Predestination: What is it & how do we understand it? | 061

In this episode, we discuss concerns and benefits of artificial intelligence, its role in content creation, and our use of AI tools in podcast production. We also analyze theological debates on predestination and free will, emphasizing the complexity within Christian theology. Additionally, we touch on systematic versus biblical theology, and preview our upcoming sermon series on Ephesians, focusing on salvation by grace through faith.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:33 Thoughts on AI
00:07:02 Ephesians and Predestination
00:10:06 Understanding Predestination's Purpose in Faith
00:12:18 Personality Types and Theological Beliefs
00:16:16 Avoiding Extremes in Theological Camps
00:17:58 Differentiating Biblical and Systematic Theology
00:20:06 The Role of Historical Theology in Systematic Theology
00:22:27 Pastoral Application of Theological Studies
00:30:52 Wrestling with Double Predestination
00:35:49 Salvation Through Grace: Contemplating Works vs. Faith

[Sammywhat]

Honestly, I chuckled when I saw you guys were going to cover both AI AND Predestination before the time stamp of 38 minutes!! 😅 If I may suggest, you might want to look into the Five Phases of Salvation, also known as the Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation) or Stages of Salvation. The "phases" are Eternal or Planning phase, the Legal, the Vital, the Practical and the Final stage or phase.
Briefly, the Eternal Phase - Salvation from the Plan of sin: God "hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world."
The Legal Phase - Salvation from the Penalty of sin: God hath made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The Vital Phase - Salvation from the Power of sin: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
The Practical Phase - Salvation from the Practice of sin: We work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
And the Final Phase - Salvation from the Presence of sin: We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. This has been exceedingly helpful in seeing God's sovereignty and our responsibility with regards to Salvation. And it's rather helpful regarding the whole Arminianism vs. Calvinism debate. (Here's a hint, they were both wrong!
*Let God be true but every man a liar* !!) Fun verses that actually have a number of these phases in one passage (e.g. Romans 8;29-30, 1 Peter 1;2) Your podcast was entertaining, that's for sure!! God bless you both!! 🙏

[larinazimmerman]

Would the double predestined be those that God used to carry out his prophesy against those who did evil in the sight of the Lord like in 1 Samuel to the house of Eli? Would they then not be the agents of God's wrath?