<\/p>\n
The Calvinistic doctrine of Unconditional Election is sometimes said to be the heart of Reformed theology\u00a0(Boettner, Predestination<\/a>, 96). \u00a0It follows logically from the doctrine of Total Depravity (Seaton, Calvinism<\/a>, 11).<\/p>\n
Lorraine Boettner links the two doctrines with this explanation:<\/p>\n
If the doctrine of Total Inability or Original Sin be admitted, the doctrine of Unconditional Election follows by the most inescapable logic. If, as the Scriptures and experience tell us, all men are by nature in a state of guilt and depravity from which they are wholly unable to deliver themselves and have no claim whatever on God for deliverance, it follows that if any are saved God must choose out those who shall be the objects of His grace\u00a0(Boettner, Predestination<\/a>, 95).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
If men are totally depraved and if some are still saved, then it is obvious that the reason some are saved and some are lost rests entirely with God. All of mankind would remain lost if left to itself and not chosen by God to be saved. \u2026 Therefore, if total depravity is Biblically true, then faith and consequent salvation come only when the Holy Spirit goes to work through regeneration. And the decision as to which persons He will work in must rest entirely, one hundred percent, with God, since man, being spiritually dead, cannot ask for help (Palmer, Five Points of Calvinism<\/a>, 27).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Who receives such a blessing?<\/p>\n
Until then, what questions and issues do you have about the biblical doctrines of election and predestination? Let me know below!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nIf you want to read more about Calvinism, check out other posts in this blog series: Words of Calvinism and the Word of God<\/a>.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"