Double Predestination

Often it seems in Scripture that God, before time began, chose certain people for heaven and certain people for hell. In theological terms this is called “double predestination.” Find out what we think of this age-old debate.

As a note, I generally try to avoid this topic, as the issue has been a means for far too long to divide the church, to move our eyes away from the person of Jesus, and to bring in what James would call the wisdom from hell (James 3:13-18). If we are not capable as His people to discuss this subject in a manner that is peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy; or if this subject is our passion in life, then we would do well to avoid the topic. Rather, it is better to be silent and focus on the work of loving God and others, pursuing fully the fruit of the Spirit. I continue to observe that Jesus made the mark of His disciples to be love, not doctrine (John 13:35), and the greatest commandment to love, not to know. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). While sound doctrine is important, I observe that the devils may have better doctrine than we (James 2:19). Life is to be lived, not in the doctrine, but in the faith in Christ and love for the brothers. Faith in Christ should lead to love and gentleness. The one who sows discord among the brothers is a person to be avoided (Proverbs 6:14-19; Romans 16:17-18; Titus 2:10-11).

Double Predestination

Will I Make it to Heaven?

Many feel as though they’ve sinned too much to ever make it to heaven. Or they feel they’ve committed the unpardonable sin. They worry and worry and worry that they’ll spend eternity in the fires of hell. What does the Bible teach about this? Can the enormity of our sins keep us out of heaven? Click the link below to read what we think.

Will I Make it to Heaven?

Election and Reprobation

Has God chosen some for heaven and some for hell? If so, does it even matter how we live?

I have heard it said that God has predestined some for election (heaven) and has predestined others for reprobation (eternal damnation). Is this true? And if so, what passages in Scripture are used to support it? And what does it mean for us? Do we have personal choice? Can we really decide to follow Christ if we have been predestined for reprobation? Does it even matter how we live or what we do?

Election and Reprobation

Hell & Near-death Experiences

Near-death experiences are real. People have them. Do they reveal anything real to us about the after-life?

Scripture talks about David descending into hell. Did he really go there and see what it was like and then come back? Did David have near-death experiences? Can we take stock in our own near-death experiences or those we hear recounted to us by others? Do they reveal God’s truth about heaven and hell to us?

Hell and Near-death Experiences

Do You Know Him?

Do you know Him?

Do You Know Him?

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ ”
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)

Do You Know Him?