Or to put it another way, we need to learn to swim before the deep waters rise over our heads. It is interesting to note, in relation to this, the problems that the charismatic movement has with suffering. Instead, it tends to see suffering as the work of the devil and his minions. Thus, the charismatic response to suffering is very often to attempt to drive out the evil spirits or demonic influences that are causing it, to bind Satan and claim healing, or whatever it might be. The emphasis of the charismatic movement on demonization and deliverance ministries is closely tied with their failure to understand and embrace predestination.
Predestination is the basis for godly ministry, evangelism and prayer.
Whether we preach or not, God will irresistibly save his elect. We might as well pack up and go home. And since we know not who are elect and who reprobate, we are to preach promiscuously to all. In fact, we could go further than Whitefield and say that not only is evangelism and ministry perfectly safe under predestination, it is in fact at its most healthy. When we believe that the response of those who hear is in God s hands, and that he will draw his people to himself, then we are free to present Christ crucified clearly and faithfully, and leave the rest to God.