225 – Sovereign Election Does Not Exclude Means

SEMESTER 2

225 – Sovereign Election Does Not Exclude Means

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  SOTERIOLOGY II LESSON # 25
SOVEREIGN ELECTION DOES NOT EXCLUDE MEANS

INTRODUCTION:

1. The subject before us is one where the “Arminian” and the “hyper-Calvinist” amazingly and erroneously agree.
2. The Arminian wrongly hypothesizes that sovereign election would preclude the necessity of means, i.e., the hearing of the gospel and faith.
3. The hyper-Calvinist wrongly concludes that election’s results at least can operate unto salvation exclusive of these means.
4. Both are making the mistake of reasoning, when they should be reading (God’s word).
5. The chronology of God’s conduct for and toward “them that love God,” “The called,” in Romans 8:28-30 utterly dashes to pieces this ugly vessel of confusion.

I. SINCERE PURPOSE ANTICIPATES ACTION (GEN 1:26-28)

1. The difference in idle dreaming and sincere planning is the action that follows.
2. The term foreknow (proginosko) in Romans 8:29 means the same as foreordain, and is so translated in 1 Peter 1:20.
3. When applied to God’s purpose of our salvation, the word foreknow means simply to plan or purpose it, and is precisely equal to election.
4. The predestination (prooridzo) of Romans 8:29 and 30 then refers to the efficacious and limiting action of God, designed to cause what He has purposed.
5. Whatever God purposes, He must, by virtue of His immutability arrange for, by the means planned or necessitated.

II. ALL SINCERE PURPOSE NECESSITATES ACTION

1. Whereas that which is purposed, by one who is immutable, omni­scient, and omnipotent, is certain to be, it hypothetically could not be without the necessary and purposed means.
2. Therefore, the eventuality of those means is not possibly precluded, but absolutely assured.

III: The insanity of the question “Do you believe what is to be will be?”

3. This truth is brought into biblical perspective by comparing
Isa. 14:24 to Isa. 46:10,11.
4. Apparent changes, such as in Nineveh, are only apparent, and are so for progressive revelation to man.

III. THE MEANS OF BRINGING TO PASS THIS DIVINE PURPOSE (2TH 2:13)

1. It is through atonement, so God has given His Son. (Joh 3:16)
2. It is through the gospel, so God has given the gospel. (Heb 10:7, 1Co 15:1-4)
3. It is through preaching (1Co 1:21), so God has called preachers. (Gal 1:15,16)
4. It is through repentance and faith, therefore, God has given us a message of both repentance and remission of sins through Christ’s blood. (Luk 24:46-48, Act 20:20,21)
5. It is through calling, so God has through these means called His elect. (Rom 8:29-30, 1Co 1:23-27)
6. This work is done through His church, so He has built, commis­sioned and perpetuated His church. (Mat 16:18, Mat 28:18-20)
7. It is through preservation of those whom He has chosen and called, thus He keeps us unto His eternal glory. (Rom 8:29, Joh 6:37-39)

IV. THE IMPLICATION OF THESE TRUTHS TO US AS CHRISTIANS AND MINISTERS

1. If God has ordained the means and they are necessary, then they must be effected.
2. We are the appointed vessels for this and thus infinitely responsible.
3. If God has decreed these means, the plan cannot be effected without them.
4. Do not imagine our lethargy can bind God’s hands, He can call another better than we.
5. Rather let God’s love, and infinitely glorious purpose, bind our hearts and our “hands to the plow.”
6. Hear God’s call “Whom shall I send?” and let us answer, “Hear am I, send me.”