If the two were symmetrical, it would lend support to equal ultimacy. God would receive as much glory and enjoyment from the reprobates as he does from the elect. Some theologians in the Calvinist tradition freely affirm double predestination but deny equal ultimacy. Some of the equivocating language, whether "passive," "permissive," or whatever, is an attempt to refrain from going beyond the witness of Scripture to push the logic to an ultimate (or, in this case, equal ultimate) conclusion. They want to be faithful to the confessions when they attribute to God "all things whatsoever comes to pass" AND when they deny that God is the author of evil or responsible for sin.

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Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

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