by Ruben de Koning, BTh2, South African
Some of our Stellenbosch students’ most frequently asked questions are around the idea of predestination. We often encounter things such as: “Why would God want us to teach people about Jesus Christ if He has already decided whether they are saved or not? How do I know I am chosen? If God chooses certain people, can everyone become a Christian? And, if God is all-powerful, why does He not just snap His fingers to make everyone a Christian?” These serious questions require thoughtful answers, and Scripture, as our supreme authority, is here to guide us.
The biblical truth is that God chose certain people for salvation before the world began (Ephesians 1:4-5). At the same time, God loves all people and offers salvation to everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16).
He gives humans the ability to respond to Him; we are not just robots because we have free will (John 15:16). So we can choose Him. The final word on this should be that God does want everyone to know and love Him (2 Peter 3:9). His grace is available to all who seek it.
Related to this are questions concerning the sovereignty of God. Some of these may be: “Why would God allow sin to enter the world and then send sinners who do not repent to hell? If Jesus is the Lord of hell, why doesn’t He just end the existence of the sinners? Is He keeping them alive just to suffer? If, in the end, everything is according to God’s will, what exactly is the purpose in burning people for eternity?”
Jesus’ warning for those He taught, and us today, was that hell awaits all who reject Him (Matthew 25:46). However, He also descended into hell not for His own sin (1 Peter 2:22) but to conquer death and Satan (Hebrews 2:14).
By entering the realm of the dead, Jesus opened heaven’s gates for the righteous who had died before Him (1 Peter 3:18-19). Jesus has made a way for us to enter into eternity with Him. He wants no one to perish, however, there is a just penalty after death for those who reject Him while they are alive. Ultimately, the doctrine of hell emphasises the glory of the Gospel and God’s love in sending His son to bear the punishment we deserve.
At Christ Church Stellenbosch, we’ve created space for students to ask their questions. Together with those mentioned above, these questions have led to many fruitful gospel conversations among the students.
We don’t need to be afraid of facing questions. In fact, they’ve proven to be a powerful means of witnessing to Christ.
