VI. To what extent may we know the predestination of God and can we, and ought we to be certain of it?

Election and reprobation are known in general, as that there are some elect, and some reprobate but not in particular, as that this one, or that one is chosen, or not. But of our own election in particular, we not only may, but ought to be certain, the knowledge of which is obtained, a posteriori, that is, from our conversion to God, or from true faith and repentance, which are the effects of our election unto eternal life. That we may know and believe that we are certainly chosen of God, we must believe in Christ, and also in eternal life. This, however, we cannot do except we have true faith and repentance. And as everyone ought to have this faith and repentence, so each one ought certainly to believe that he is of the number of the elect, or else he will charge upon God a lie. “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Rom. 5: 2.) Christ is our intercessor, and prevails in our behalf, that we may forever be preserved. I believe in eternal life, (not only spiritual, but eternal) which being here commenced, I carry with me out of this life. Nor does everyone only know his own election in particular from his faith and conversion; but he may also know in general that others are also elected. And in general we ought not only to hope, but also to believe firmly that there are others elected besides ourselves; for we are bound to believe in the article concerning the church, that it always has been, and now is. But no one separately considered is the church, nor should any one say as Elijah, “I, even I only, am left.”(1 Kings 19:14.) But it does not belong to us to discern in regard to every individual. It is well however, that we should hope in regard to the election of others, even individually. In short, the election of all is known in general; but it is known in particular in a different respect of one’s self, and of others.

In relation to reprobation no one ought to determine anything with certainty, either concerning himself, or another before the end of life, for the reason that he who is not yet converted, may be before he dies. Hence no one ought to decide concerning others that they are reprobate, but should hope for the best. In regard to himself, however, everyone ought to believe with certainty that he is one of the elect; for we have a universal command for all to repent, and believe the gospel.