God’s Decree and the Destiny of Souls (Chapter 3, Paragraph 2)

“Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions…”

God’s knowledge is not limited to what actually happens. He knows all possibilities—what might have happened if different choices were made. This is sometimes called God’s middle knowledge. However, the Confession doesn’t stop there. It affirms that God's eternal decree does not depend on what He foresees people would do under certain conditions. That is, He doesn't look ahead in time to see who would believe and then choose them based on that foreseen faith.

“…yet hath He not decreed anything because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.”

This is critical. God’s electing grace is not a reaction to human decision. If election were based on foreseen faith, then salvation would ultimately depend on man—not on God. But Scripture teaches the opposite. Romans 9:16 says, “It does not depend on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” The decree of election is not conditional upon our response. It is rooted in God’s sovereign will and His eternal purpose of grace.

This may challenge our natural thinking, but it glorifies God’s grace. If we contributed anything—even the decision to believe—then grace would not be grace (Romans 11:5–6). God did not choose us because we were good, smart, or willing. He chose us “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), and that choice is cause for eternal praise.

God’s decree includes two distinct and sobering truths: election and reprobation.

• Election is God’s gracious choice to save some sinners through Jesus Christ.

• Reprobation is God’s decision to pass over others, leaving them in their sin, and judging them justly for their rebellion.

Paul speaks of both in Romans 9. Of the elect, he writes, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy.” Of the reprobate, he says that God endures “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,” so that He might “make known the riches of His glory for vessels of mercy” (Rom. 9:18–23).

These are difficult truths, but we must receive them as God has revealed them. The Confession does not try to soften God’s sovereignty, nor does it accuse Him of injustice. Instead, it points us to God's perfect wisdom and power. He does not err. He is not cruel. He is holy and righteous in all His ways.

For some, this doctrine stirs fear. But for the believer, it brings comfort and assurance. If God has chosen us, then our salvation does not rest on our strength, our performance, or our perseverance. It rests on His unchanging will. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). The elect will come—and they will never be lost.

Others may worry that election makes evangelism pointless. But it does the opposite! Because God has chosen to save a people, we proclaim the gospel boldly, knowing that His Word will not return void. Paul continued preaching in Corinth “because,” God said, “I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10).

Application for the Believer:

Election should not lead to arrogance or apathy—it should lead to worship, humility, and confidence. You did not choose God first—He chose you. And because His choice is eternal and unchangeable, you can rest in His grace. Instead of trying to pry into the secret counsel of God, cling to the revealed gospel: “Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” If you have done that, rejoice! It is evidence of God’s gracious decree. Let this truth move you to pray more earnestly, evangelize more boldly, and praise more deeply the God who saves by grace alone.