A podcast listener named Steve writes in to ask a very pointed question.

And it's this, Pastor John, are some people predestined for hell?

Before I give my clear and definite answer, it really is crucial that a few preliminary

things be said that are always lurking right there below the surface, ready to turn the

answer into something it's not.

So here's some preliminaries and then a few Bible verses and an answer.

There are many people for whom a yes answer to this question, yes, he predestines people

to hell, would have to mean God is unjust and he's not good.

So a positive answer to that question is simply not possible for them.

In fact, I would say if that is who you are, if God's predestining who is saved and who

perishes, can only mean that he's unrighteous or unjust or not good, you shouldn't believe

even if it's true.

I know that sounds strange, only believe it if you see it taught in the Bible and if

it does not undermine other true and important things taught about God in the Bible.

And I know that sounds almost outrageous to people to say, don't believe it even if

it's true, but I'm not eager to undermine anyone's confidence in the goodness and the

justice of God.

And I know what it's like to see these things at first and not see how they fit with

his justice and goodness and I have wept.

I mean, my early 20s was a season of great torment mentally and emotionally over theological

issues like this.

I have tasted what it means to put my head on my desk, face in my hands and cry out to

...