Left to ourselves, we might conclude that belief in predestination would destroy personal evangelism. Thankfully, the Bible does not leave that option open – “How will they hear without a preacher?” Neither will Calvin leave us that option. John Calvin’s most thorough exposition of predestination is found in his book, Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God. In that book, he wrote:

Since we do not know who belongs to the number of the predestined and who does not, it befits us so to feel as to wish that all be saved. So it will come about that, whoever we come across, we shall study to make him a sharer of peace…even severe rebuke will be administered like medicine, lest they should perish or cause others to perish. But it will be for God to make it effective in those whom He foreknew and predestined. – John Calvin, Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God, trans by J.K.S. Reid (London, James Clarke & Co., 1961), 138.

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