What is the Difference Between Election and Predestination?

What is the Difference Between Election and Predestination? Check out this explanation by Kevin DeYoung.

Christ and the Mentally Retarded

As I sit here in the library reading about Christian spirituality for a seminary class, I couldn't help but notice as two people brought in a small group of about 15 mentally handicapped persons into the Jeffersonville Public Library. I am going to be honest. When I see these people, I always feel a certain level of uncomfortableness (if that is a word) around these special people. I have always wondered what their life is like, how they survive, and what, if anything, are they capable of understanding about Christ. They are so different from you and me, or perhaps that is what Satan wants us to think. Are they not also God's creatures? Are they not also made in the image of God, are they too not his children? Now, true, their handicaps are some of the most violent evidences of the fall, but that does not mean they are not important to God. Now, I truly wonder if the reason that I have felt uncomfortable in the past is because Satan or my own sin hardens my heart to a people that I believe God values. Perhaps when Jesus spoke in Matthew 5 of the meek, perhaps he meant people like them. This entire article is on my mind because I recently watched an episode of Law and Order SVU where a mother had to make a choice to either use life saving measures for her premature baby in the hospital or to withhold care knowing that no matter what she chose, the baby would have life-long disabilities that would make her life difficult. As I look at the people before me, and as I think on the words of Jesus, I must admit I am firmly convinced that these beautiful people deserve a chance at life. Is the gospel of Christ not for them as well? I am humbled that God creates us all and is father to us all. I am also challenged by their lives to use what God has given me for his glory. Their happiness involves just going to a library and read. How disgusting are my own personal complaints in light of their joy!!!!! I am challenged more than ever to live my life for Christ and minister to all who God places in my path, to defend the right to life for all people: whether they are a different color than myself or of different physical or mental ability. We are all children of God, and how precious these are in the sight of the Father.