Title: The Golden Chain of Salvation, Part 3
Today we move into the third and final installment in our look at the incredible rich passage on predestination. In this session we will be looking at observations 4 through 8, and then I will be opening the floor to any Q & A you might have.
4. Some are called
The contextual key in the passage that we are looking at is essential the word “whom” in verse 30. If God called everyone, there would be no need for the word “whom.”
This is where tension can develop between differing opinions. On one side, there will be the thought: God calls everyone, we decide, with our free will, if we will accept Christ or not.
The other side of the argument then responds: But remember, our free will is limited by our nature. Just as we cannot choose to fly, or choose to turn into an elephant, we cannot choose something that is contrary to our nature. Paul is crystal clear on the fact that we are dead in sin. Not dying in sin, but dead. A dead person cannot make a righteous decision, particularly the most righteous decision to follow Christ.
Indeed, if we are following God, the question must be asked: Who initiated that relationship? Verse 30 makes it very clear that Salvation, from beginning to end, is God’s work.
Consider 1 Pet. 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people…
This doesn’t seem out of place in scripture, in fact, it fits perfectly with the model is Israel from the O.T. We are now, thought he adoption, God’s chosen people.
And if you are tempted, like I often am, to cry foul, and say, “But why? How could God choose some and not others? Is such a God unloving?”
I would remind you first of verse 28: All things, even those we can’t understand, work together for those who love God.
Secondly, I’d challenge you with this: You are asking the wrong question of your God. Instead of asking what God’s purpose is in not choosing some, ask God what is purpose is in choosing you.
5. Should this affect our evangelism?
No! No! No!
(Dr. Colijn Story…we do this the same way.)
This is a secondary issue. That does not mean it’s not important. It does mean it should not keep us from worshiping of fellow shipping with each other.
6. Should This affect our view of God?
Without Question: yes!
Gone is the all-loving peaceful, no wrath, no judgement God who just says, “do your best and my grace will cover you.”
Gone is the notion that how well we can entice someone with the Gospel has any effect on their decision to follow Christ.
Gone are the continual saved, lost again, re-saved, lost again, saved again “believers”
7. Should this passage give you comfort or concern?
That depends. Do you know Him? Do you believe he knows you? Why?
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil. 2:12)
8. The Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints
This is really what this passage is all about. Once Saved, Always saved.
What does this not mean? A license to sin. The proof is still in the pudding.
What does it mean? Sphere of influence example. Goes back to our understanding of free will.
In verse 30 we see four steps, each leading into the next, each one totally of God’s doing.
What role did we play in our salvation? None. It was a gift we didn’t sign for. We responded to God’s call which was irresistible. When you became a believer, your life may have been a mess, I know mine was, but that decision, that moment, was all right, it was all correct, it was all about God, it was all as He planned it to be.
Questions and Answers?