This article considers the following question: in view of the so-called double predestination of (1) some to eternal life and (2) others to eternal condemnation, what is the nature of God’s predestination in either case? Shedd says that God’s predestination unto life brings about holiness in a sinner, while his predestination unto sin leaves a person in his sin. This perceived action by God to leave some sinners in their sin has also been termed God's "permissive decree."