SECT. XXX. Of Predestination.
Quest. WHat is it you call Predestinati∣on?
A. The absolute and free decree of God by which out of the corrupt mass of men, he hath pleased to choose some to be Vessels of Grace and Mercy, and to bring them to Salvation by Faith and Sanctification, lea∣ving the others in their corruption and mi∣sery.
Q. God hath not elected all men then to Salva∣tion?
A. No, for Jesus Christ says, Matth. 20.16. and 22.14. That many are called, but few chosen.
Q. Hath God chosen those that he hath Ele∣cted to Salvation upon the account of their ex∣cellency, or of Faith foreseen in them?
A. No, For so it would be men that should chuse God, and not God that should have chosen men, contrary to that which Jesus Christ says to his Disciples, John 15.16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that you should bring forth fruits: Faith is not the cause, but the effect of Predestination as it is said, Page 85 Acts. 13.48. As many as were Ordained to Eter∣nal Life, believed.
Q. What then is the Cause of Mens Election?
A. Onely the good pleasure of God. Eph. 1.5. God having predestinated us unto the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ, accor∣ding to the good pleasure of his will: And therefore St. Paul, Rom. 11.5. calls the Election of Believers, an Election of Grace; and Rom. 9. he tells us, That 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, The Elder shall serve the Younger, as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated, vers. 11.12.13. It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that run∣neth, but of God that sheweth mercy. vers. 16.
Q. Is the Election to Salvation irrevocable?
A. Yes, for 2 Tim. 2.19. The foundation of the Lord standeth sure, The Lord knoweth who are his?
Q. If it be so, what ever Sins the Elect commit yea and though they should want Faith and Repen∣tance, they must of necessity be Saved.
A. You make the end combat the means, for whom God hath elected to Salvation, he hath elected to Sanctification as a means ne∣cessary to obtain it, for without Faith, Repen∣tance and Sanctification, none shall see God: Page 86 Heb. 12.14. and John 15.16. I have chosen you, says Christ, that you should bring forth fruits, and that your fruit should remain; and Epbes. 2.10. We are his workmanship crea∣ted in Jesus Christ unto Good Works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them: see 2 Thes. 2.13. Eph. 1.4.
