The doctrine of
predestination is frequently cited to explain why every person does not
experience a spiritual rebirth. There are many people who never have inner
crises and problems that are solved by such a process. Many excellent people do
not have the mystical temperament or habits which impel men to pray and to see
a divine solution for their problems. Tus, the greater reformers like Luther
and Calvin were certain that God had elected certain souls to whom He imparted
this most precious gift of faith which would effect a spiritual rebirth. The
Latter-day Saints believe that certain souls may be foreordained by God for
important blessings and spiritual experiences, but if they do not exercise their
free agency properly and live righteously, they forfeit the divine preference
which one time was theirs. They believe that those who are descendants of the
House of Israel are peculiarly susceptible to the influence of the Holy Ghost
and are able to believe in the restored gospel more readily than others. But
they do not think that any one is elected or damned beforehand by the Divine Will.
(Russel B. Swensen, The Gospel of John: Gospel Doctrine Department Course of
Study for Sunday Schools of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[Salt Lake City: The Deseret Sunday School Union, 1945], 46-47)
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