How God’s Sovereignty Secures Salvation Without Silencing Responsibility
God’s eternal decree is the unchanging plan by which He wisely, justly, and graciously governs all things, including our salvation, without compromising His holiness or our responsibility.
Sovereign, Holy, and Faithful Without Violating Human Freedom
God hath Decreed in himself from all Eternity, by the most wise and holy Councel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things whatsoever comes to passe; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin, nor hath fellowship with any therein, nor is violence offered to the will of the Creature, nor yet is the liberty, or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established, in which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and power, and faithfulness in accomplishing his Decree.
Chapter 3 of the 1689 Baptist Confession begins by affirming that God, from all eternity, decreed “all things, whatsoever comes to pass,” by the holy counsel of His own will. Scripture declares God’s sovereign purpose over all events: “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isa 46:10). Paul also states that God “works all things according to the counsel of his will,” showing that every detail of history unfolds according to His plan (Eph 1:11). God’s decree is eternal, wise, and free, and it is unchangeable. Hebrews emphasizes the unchanging nature of His purpose by noting the “unchangeable character of his purpose” confirmed with an oath (Heb 6:17). Nothing can thwart or alter what God has sovereignly willed.
Importantly, the Confession safeguards God’s holiness. Though He ordains all that happens, “God [is] neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein.” James insists that “God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one” (Jas 1:13). In other words, when people sin, the sin comes entirely from their own desires, not from God. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,” so He can never be blamed as the cause or partner of evil (1Jn 1:5). His decree permits sin to occur but never makes Him the author of it. God ordains events in a way that maintains the moral responsibility of creatures for their sinful choices.
The Confession also states that God’s decree does not violate the creature’s will or the reality of second causes—the ordinary cause-and-effect processes of the universe. God’s sovereignty and human choices operate in harmony by divine design. For example, those who crucified Jesus acted freely and wickedly, yet they fulfilled God’s plan. The apostles explain that Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the Jews were gathered “to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place” (Ac 4:27–28). Jesus Himself told Pilate, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (Jn 19:11). Pilate’s decision came from his own will, yet it happened under God’s authority.
In the story of Joseph, his brothers chose to harm him, but later Joseph could say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Ge 50:20). In all these cases, human decisions are real and carry moral responsibility, but they never fall outside of God’s sovereign decree. Rather than eliminate secondary causes, God’s decree establishes them, ensuring that our choices accomplish His wise purposes.
Finally, this paragraph highlights that God’s decree displays His attributes: “His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.” We see God’s wisdom in the perfect order and ultimate good He brings from all events (Ro 11:33). We see His mighty power and faithfulness because whatever He has spoken, He is able to perform. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it?” (Nu 23:19). What God decrees, He unfailingly brings to pass.
For instance, He decreed the salvation of His people and in time brought it about through Christ: “he chose us in him before the foundation of the world… In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Eph 1:4–5). This eternal plan has now been fulfilled in Christ, proving God’s faithfulness.
God’s comprehensive decree, utterly wise and unchanging, is carried out in such a way that He remains holy, human freedom is not violated, and His power and trustworthiness are gloriously displayed.
God’s Decree Is Not Based on Foreseen Faith or Human Conditions
Although God knoweth whatsoever may, or can come to passe upon all supposed conditions; yet hath he not Decreed anything, because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.
The second paragraph teaches that God’s decision to decree anything was not based on foreseeing certain outcomes or human actions. Though “God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions,” He did not make His decree because He foresaw those conditions. In other words, God’s plan is not a reaction to our choices but is the original blueprint.
Scripture supports this by showing that God’s election is unconditional. For example, in choosing Jacob over Esau, God acted before they were born or had done anything good or bad “in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls” (Ro 9:11). The conclusion Paul draws is clear: “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” (Ro 9:16). God’s decree of whom to save did not depend on our willingness or actions. It was entirely according to His own sovereign mercy.
The Confession denies that God looked down the corridors of time and chose people because He foresaw they would choose Him or meet some condition. Instead, any foreknowledge of human faith or works is itself the result of God’s decree, not the cause of it. The Bible explicitly teaches that God’s choice comes before and enables our response. Jesus told His disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16). When the Gentiles heard the gospel in Pisidian Antioch, “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Ac 13:48). They believed because God had appointed them to eternal life, not the other way around.
God’s perfect knowledge of all possibilities (Ac 15:18) did not condition or limit His decree. Instead, He decreed freely according to His own wise will. This truth humbles us because we realize our salvation rests on God’s gracious choice in eternity, not on any foreseen merit or action of ours. As Paul writes, God saved us and called us “not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2Ti 1:9). His decree is the ultimate reason for all that happens, ensuring that the basis of His plan is His will alone, not anything outside of Himself.
God’s Glory in Grace and Justice
By the decree of God for the manifestation of his glory some men and Angels, are predestinated, or fore-ordained to Eternal Life, through Jesus Christ to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice.
By God’s decree, “some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ… to the praise of His glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His glorious justice.” This paragraph introduces the doctrines of election and reprobation. God, in order to manifest His glory, chose a portion of mankind (and certain angels) for eternal life and left the rest to continue in their sin, resulting in just condemnation. Both of these outcomes ultimately display God’s glory—His grace in saving some, and His justice in judging others.
Believers are often called the “chosen” or “elect” in the Bible. Paul writes, “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him… he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace” (Eph 1:4–6). Here we see that God’s predestination is in Christ, through the redeeming work of Jesus, and aims at the praise of God’s grace.
Jesus also speaks of the elect on the Day of Judgment: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt 25:34). From eternity past, God prepared a glorious inheritance for His people. Even the angels who did not fall are referred to as “elect angels” (1Ti 5:21), indicating that God’s choice preserved them. All who reach eternal life do so because God graciously planned to save them in Christ. They were “predestined… through Jesus Christ” and, in time, are brought to faith in Him, entirely as a result of God’s gracious decree.
In contrast, others are passed over and left in their sin, resulting in their condemnation. It’s crucial to note that God’s decree to leave these individuals in their sin does not make Him unjust. He withholds special grace but does not infuse evil into their hearts. They condemn themselves by their own sin. This, too, was part of God’s eternal plan, serving to highlight His justice.
Jude speaks of “certain people… who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people” (Jude 4). Proverbs states, “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Pr 16:4). This means that even the punishment of the wicked falls under God’s purposed plan.
God endured Pharaoh’s hardened rebellion in order to display His power and justice: “God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” (Ro 9:22). In contrast to the vessels of mercy which He prepared for glory, these vessels of wrath are fitted for destruction by their own sin, yet it happens according to God’s righteous decree (Ro 9:23).
Ultimately, God’s decision to save some and not others serves a higher goal: the manifestation of His attributes. In the salvation of the elect, God’s undeserved love and grace are praised. In the judgment of the nonelect, God’s perfect justice is magnified. Both outcomes were known and intended by God from eternity. As hard as this doctrine can be, it leads us to a deeper awe of God’s mercy toward the saved and a sober reverence for His righteous judgment on sin.
The Fixed and Certain Number of God’s Elect
These Angels and Men thus predestinated, and fore-ordained, are particularly, and unchangeably designed; and their number so certain, and definite, that it cannot be either increased, or diminished.
The fourth paragraph teaches that those people (and angels) whom God has predestined to life are “particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.” In other words, God’s elect constitute a specific group known by God, and that number will neither grow larger nor smaller. Jesus did not simply make salvation possible for an undefined multitude. He died for and will surely save all whom God has given Him. The identity and number of the elect are fixed by God’s decree.
Paul comforted Timothy with this statement: “The Lord knows those who are his” (2Ti 2:19). God’s knowledge of His elect is personal and certain. He knows them by name as His own. Jesus spoke in the same way about those He chose. As He washed the disciples’ feet, including Judas’, Jesus said, “I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen” (Jn 13:18). He knew exactly which individuals were given to Him by the Father.
In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who “calls his own sheep by name” and “lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:3, 15). He also told some unbelievers, “you do not believe because you are not among my sheep” (Jn 10:26). These words show a defined group (“my sheep”) distinct from others.
Another striking proof of a fixed number is found in Revelation, which speaks of the names of the saved being written in the Lamb’s book of life from before the world began. Only those whose names are written in that book will be saved (Rev 13:8; 20:15). God has eternally recorded His chosen ones. This gives great assurance that the salvation of every person chosen by God is absolutely certain. None will be lost and no one else will sneak in. Jesus declared, “All that the Father gives me will come to me” (Jn 6:37). The Father’s gift to the Son is a particular people, and all of them will inevitably come to Christ.
The number of the elect is, therefore, set by God’s unchangeable plan. As the Confession says, it cannot be increased by human effort or decreased by human failure. “The Lord knows those who are his” (2Ti 2:19), and He will not lose one of them. This truth encourages believers that our salvation rests in God’s eternal choice, which cannot fail or be altered.
Chosen in Christ by God’s Free Grace and Love
Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret Councel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his meer free grace and love; without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto.
Paragraph 5 explains that God’s choice of certain people for salvation was made “before the foundation of the world,” and it was based solely on His own “free grace and love,” not on anything He foresaw in those people. God chose the elect “in Christ unto everlasting glory” according to His “eternal and immutable purpose and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will.” This emphasizes that election is an expression of God’s gracious will. His decision was completely free and not compelled by any foreseen faith, merit, or condition in us. In short, election is unconditional.
Ephesians tells us that God chose us in Christ “before the foundation of the world” and that this choosing was done “in love” (Eph 1:4–5). It was an act of love grounded in God’s own nature. Verse 5 adds that He predestined us “according to the purpose of his will.” Similarly, Paul writes that God saved us “because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2Ti 1:9). This grace was given to us in Christ before time itself, not in response to anything we would do.
Election is God’s eternal decision to bring particular sinners to salvation through the work of Christ. It is in Christ because Jesus is the appointed Savior. Apart from Him, there is no salvation. God’s choice always had in view the redeeming work of His Son on behalf of the elect.
This choice was not prompted by any quality or action on the part of those chosen. “When [Rebekah] had conceived children by one man… though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue…” she was told, “The older will serve the younger” (Ro 9:10–12). God’s love for Jacob over Esau was not due to their works. It rested solely in God’s sovereign purpose. Paul concludes, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” and “it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” (Ro 9:13, 16). However you look at it, the deciding factor in election is God’s mercy, not human effort.
Furthermore, God’s election is “without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto.” There was nothing in the individual that caused God to choose them. We had no faith, no holiness, and no unique value that set us apart. In fact, God chose us despite foreseeing our sin and unworthiness.
Ephesians 2 reminds us that before conversion we were spiritually dead, “by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph 2:3). Yet “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us… made us alive together with Christ” (Eph 2:4–5). It was His great love, not our loveliness, that made the difference. Even the faith by which we believe in Christ is a gift resulting from God’s election, not the cause of it (Ac 13:48; Eph 2:8).
The Confession stresses that election is “out of His mere free grace and love.” This echoes God’s word to Israel in Deuteronomy: He chose them not because they were more numerous or better than others, but “because the Lord loves you” (Dt 7:7–8). The ultimate explanation for God’s choice is simply His loving grace. We have no ground for boasting. As Paul writes, God’s purpose in choosing the weak and despised is “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God… Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1Co 1:29, 31).
Therefore, all the glory for our salvation belongs to God. We are elect because of His grace in Christ—period. Understanding this fills the believer with humility and gratitude, knowing that from beginning to end, our salvation rests on the undeserved favor of God’s will.
How God Brings His Elect to Glory
As God hath appointed the Elect unto glory, so he hath by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, fore-ordained all the means thereunto, wherefore they who are elected, being faln in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by his spirit working in due season, are justifyed, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation; neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the Elect only.
This paragraph teaches that God’s decree not only determines who will be saved, but also the means by which they are saved. “As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so He hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto.” In other words, the path to glory—faith, repentance, good works, perseverance—is itself part of God’s plan. The elect, and they only, will experience redemption, calling, justification, adoption, sanctification, and perseverance as God’s means to bring them to final salvation.
First, God’s decree includes the provision of a Savior and the gift of faith to the elect. The Confession notes that the elect, “being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ.” God chose His people in Christ and ordained to send Christ to redeem them from the fall. Scripture affirms that God’s choice of individuals for salvation was made in union with Christ and could only be accomplished through Him. This is why Paul writes, “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us” (1Th 5:9–10). The death of Jesus is one of the crucial means foreordained for the elect to be saved. God’s plan was not simply an abstract selection. It was a comprehensive design in which Jesus would atone for the sins of those chosen. All the elect, who like others fell in Adam, will be redeemed by Christ’s blood and resurrection.
Furthermore, God ordained that the elect will be brought to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit and the response of faith. The Confession says the elect “are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by His Spirit working in due season.” This effectual calling is the Holy Spirit’s powerful summons that brings a person from spiritual death to life, enabling them to repent and believe the gospel. It is a necessary step in the chain of salvation that God Himself ensures for every one of His chosen. Romans 8:30 describes this unbreakable chain: “those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” From predestination to glorification, God carries the elect through each stage. None drops out along the way.
We see this again in 2 Thessalonians 2:13: “God chose you… to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” God’s choice of the Thessalonians was implemented through the Spirit’s sanctifying work and their coming to believe the truth of the gospel. Both the work of the Spirit (regenerating and sanctifying) and the act of faith are ordained as means to fulfill God’s decree of salvation for His people (Php 1:29).
The paragraph continues to list the blessings that follow calling. Those elected are “justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by His power through faith unto salvation.” Each of these corresponds to a means or stage in salvation that God guarantees for His elect.
Justification (being declared righteous by faith) is a gift God gives to every believer in Christ (Ro 5:1). Adoption (being received as God’s children) is likewise a sure benefit for all who are called (Eph 1:5). Sanctification (growth in holiness) is promised as well. God’s Spirit continues to work in the elect to make them holy (2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2). And the elect are kept by God’s power for final glorification. Peter assures believers that by God’s power we are “being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1Pe 1:5).
Though we must persevere in faith, it is ultimately God’s power that protects and sustains that faith to the end. Jesus affirmed that all who belong to Him will be kept: “My sheep hear my voice… I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (Jn 10:27–28). God’s decree guarantees that the elect will not only start the race but finish it, because every provision for their perseverance is included in His plan.
Finally, it is emphasized that “neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.” This means the saving work of Christ and the Spirit’s application of it—calling, justification, and so on—are intended only for God’s chosen people. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for His sheep (Jn 10:15). He explicitly said, “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours” (Jn 17:9). In Christ’s high-priestly prayer and atonement, a particular people were in view—the ones given by the Father to the Son.
Not everyone is effectually called or justified, but only those whom God predestined. When some did not believe in Jesus, John explains, “there are some of you who do not believe… That is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father” (Jn 6:64–65). Only the elect are granted that grace to come.
God’s decree ensures that every step of salvation, from Christ’s redeeming death to the Spirit’s regenerating call, to the gift of faith, to justification and beyond, will unfailingly be applied to the elect and only to the elect. This secures the salvation of all whom God intended to save. It also means that those not chosen are justly left in their unbelief, not receiving these saving graces.
As hard as that may be to contemplate, it highlights that salvation is entirely of the Lord. We who believe were graciously included in God’s eternal plan, and that is the only reason we have experienced these blessings (Ac 13:48). All glory goes to Him for orchestrating not only the destination of our souls but also the road by which we arrived there.
Responding to Predestination
The Doctrine of this high mystery of predestination, is to be handled with special prudence, and care; that men attending the will of God revealed in his word, and yeilding obedience thereunto, may from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election; so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.
The final paragraph urges a humble and practical approach to the doctrine of predestination. It calls election “the high mystery” of God’s predestination and says it must be handled “with special prudence and care.” In other words, we should approach this topic with reverence and caution, sticking to what God has revealed in Scripture and not prying into His secret counsel. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Dt 29:29).
We cannot fully comprehend God’s eternal decree, and we are not meant to speculate beyond what the Bible teaches. Instead, we should focus on the revealed will of God—His commands and promises—and obey Him. The Confession states that people hearing this doctrine should “attend the will of God revealed in His Word, and yield obedience thereunto.” Our responsibility is to respond to God’s revealed truth—repenting, believing, and following Christ—rather than trying to guess His secret decisions. When we do focus on God’s Word and live in obedience, this doctrine will yield good fruit in our lives.
One intended fruit of rightly handling predestination is assurance. The Confession says that those who “obey the gospel” may “from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election.” In other words, when someone comes to Jesus Christ in true faith (evidence of being effectually called by God), they can take comfort that this did not happen by accident. God chose them, and their salvation is secure. Paul exemplified this confidence when writing to the Thessalonians: “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1Th 1:4–5). The Thessalonian believers could be assured of their election because they experienced the transforming power of God’s call through the gospel.
Believers today gain assurance as they see the evidence of God’s work in their hearts—conviction of sin, faith in Christ, love for holiness—all of which indicate they are among the elect. Peter encourages Christians to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election” by growing in godly qualities (2Pe 1:10). We make our election sure to ourselves by observing the fruits of election in our lives, though election itself, being God’s decree, is already sure in His plan. The doctrine is pastoral in that it assures the saints that if they have been effectually called to Christ, they can know God chose them from eternity and will never cast them away (Jn 6:37).
When properly understood, the doctrine of predestination also leads to several spiritual benefits, as the Confession notes. Far from promoting apathy or pride, it brings praise, reverence, admiration of God, humility, diligence, and abundant consolation.
Believers respond in worship when they realize their salvation is entirely owing to God’s grace. After explaining God’s electing plan, Paul exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Ro 11:33).
We should stand in awe of God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Election reminds us that His ways are higher than ours, nurturing a reverent fear.
Knowing we were chosen apart from any merit humbles us. “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1Co 4:7). Paul warns Gentile believers not to boast over unbelieving Jews: “Do not become proud, but fear”—only God’s kindness grafts anyone into salvation (Ro 11:20). All boasting is excluded, and we remain lowly in heart.
Rightly handling predestination also produces diligence in Christian living. Some might wrongly think that if God has chosen who will be saved, our efforts in evangelism or holy living don’t matter. But the Bible shows that God’s decree includes the means. Understanding election should motivate us to use those means earnestly. Paul endured great sufferings to spread the gospel, saying, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (2Ti 2:10). Rather than discouraging evangelism or prayer, election guarantees that those efforts will bear fruit. God will certainly save His chosen ones, and He uses us in that process.
Personal diligence in faith and obedience is also stirred by knowing God’s purpose. Peter’s call to confirm our election (2Pe 1:10) implies effort in cultivating virtue. We work out our salvation because God is at work in us “according to his good pleasure” (Php 2:12–13). The doctrine, far from leading to fatalism, fuels fervent devotion.
Finally, the doctrine gives abundant consolation to all true believers. If we have fled to Christ, we can rest in the comfort that God loved us from everlasting and chose us to be His own. Jesus told His disciples, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20). In trials, we find strength in God’s electing love. Nothing can separate us from His purpose. “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies” (Ro 8:33). Since God chose and justified us, no accusation can ultimately stand.
This truth offers deep comfort. If God set His love on us before time, He will not abandon us in time. All the glory for our salvation belongs to Him, and all the comfort in our salvation flows from Him.