Predestination on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the doctrine of effectual calling as presented in the Westminster Confession of Faith, emphasizing that salvation is entirely the work of God's free grace rather than human foresight or effort. The central argument asserts that regeneration must precede faith, as the natural human state is one of spiritual death and hostility toward God, rendering individuals passive until the Holy Spirit renews their hearts. The teaching addresses three key objections: the role of God's foreknowledge, the salvation of elect infants who cannot respond to the preached Word, and the distinction between those who merely exhibit common operations of the Spirit and those who are truly effectually called. By contrasting the Arminian view of conditional election with the Reformed perspective of unconditional grace, the sermon highlights that God's eternal decree rests solely on His purpose and love, not on anticipated human response. Ultimately, this doctrine provides assurance to believers that their salvation is secure because it is grounded in God's almighty power to draw them to Christ and preserve them until the end.

This sermon explores the theological concept of God's holy calling, emphasizing that it is a sovereign act of grace determined before the foundation of the world rather than a result of human effort or merit.

The sermon presents a comprehensive refutation of Calvinism, arguing that its core tenets contradict the character of God, the clarity of Scripture, and the reality of human free will. The speaker challenges the doctrine of unconditional election and limited atonement by citing numerous biblical passages that affirm God's universal love and the availability of salvation to all people. By contrasting the Calvinist view of total depravity and irresistible grace with the biblical order of hearing, repentance, and faith, the lecture asserts that salvation is a result of human response rather than divine coercion. The tone is instructional and convicting, aiming to equip believers to identify and reject what is described as a deceitful theological system that undermines the sovereignty of God as revealed in the Bible.

Romans 9:11 "(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)" King James Version

The Sunday School lesson explores the doctrine of God's eternal decree as outlined in Chapter 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, emphasizing that God sovereignly ordains all that comes to pass according to His wise and holy will. It distinguishes between God's active role in salvation and His passive role in reprobation, clarifying that He is not the author of sin but works through secondary causes to bring about good from evil. The teaching highlights the comfort found in God's unchangeable nature and foreknowledge, contrasting this with the human desire for control and the theological error of middle knowledge. By examining key passages such as Romans 9 and 1 Peter 2, the message asserts that election is solely of grace, while reprobation is a just passing by of those who deserve judgment. The lesson concludes with a pastoral caution to handle these profound truths with humility and care, recognizing the mystery involved in God's unsearchable judgments.

The reading outlines five definitive facts regarding salvation found in Romans 8:29-30, emphasizing that God's foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification of believers were established before the foundation of the world. It argues that these acts are entirely dependent on God's sovereign will rather than human effort or circumstance, ensuring the absolute certainty of the believer's eternal security. The message encourages Christians to verify their calling through spiritual evidence such as a hunger for God's Word and the fruit of the Spirit, rather than relying on feelings or external events. By highlighting the past tense of these actions in Scripture, the text presents salvation as a completed work of grace that spans from eternity past to eternity future. The tone is instructional and comforting, urging believers to rejoice in the assurance that their names are written in heaven and that God's purpose for their redemption is unshakeable.

This sermon explores the doctrine of unconditional election by examining Ephesians 1:3-7, defining it as God's choice of certain sinners for salvation in Christ before the foundation of the world. The teaching emphasizes that this election is based solely on God's sovereign will and good pleasure, rather than human merit or foreseen faith, thereby highlighting the sovereignty of God over human destiny. By contrasting this Reformed view with Arminian and Roman Catholic perspectives, the message clarifies that election is a source of humility and comfort, assuring believers of their security in Christ. The sermon addresses common objections regarding fairness and evangelism, arguing that election motivates the proclamation of the gospel rather than hindering it. Ultimately, the focus remains on Christ as the center of election, encouraging believers to trust in God's eternal plan and grace.

Suffering threatens to warp our thinking, but it cannot compare to the coming glory.

Many people have a problem with Jesus Christ. They have a problem because He is not what they either want nor what they expect of a Savior. Many believe that Jesus should simply help them when in a pinch or be there for them to bless their fleshly desires, otherwise they have no need of a Savior. Jesus came to do the will of the Father, to speak His Words. The Jews then, as today, did not know the Father and therefore had a problem with Jesus because He spoke the Words of the Father.