IV. What are the effects of predestination?
The effects of election comprehend the entire work of our salvation, and the degrees of our redemption which may be said to embrace the following particulars:
1. The establishment and gathering of the Church.
2. The gift, and mission of Christ, the mediator, and of his sacrifice.
3. The effectual calling and conversion of the elect to Christ by the word and Spirit of God.
4. Faith, justification and regeneration.
5. Good works.
6. Final perseverance.
7. Our resurrection unto glory.
8. Our glorification and eternal life.
The effects of reprobation comprise:
1. The creation of the reprobate.
2. The want of the grace of God.
3. Blindness and obduracy.
4. Perseverance in sin.
5. Their resurrection to the judgment.
6. Their banishment into everlasting punishment.
Obj. 1. Different causes produce different effects. The effects of election are good works. Therefore the effects of reprobation are evil works
Ans. Nothing can be decided upon from mere particulars. The major proposition, moreover, is not always true of voluntary causes, which may work differently, and yet not produce contrary effects, as is true in the present instance; because God has decreed to effect good works in the elect, and to permit those that are evil in the reprobate. The devil and wicked men are, however, the proper cause of evil works.
Obj. 2. Blindness is the effect of reprobation. But blindness is sin. Therefore sin is the effect of reprobation.
Ans. Blindness is a sin in respect to the persons who bring it upon themselves, or in as far as it is received and merited; but in as far as God inflicts it upon wicked men for rejecting the truth, it is a just punishment, from which it is of his mercy alone, if he delivers any.
