God’s Decree and Human Responsibility (Chapter 3, Paragraph 7)

“The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care…”

The Confession acknowledges what we all feel when approaching God’s sovereign decree: This is a mystery. The infinite mind of God is beyond our full comprehension, and yet He has chosen to reveal much to us. That means we must teach and discuss predestination reverently, not recklessly. This is not a doctrine to win debates—it’s a truth to humble the heart and exalt the glory of God.

Paul himself responds to the doctrine of election not with cold detachment but with worship: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Rom. 11:33). We must be careful not to overstep what God has revealed, nor to ignore what He has made plain. The Confession urges us to walk in reverent submission.

“…that men attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may from the certainty of their effectual calling be assured of their eternal election.”

Here, the focus shifts from the decree of God to the experience of the believer. How do we know if we’re elect? Not by speculating, but by looking to what God has revealed—namely, our effectual calling. If you have been drawn to Christ, convicted of sin, and given faith in Him, then you can be assured that you are one of God’s elect.

This assurance doesn’t come through secret knowledge or visions—it comes through the fruit of faith and obedience. As 2 Peter 1:10 says, “Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” Our faith in Christ and growth in holiness are the evidence—not the cause—of our election.

“So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God…”

The doctrine of election is not a theological puzzle—it is a cause for worship. If God had not chosen us, we would never have chosen Him. Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9), and therefore, He alone gets the glory. When we see that our salvation was planned in eternity past and secured by the blood of Christ, our hearts should overflow with praise.

This is what Paul does in Ephesians 1. After describing God’s sovereign choice, he says it is “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Eph. 1:6). That is the right response to predestination: not cold speculation, but joyful adoration.

“…and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.”

The Confession ends on a practical and pastoral note. Rightly understood, the doctrine of predestination does not produce arrogance or apathy—it produces humility, diligence, and comfort.

• Humility, because we did nothing to deserve God’s grace.

• Diligence, because God uses means—our obedience, our witness, our prayers—to fulfill His plan.

• Consolation, because if God chose us, called us, and keeps us, we can never be lost.

Those who sincerely obey the gospel can rest assured that their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 13:8). They don’t need to fear losing their salvation, because it was never based on their performance but on God’s eternal purpose.

Application for the Believer:

God’s decree should lead you to worship, not worry. If you have trusted in Christ, you are elect, and that should give you deep comfort. Your salvation didn’t begin with you, and it won’t end with you—it rests on God’s eternal love. Let this truth drive you to the Word, fuel your obedience, and quiet your heart in trials. God is in control, and He uses your choices, prayers, and witness as the very means to carry out His perfect will. Trust Him. Worship Him. And walk in joyful assurance that His plan is good and cannot fail.