Wayne Grudem wrote,"By fatalism is meant a system in which human choices and human decisions really do not make any difference. In fatalism, no matter what we do, things are going to turn out as they have been previously ordained. As a result, our humanity is destroyed and the motivation for moral accountability is removed."
Some hear of the Bible doctrine of election and they immediately conclude that it's fatalism. Wayne Grudem gets to the heart of the matter. In fatalism, moral accountability is removed. Not so with the Bible doctrine of election. In election, God changes man in Christ because of his moral accountability."So then each of us shall give account of himself to God"(Romans 14:10).
In election God chooses His people through love divine in Christ; in fatalism there is neither love nor Christ. In election, God works through human choices; in fatalism there is no human choice. In election God works through means to achieve His purpose; in fatalism there is no purpose. In election God changes man's motivation in Christ; in fatalism motivation is removed.
The contrast between election and fatalism is clear. Election confirms accountability; fatalism removes accountability. Election changes man in Christ; fatalism changes no man. Election is God's purpose; fatalism has no purpose. Election is life in Christ; fatalism is life in vain.
