---
title: "Chapter 3: Of God’s Eternal Decree | RP Testimony"
description: "Chapter 3 of the RP Testimony: Of God’s Eternal Decree. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=24"
---

# Chapter 3: Of God’s Eternal Decree | RP Testimony

1. We reject any teaching which asserts that God has not planned all that comes to pass.

2. It is God’s decree which by itself completely determines the course of history; it is never the course of history which in any way determines or modifies God’s decree.

3. We reject the teaching that God is unjust in choosing some sinners to salvation and leaving others to suffer merited condemnation.

## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13)

These explanations are separate from the official text above.

Words to knowDecreeGod’s wise, settled plan for what happens.ElectionGod’s gracious choice of people to save in Christ.PredestinationGod’s appointing a person’s final destiny beforehand.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.

### Testimony 3.1

The Testimony rejects the idea that anything happens outside God’s plan.

[Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/#point-1)

### Testimony 3.2

God’s plan determines history. Events do not force him to revise that plan.

[Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/#point-2)

### Testimony 3.3

The Testimony rejects calling God unjust for saving some sinners by grace while leaving others to receive the judgment their sins deserve.

[Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/#point-3)

### Talk about it

Why can we trust God when we do not understand his plan?

### Discuss and remember

Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about.

- How does knowing that God has a wise purpose help us trust Him?
- Why should we still pray and obey when God rules over everything?

#### Scripture to remember

Ephesians 1:11

[Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Ephesians%201%3A11)

Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week.

#### Put it into practice

Bring one uncertain situation to God in prayer.

[Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=24)

## Related reading

- [Assurance of salvation](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/assurance-of-salvation/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 7: What are the decrees of God?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-7-what-are-the-decrees-of-god/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 12: What are the decrees of God?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-12-what-are-the-decrees-of-god/)
- [Westminster Confession · Chapter 3](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/)
- [Chapter 2](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/)
- [Chapter 4](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-4-creation/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/