Election and Predestination – Problems Chapter 3 – God’s Decree Doesn’t the doctrine of election lead to fatalism? – Yes, the doctrine of election and predestination can lead to fatalism… if it’s improperly understood. On the other hand, a biblical understanding of God’s decree of election is; (1) Encourages Diligence – 2 Peter 1:10; John 15:16 (2) Stimulates Perseverance In Evangelism – 2 Timothy 2:10; Acts 18:9-10 (3) Very Comforting – 2 Pet 1:2 … Rom 8:28-33 C.H. Spurgeon, A Basket Of Summer Fruit (Vol. 6, #343) – ‘…I am persuaded that the doctrine of predestination, — the blessed truth of providence — is one of the softest pillows upon which the Christian can lay his head, and one of the strongest staffs upon which he may lean in his pilgrimage along this rough road. Cheer up, Christian! Things are not left to chance: no blind fate rules the world. God hath purposes, and those purposes are fulfilled. God hath plans, and those plans are wise, and never can be dislocated. Oh trust thou in him and thou shalt have each fruit in its season, the mercy in its time, the trial in its period, and the deliverance in its needed moment.’