither does he give any over to damnation, unless it be on account of sin: God does not will the damnation of any one, as it is damnation, but as a just punishment. Neither does punishment ever take place, except where sin has reigned. Hence the chief cause, and source of damnation is to be found in the free will of devils and men; because they of their own accord separated themselves from God. But the chief cause of salvation is the eternal, and most free election of God, who saw nothing in us, why he should convert us unto Christ, rather than others, and save and rescue us from the common ruin, to which all were exposed on account of sin.
The chief final cause of predestination is the manifestation of the glory of God. The last, and proper final cause of election is the manifestation of the goodness and mercy of God in saving the elect by his grace; and the next final cause is the justification of the creet, and their salvation through Christ. The apostle comprehends each of these causes in the words; "He hath predestinated us to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved." (Eph. 1:6.) On the contrary, the chief final cause of reprobation is the declaration of the justice, severity and hatred of God against sin in the reprobate; "God willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction." (Rom.
9:22.) Obj. 1. God fore-knew our works, and, therefore, himself chose us on account of them. Ans. He fore-knew those good things, which he had determined to work in us, and not which we ourselves would accomplish, as he also fore-knew the persons; otherwise he could not have foreknown any good. So God could not have foreseen any evil works, unless he had resolved to permit them.
Obj. 2. Those whom God chose in Christ, he found in him, inasmuch as he confers his benefits upon none, except those who are in Christ. God chose us in Christ. Therefore he found us in him, that is, he foresaw that we would receive Christ, believe in him, and be better than others, and hence chose us. Ans. We deny the major proposition, because the reason which it assigned is true, not of election, but of the effects of election, and of the consummation of the benefits of Christ, which extend to none,
except those who are united to Christ by faith, as it is said: "Except ye abide in me, ye shall have no life in you." (John 15:4.) But it is false when applied to election, and the first cause of our salvation, as is evident from the declaration of the Apostle (Eph. 1:4.) to which the objection refers; for he chose us before the foundation of the world, not because we were, but that we might be blameless and holy, and thus better than others; not that we were already in Christ, but that he might engraft us into him, and adopt us among his children. Our faith, or holiness, therefore, which was foreseen is not the cause, but the effect of our election in Christ. He chose us, not as being already sons, but that we might be adopted among his children. Augustin says: "He chose us, not for the reason that we were then holy; nor yet because we would become holy; but rather for this end, that in the day of grace we might be holy through good work." He chose us then, not because we would be holy, but in order that we might be holy. The Pelagians, perverting the truth, say, God foreknew who would be holy, and without blame by the choice of their free will, and for this reason chose them by his fore-knowledge, such as he knew they would be.
The Apostle, however, refutes this position in the passage already referred to, where he says that God chose us that we should be holy.
Obj. 3. But the cause of our election is the merit of Christ applied unto us by faith. Therefore it is not the good pleasure of God. Ans. We deny the antecedent, for the reason that the merit of Christ is not enumerated among the causes, but among the effects of election, and the causes of our salvation. He chose us in Christ, viz, as in the Head. Hence he first chose the head, and ordained him to the office of mediator. as Peter testifies: (1
Pet. 1:20.) then he chose us also as members of that head. "God so loved the world that he," &c. (John 3:16.) The love of God, therefore, which is his free election, is the cause on account of which he sent his Son, and not the sending of his Son, the cause of his love.
Obj. 4. Evil works are the cause of reprobation. Therefore, good works are the cause of election. Ans. We deny the first proposition, for evil works are not the cause of reprobation, but of damnation, and the appointment thereto, which follows reprobation. If sin were the cause of reprobation, we should all be reprobates; because we are all equally the children of wrath. "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good
or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; it was said unto her, the elder shall serve the younger." (Rom. 9:11, 12.) "Good works," said Augustin, "do not precede, but follow justification." They are, therefore, not the cause of justification; much less are they the cause of our election. They spring from, and have their perpetual virtue in the grace of God alone.
IV. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF PREDESTINATION?
The effects of election comprehend the entire work of our salvation, and the degrees of our redemption which may be said to embrace the following particulars: 1. The establishment and gathering of the Church.
2. The gift, and mission of Christ, the mediator, and of his sacrifice. 3.
The effectual calling and conversion of the elect to Christ by the word and Spirit of God. 4. Faith, justification and regeneration. 5. Good works. 6.
Final perseverance. 7. Our resurrection unto glory. 8. Our glorification and eternal life.
The effects of reprobation comprise: 1. The creation of the reprobate. 2.
The want of the grace of God. 3. Blindness and obduracy. 4. Perseverance in sin. 5. Their resurrection to the judgment. 6. Their banishment into everlasting punishment.
Obj. 1. Different causes produce different effects. The effects of election are good works. Therefore the effects of reprobation are evil works Ans.
Nothing can be decided upon from mere particulars. The major proposition, moreover, is not always true of voluntary causes, which may work differently, and yet not produce contrary effects, as is true in the present instance; because God has decreed to effect good works in the elect, and to permit those that are evil in the reprobate. The devil and wicked men are, however, the proper cause of evil works.
Obj. 2. Blindness is the effect of reprobation. But blindness is sin.
Therefore sin is the effect of reprobation. Ans. Blindness is a sin in respect to the persons who bring it upon themselves, or in as far as it is received and merited; but in as far as God inflicts it upon wicked men for rejecting the truth, it is a just punishment, from which it is of his mercy alone, if he delivers any.
V. IS PREDESTINATION UNCHANGEABLE?
Predestination is fixed and unchangeable. This is evident from the general reason, that God is unchangeable, and that his decree does not depend upon the various changes which are occurring in the world, which rather depend upon the divine decree. What God has, therefore, determine from everlasting concerning the salvation of the elect, and the damnation of the reprobate, he has decreed unchangeably. Hence both election and reprobation are fixed and unchangeable. Those whom God has willed, and determined from everlasting should be saved, them he now, and for ever desires and purposes to save, which may also be said in relation to reprobation, for it is likewise unchangeable. There are various declarations of Scripture which prove this: "My counsel shall stand." "I am the Lord, I change not." "This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing." "Neither shall any man pluck my sheep out of my hand." "Ye believe not; because ye are not of my sheep." "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal." "The Lord knoweth them that are his." (Is. 46:10. Matt. 3:6. John
6:39; 10:28, 26. 2 Tim 2:19.) That the decree of God concerning the salvation of the elect is the foundation of which Paul speaks in the last passage just quoted, may be inferred from the fact that it is the origin, and foundation of our salvation, and of all the means which contribute to it; and also because it is solid, and firm like a foundation, and is, therefore, never overthrown. It is necessary that we should have a knowledge of this, in order that we may have sure comfort, believe in eternal life and all the other articles of our faith. This reason is frequently repeated in the Scriptures, and should often be thought upon; because he who has no firm assurance of future grace, is also uncertain of present grace, inasmuch as God is unchangeable.
VI.
TO WHAT EXTENT MAY WE KNOW THE
PREDESTINATION OF GOD; AND CAN WE, AND OUGHT WE
TO BE CERTAIN OF IT?
Election and reprobation are known in general, as that there are some elect, and some reprobate: but not in particular, as, that this one, or that one is chosen, or not. But of our own election in particular, we not only may, but ought to be certain, the knowledge of which is obtained, a
posteriori, that is, from our conversion to God, or from true faith and repentance, which are the effects of our election unto eternal life. That we may know and believe that we are certainly chosen of God, we must believe in Christ, and also in eternal life. This, however, we cannot do except we have true faith and repentance. And as every one ought to have this faith and repentence, so each one ought certainly to believe that he is of the number of the elect, or else he will charge upon God a lie. "We rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Rom. 5:2.) Christ is our intercessor, and prevails in our behalf, that we may for ever be preserved. I believe in eternal life, (not only spiritual, but eternal) which being here commenced.
I carry with me out of this life. Nor does every one only know his own election in particular from his faith and conversion; but he may also know in general that others are also elected. And in general we ought not only to hope, but also to believe firmly that there are others elected besides ourselves; for we are bound to believe in the article concerning the church, that it always has been, and now is. But no one separately considered is the church, nor should any one say as Elijah, "I, even I only, am left." (1 Kings 19:14.) But it does not belong to us to discern in regard to every individual. It is well, however, that we should hope in regard to the election of others, even individually. In short, the election of all is known in general; but it is known in particular in a different respect of one's self, and of others.
In relation to reprobation no one ought to determine any thing with certainty, either concerning himself, or another before the end of life, for the reason that he who is not yet converted, may be before he dies. Hence no one ought to decide concerning others that they are reprobate, but should hope for the best. In regard to himself, however, every one ought to believe with certainty that he is one of the elect; for we have a universal command for all to repent, and believe the gospel.
VII. ARE THE ELECT ALWAYS MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH,
AND THE REPROBATE NEVER?
The elect are not alway members of the church, but become such when they are converted, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. For it is said; "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his." (Rom. 8:9.) The church is likewise called holy. But the elect are not holy before their
conversion to God; for Paul expressly says: "Such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified." And again; "Who hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." (Cor. 6:11. Col. 1:3.) There are some who are born in the church, and live and die in it, whilst others again are not born in it; but are called, some sooner and others later to the church visible and invisible, as the thief on the cross. "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also I must bring," said Christ. (John 10:16.) "I have much people in this city," that is by election. (Acts 18:10.) So the reprobate are not always estranged from the church; but are sometimes born in it, and sometimes become members of the visible church, and go out from it again. "They went out from us." "Grievous wolves shall enter in among you." (1. John 2:19. Acts 20:29.)
Obj. 1. All those that believe are always members of the church. But all the elect believe, because the saved, the elect, the faithful are interchangeable terms. Therefore all the elect are always members of the church. Ans. We reply to the minor proposition, that the terms enume rated are indeed interchangeable, but are nevertheless used with a certain limitation. All the faithful, and those that are to be saved are elected, and that always, and at all times. And all the elect are such as do believe, and as will be saved, yet not always; for at one time it may be said of them that they are to be saved; at another that they do believe, and at another that they are saved. So far then these terms are convertable; because all the elect do believe, or will believe before the end of life: for now is the day of grace: then will be the day of judgment.
Obj. 2. Christ notwithstanding calls those his sheep, who are not as yet converted from the Gentiles. "I have," said he, "other sheep which are not of this fold," which means that they are not of that portion of the church which was to be gathered from among the Jews. Therefore those other sheep, seem to be of the general flock. Ans. These were even then sheep, as to the counsel, and care of God, but not as touching the fulfillment of his decree: in other words they were sheep by predestination. In short, the elect are not always members of the church, but it is necessary, that they should be brought into the church, even if it should occur in the very moment of death. This is what we mean when we say that it is necessary that all the elect in this life begin eternal life. The reprobate are indeed
sometimes members of the visible church, and are not always estranged from it: but they never truly came into it, nor are they ever members of the invisible church, which is that of the saints; for they are always aliens to this.
VIII. CAN THE ELECT FALL FROM THE CHURCH, AND MAY
THE REPROBATE ALWAYS REMAIN IN IT?
This question has already to a certain extent been answered in what we have said of the unchangeableness of election, and of the perseverance of the saints. The elect when they are once truly in the church of the saints, may indeed sometimes fall, but they never wholly and finally depart from it; not wholly, because they never so fall that they may become the enemies of God and the church; nor yet finally, because they do not continue in apostacy, but do most certainly at length repent and turn to God. "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." "Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (Is. 42:3.
John 10:28.) But all the reprobate, and hypocrites do at length go out of the church, and with the gifts which they had, they lose also those which they seemed to have. "They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us."
(John 2:19.) Obj. But the saints have also fallen into sin, as David, Peter, &c., Ans.
They fall, but not totally, nor finally. Peter fell, but not totally nor finally, for he retained in his heart the love of Christ, although he denied him through fear of danger. He also afterward acknowledged his fall, and wept bitterly over it. Augustin says; "Peter's faith did not fail in his heart, when he ceased to make confession with his mouth." Nor did David fall totally; for being reproved of God by his prophet, he did truly repent, and gave evidence that his faith was not wholly lost, but merely slumbered for a time. Hence he prayed, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me." Ps. 51:13.)
The saints, therefore, never wholly fall. But hypocrites, and the reprobate at length wholly, and finally fall away in such a manner, that they never return to repentance: and because the love of God was never in them, they were never of the member of the elect. Hence it is not to be wondered at, if they at length wholly fall from the church.