God’s predestination of sinners is for God’s praise. But many point to the flipside of election as a problem that detracts praise. The assumption in the argument is that if God positively chooses some then by the rules of antithesis He negatively chooses others. This sermon seeks to address the assumption of parity in predestination. Key to a biblical response is the principle of asymmetry. God does not reprobate and redeem in some sort of equal ultimacy. The idea that humanity is a morally neutral batch from which God randomly elects some for heaven and some for hell makes a mockery of God’s righteousness, violating His very character. God is just. God is merciful. But God is not behind salvation and condemnation in the same way. Salvation is undeserved, condemnation is deserved. Salvation is by grace alone; condemnation is by justice alone. God delights in lavishing mercy on sinners, but He does not delight in their destruction. Clarifying these principles helps to promote greater praise to God for His gracious work in predestination.
