A friend asked for our perspective on some tough questions regarding the doctrine of election:

What about Scriptures that teach that God desires for all people to be saved?

And Scriptures that teach that people must still believe in Christ to be saved?

And if God has chosen certain people to salvation, why does the Bible say that he desires all people to be saved?

And if God has chosen certain people to salvation, why does he call all people everywhere to believe in Jesus to be saved?

Here are our responses.

Also, here is the quote from Herman Bavinck mentioned in the video:

“Over and over in history we see the will of God assert itself in two ways. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, yet he does not let it happen (Gen. 22). He wants Pharaoh to let his people Israel go, yet hardens his heart so that he does not do it (Exod. 4:21). He has the prophet tell Hezekiah that he will die; still he adds fifteen years to his life (Isa. 38:1, 5). He prohibits us from condemning the innocent, yet Jesus is delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:28). God does not will sin; he is far from iniquity. He forbids it and punishes it severely, yet it exists and is subject to his rule (Exod. 4:21; Josh. 11:20; I Sam. 2:25; 2 Sam. 16:10; Acts 2:23; 4:28; Rom. 1:24, 26; 2 Thess. 2:11; etc.). He wills the salvation of all (Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11; I Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9), yet has mercy on whom he wills and hardens who he wills (Rom. 9:18).” (Bavinck, Dogmatics, vol. 2. p. 241)

To access the audio-only version of this podcast episode, go to https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vprjz-1b712f6 or find us on all your favorite podcast streaming platforms.