"Nor is this doctrine set forth in the Scriptures in any other manner, than to direct us to the Word of God, Eph. 1, 13.; 1 Cor. 1, 7. 8.; to admonish us to repentance, 2 Tim. 3, 16.; to encourage us to godliness, Eph. 1, 4. 13.; John 15, 3.; to strengthen our faith, and to assure us of our salvation, Eph. 1, 4. 13.; John 10, 28.; 2 Thess. 2,13. "

The following story will illustrate my point:

Several years ago, two men after an adult Bible Study, quite worried over the subject of predestination, went to a the minister.

"Do you believe in predestination?" they asked.

"The Bible teaches it, brothers," was the minister's reply.

The minister tried hard to explain. "But that doesn't really mean," he said, "that you have nothing to do with your own salvation. It doesn't mean that it is all set -your decision and eternal fate, all determined for you in advance. You are to make your own decision. But God knows all things, even in advance. And so He knows beforehand how you are going to decide."

"If God knows beforehand how I am going to decide," they reasoned, "then it is all predetermined. If He knows in advance I am to be lost, then that's the way I'll have to decide in the end. And since I'll lose out anyway, why try?
"On the other hand, if He knows that I'm going to repent and accept Christ and be saved, I'll have to do it in the end anyway, whether I try or not. Then my ultimate fate is predetermined. Isn't that what predestination means - that the ultimate fate of each one is PREdestined - destined, or determined, in advance? We don't have to seek God, nor have we to take any effort. It is all God's doing."

The second person argued further: "In that case there is no need for me to read and study the Bible. God will take me up at some point and do his election. I don't have to go to church either. Why don't I take a breather and enjoy the little time I have. As for prayer it is useless. Can I change the mind of God? God is going to give me what he has predestined even if I don't ask. He is not going to give me, just because I ask. Prayer is simply fooling myself."

The men were very much encouraged because they were no more responsible for their behavior or ultimate destiny. So they argued that it is best to follow the Preacher's advise:

Eccl. 2: 24-25 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

And they went away rejoicing, for they had great possesions. It was good news for them.