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…On November 7th, we as Americans will be having an election in
which we will be selecting men and women to positions in our government.
This is a great privilege and responsibility. To have a voice…by voting.
…Our Bibles have a lot to say about the great theme of election. Many people
seem to fear this teaching because it appears to be unfair. Rightfully
understood, this wonderful truth will provide you with the greatest of
comfort.
…God is sovereign and free to dispose of His creation in the way that He deems
best…and He does!!! We need to thank Him for His election, or none of us
would ever be saved.
THREE CONSIDERATIONS HELPING US TO GRASP GOD’S
SOVEREIGNTY DISPLAYED IN UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
I. The
Meaning Of Unconditional Election Must Be Rightly Understood.
A. To
“elect” means to select or choose. God selected from the human race those
whom He would redeem, justify, sanctify, and glorify in
Jesus Christ.
1.
God made this
choice before the creation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)
2.
This choice was
specific, and means that others were not chosen and passed by.
B. This
selection by God was not based upon anything in men, it was “unconditional.”
Men and women did not
have to do anything to be chosen by God.
1.
Since man is
born lost, spiritually dead and totally depraved, there is no condition he or
she could meet before God might choose them.
2.
Faith is not a
condition for this selection. Rather, election is a condition for faith.
…your
saving faith followed God’s choice of you.
3.
God does not
see saving faith through “the tunnel of time,” then save people. NO!!!! Such
an error as this, reduces God to a bystander who responds to man’s choice.
…this
error robs the Sovereign of His Sovereignty!!!!
II. God’s
Sovereignty In Election Is Displayed Throughout God’s Word.
…Notice a few of the key texts teaching this
foundational truth.
A.
God’s selection of the nation of Israel. (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) “chosen to be
His treasured…”
B. Jesus’
selection of His disciples. (John 15:16) “You did not choose me, but I chose
you…”
C. God’s
selection of the Gentiles who would be saved. (Acts 13:48) “all who were
appointed for eternal life believed.” (Remember, it is Jesus who is building
His church.) It is certain!!!
D. God
accomplishes the complete redemption of His people, from start to finish.
(Romans
8:28-33) This is “the golden chain of Salvation.”
E. God
chooses to have mercy upon whomever He wills. (Romans 9:11-15)
1.
Remember, God owes
mercy to no one.
2.
Justice and
mercy belong to two different categories. Election is a matter of
mercy.
3.
If any are to
be saved, it must be by God’s mercy.
F. God
chose before time those whom He would save. (Ephesians 1:3-14) Warfield said
this text should never be read by the church, it should be sung. “This is
our song!”
…When we are first saved, we tend to think “I
decided,” and later, when Biblically informed, we know that God did it all.
He made us alive from the dead.
III. God’s
Unconditional Election Raises Some Problems In The Minds of Men.
A. Surely
God is unfair since He elects some to receive mercy while passing by the rest
of men.
…the idea of FAIRNESS relates to JUSTICE, which
would demand all to be lost.
B. Surely
if God elects some to be saved, can’t they then live as they please? Live in
sin?
…(Eph 1:4) Our election produces holiness and
blamelessness in us.
C. Surely
then, those not chosen can’t be
responsible for their sin. Wrong! Their sin will condemn…
D. Why
didn’t God chose everyone to be saved? (Romans 9:15) “I will have mercy
upon…”(mystery)
E. How
do I know if I am one of God’s elect? “Run the Gospel test”…believe upon the
Lord Jesus.
F. What
about the passages which invite all to come and believe? True, but
only the called do so.
G.
Doesn’t unconditional
election destroy evangelism and world missions? No, it encourages it!
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1. Give all
praise to God if you are saved...for your election was not based upon anything
you did!
2. Because
you were born totally depraved...without election you would have never been
saved.
3. Election
aught to encourage our love for God...for He set His mercy upon you.
4. Election
should encourage our evangelism...we can be fearless...for God is working!
5.
Today...will you come to the Savior...confess your sin, repent, and believe.
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