Perhaps one of the most controversial doctrines in all of Christian theology is the doctrine of predestination.

Throughout history, sincere Christians have disagreed on what exactly is meant when the Bible declares that God's people have been predestined to be conformed to the image of his son.

In our interview today, I'm talking with the renowned reform theologian Robert Lethem about predestination,

God's sovereignty, free will, and how it all fits together. Robert is professor of systematic

and historical theology at Union School of Theology, and served for over two decades in pastoral

ministry. He's written numerous academic articles and books, including a comprehensive systematic

theology with Crossway. Let's get started. Well, Dr. Lethem, thank you so much for joining

me today on the Crossway podcast.

Well, pleased to be here.

So you're a well-known professor of systematic and historical theology, and you've written many books on theology and lectured on Christian doctrine around the world for decades.

And so I was surprised to learn as I was researching a little

bit for this interview that you studied politics at the University of Exeter in the mid-60s.

And so I guess I wonder, were you at that point thinking that you might go into some kind of career

in politics? Well, I was active in politics during my teens.

I was a member of one of the two major political parties and active in it.

So, yes, I had certain designs on that, but obviously God had other purposes in store.

Yeah, what was it that led you, or what were the specific experiences or situations that God used to redirect you towards studying theology?

Well, I suppose I just had a conviction that I was, a conviction that I was called to preach the gospel, I suppose.

It was the baseline.

Did you grow up in a Christian home?

Yes, yes.

Yes, my parents were longstanding.

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