Understanding Predestination
For modern, cynical audiences this is a confusing topic: if God has already made all of his decisions then why should we bother to act holy or to repent? Why not just commit as many crimes as possible since nothing we do on this earth matters?
This view is partially influenced by the idea that everything we do is because of fear or promise of reward. Leave this mindset, if you can, to understand how Puritans thought about their relationship to God.
This view is partially influenced by the idea that everything we do is because of fear or promise of reward. Leave this mindset, if you can, to understand how Puritans thought about their relationship to God.
Why Bother to Repent?
In the Calvinist conception, repentance isn't a way to get closer to God, but a sign that one is already doing it. That is, God desires repentance so those who are "on the path" are going to repent, even though it might not necessarily be effective.
In a slightly more cynical light: repenting helps to relieve the anxiety about where you will go when you die. Also, it is demonstrative to those around you that you love God.
In a slightly more cynical light: repenting helps to relieve the anxiety about where you will go when you die. Also, it is demonstrative to those around you that you love God.
Hopefully a Helpful Example
If you know that your wife loves flowers, you might get some for her, even if though you don't expect anything in return. Would it matter that your tokens of devotion may not affect her behavior? Are the tokens more for her sake, or for yours?
Think About This:
Regardless of your actual beliefs, what if there were no afterlife and you were in a position where you could get away with anything? Would you still be expected to follow moral rules? That is, if there's no punishment for breaking moral rules, would you still follow them? Why or why not?
If you answered "yes, I would follow moral rules" then you can kind of understand a Calvinist's repentance and acts of devotion.
If you answered "yes, I would follow moral rules" then you can kind of understand a Calvinist's repentance and acts of devotion.