By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.
This rather bald statement by the Confession sets out one of the most controversial teachings of the Reformed Faith: Double predestination. The rest of this third chapter will elaborate upon this teaching so I will not launch into an extended discussion at this point. However, as we move forward on this subject it will be most helpful to keep some thoughts in mind.
1. Again, refer back to the character of this decreeing God as set forth in chapter two. Remember his holiness, his righteousness, his goodness, his love. Too many get off track right at the outset of discussions of predestination by conjuring the blackest scenarios imaginable.
2. God predestinates "for the manifestation of his glory." The highest purpose of God is to show forth his glory. Humans will gain much if they can lay hold of this perspective. Whatever glorifies God most is best.
3. We often forget, although here the Confession reminds us, that angels are included in God's sovereign election. While objections regarding fairness and justice are often raised concerning perceived slights toward humans, few accuse God (as depicted in Reformed thinking) of being unfair to Satan and the demons. This is most interesting as, to the extent God has revealed such things to us, we know of no plan of salvation for the demons. All of them are damned, while God has deigned to save at least a portion of fallen mankind.
Tomorrow: Caution ahead.
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