A Sovereign Grace New Testament Reader

Exploring the Grace of God By Kevin Smead

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. ESV text edition
2007

Publisher Information:
WeThree Publications: P.O. Box 650, Glenwood, AR 71943

2010

This study booklet is dedicated to my son Haddon. May you always walk according to the light given us in the Word of God!

And to my wife Michelle: Studying the Word of God with you and our son has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Introduction
The word sovereign means supreme ruler. A sovereign is a person who has no one over him and who can do whatever he wants to, when he wants to, how he wants to, and for whom he wants to and no one has the authority to question his plans, actions, or motives. God is the only absolute supreme ruler. He rules over all the angels, over all the universe including all physical and spiritual matters, over all animals, over the devil and all of his host, and over all mankind, including the heart, mind, soul and will of every man. God is absolutely sovereign. The word grace means unmerited favor. It is a favor which cannot be bartered for, earned, or purchased. It is an absolutely free gift given to mankind. It is given to those whom He sovereignly chooses. As the sovereign ruler over His universe He has the power and the right to dispense this free gift to whomever He pleases, and no one can question His sovereign will. When we put these two biblical concepts together, Sovereign Grace, we have a wonderfully biblical picture of Gods plan of redemption for His people. He, as the Sovereign, determines from all eternity to dispense His grace to the people of His choice, and none can question Him or thwart His purpose. His grace is sovereign, because He is sovereign. God says to Moses in Exodus 33:19, that which is repeated by Paul in Romans 9:15, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. That is sovereign grace! This wonderfully biblical doctrine teaches us many things. To begin with, Sovereign grace means that He has determined to glorify His Son in the salvation of a vast multitude which no man can number and He is not at the whim or the free-will of man to get it accomplished. Sovereign grace means that God is never frustrated in His purpose but that He always does what pleases Him (Psalm 115:3 and Psalm 135:6). Sovereign Grace means that heaven is filled by God, not by mans free will. Sovereign Grace means that God actually saves people, rather than just putting them into a savable state. Moreover, when we talk about grace being sovereign we are saying that ultimately all the credit for the salvation of any individual goes to God alone (Psalm 115:1). Sovereign Grace means that salvation is not just supplied by Gods grace, but it is applied by Gods grace as well. God is the alpha and the omega. God not only elected His people for Himself when none of them sought Him (Romans 3:10) and granted them a Redeemer to die on the cross when they were without strength (Romans 5:6), but then He provided the Holy Spirit to come to them in time and to give them a heart of flesh for a heart of stone. The Holy Spirit turns them from darkness to light by His omnipotent power, and sweetly but irresistibly draws them to faith and repentance in Him who was set forth as a propitiation for their sin. That is why a sinner who is saved is said to be born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8). Christians are saved not because they are smarter than a lost person, softer hearted than a lost person, or luckier than a lost person. God set His love on
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them from eternity and by His grace alone called them into the fellowship of His Son (1 Corinthians 1:8). Sovereign grace means that when we look at lost sinners in the world around us we can truly say with the 16th century Christian John Bradford, as he observed a criminal being led to execution, There, but for the grace of God, go I. Or as the great Apostle Paul said, By the grace of God I am what I am (1 Corinthians 15:10). Furthermore, sovereign grace means that when we pray to God about our lost loved ones, we are praying to a God who can save them if He wills. When we pray, we are not just sharing our frustrations with a mutually frustrated God. Sovereign grace means that we do not just ask God to wait patiently upon our loved ones stubborn free wills, but we ask Him to change their stubborn wills so that they will offer themselves freely to Him. Sovereign grace is a recognition that when God calls sinners they will respond (Joel 2:32). Therefore we can have hope for the worst of sinners. Our friends or our loved ones who, if left to their own free will, would give us little reason to think that they would ever turn, may yet be turned by the sovereign grace of God. Sovereign grace is also a recognition that people are not just lucky to have Christian parents, friends, or pastors to pray for them, but that God is sovereign over this as well. He determined to save them and He therefore determined that we would pray for them. Sovereign grace means that we do not decide who goes to heaven by our prayers and our witnessing, but that God does. Even our prayer and witnessing is wrought in us by God and He gets all the glory. As Isaiah 26:12 says, O LORD, you will ordain peace for us: for you have indeed done for us all our works, and as Philippians 2:13 says, For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. In addition to what has been said, Sovereign grace also means that Gods Word will not return to Him empty but it will accomplish that which He purposed (Isaiah 55:11). In other words, when you hear a preacher say in the service something like, God will have His way in the service this morning he is stating the doctrine of sovereign grace and is telling you the truth. As Ephesians 1:11 says, He works all things according to the counsel of His will. Finally, sovereign grace means that if you are saved you can have absolute assurance of your salvation. If you were the one who began with God at the point of conversion then you might at some point drift away from God and be lost. If your will is not in the hands of a sovereign God, you might decide to no longer be a part of Gods family. If faith were your idea instead of being the gracious gift of God then you might lose your faith. But, if God began a good work in you, (He) will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, (Philippians 1:6) and if He is the one who gave you the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) then we can be confident that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). If God is the one who gave you to Christ (John 10:29) then He will not take you away from His Son. In other words, the God who in eternity past chose of His own free-grace to save you is the same God who can carry out that purpose
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today. Not only can no one else pluck you out of His hand, but if you are His child He has given you a heart to fear Him so that you will not turn from Him yourself (Jeremiah 32:38-40). As evident from the title, it is this biblical doctrine of sovereign grace that is presented in this booklet. I have not sought to establish this doctrine upon philosophical arguments or even upon human experience (although that would not be difficult to do). This booklet is a collection of passages from the New Testament that plainly teach the doctrine of free and sovereign grace. I have not taken verses out of context or engaged in the sometimes superficial method of proof-texting. I have quoted at length from various passages. The only part that I have contributed is the discovery questions after each passage to help the reader key in on certain concepts that are in the text. Please note that while some of the verses below focus on the issue of Gods irresistible power to do what He wants in the salvation of sinners, others focus on the doctrines of election and predestination themselves. To prove Gods irresistible power in converting sinners is to prove election and predestination (since He doesnt save everyone). To prove election and predestination is to prove Gods irresistible power to open the hearts of sinners (since He is able to infallibly bring in His elect). These ideas compliment and complete one another and they all establish what we mean by the concept of sovereign grace. I hope that this booklet will be both helpful to you and will glorify our sovereign God. If you find it does, pick up several copies and pass them out. Only as we see the fullness of this teaching will we really give the Lord the glory that is due Him. Too many people in the modern church attribute their faith to their own softness of heart or higher intelligence. This has led to spiritual pride. It has also led to faithless prayers as people utter prayers they really do not believe God can or will answer. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide your reading. It is in His light alone that we see the light. To God alone be the glory (Soli Deo Gloria)!

The Sovereign Will of God Matthew 11:20-30

20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 Woe unto you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, It shall be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you. 25 At that time Jesus declared, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Discovery Questions: 1. If Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom would have repented by seeing the mighty works that these cities in the days of Jesus saw, why did they not get to see them? Did God have the right to give to one and not to another according to His own good pleasure? In what way is this example an illustration of Gods sovereignty?

2. God hid these things from some namely, the wise and understanding, while revealing them to little children. Had you noticed that before now? 3. How does the teaching that God hid these things from the wise and understanding fit with the modern church teaching that God is trying His hardest to bring everyone into the fold? 4. What can we learn from Jesus response to this mystery in verse 26? Is it possible that this submission to the Fathers secret will in verse 26 is precisely what He intends in verse 28-30 that we should learn in order for us to find rest? 5. What can we make of the words to whom the Son chooses to reveal him in verse 27 when read in context? Does Jesus not choose to reveal Him to everyone?

Revealed From Above Matthew 16:-13-18

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? 14 And they said, Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 15 He said to them, But who do you say that I am? 16 Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Discovery Questions: 1. How significant was Peters confession concerning Jesus You are the Christ, the Son of the living God? Is this truth concerning His person (the Son of God) and His finished work (the Christ) the rock upon which the church would be built? 2. According to the words of Jesus in verse 17, is it possible for a person from his or her own nature to sincerely confess Jesus as God and Christ? 3. According to verses 22-23, Peter was still very weak in the faith and in His understanding of who Christ was, and had to be rebuked because of his misunderstanding. If even Peters basic beginning in the faith could only come by a special revelation from heaven, how deeply dependent are we on God each step of the way? 4. 1 Corinthians 12:3 says that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says Jesus is accursed! and no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. How, in your opinion, is 1 Corinthians 12:3 related to Matthew 16:17? 5. Do you believe that Matthew 16:13-18 teaches Sovereign Grace?

All Things Possible With God Matthew 19:16-26

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? 17 And he said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments. 18 He said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 20 The young man said to him, All these I have kept. What do I still lack? 21 Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Discovery Questions: 1. Is it difficult for a rich person to be saved? Why? 2. Is it difficult for other people to be saved as well? 3. According to vv. 24-26 is it possible for anyone on his or her own to turn from their sin and self-righteousness and be saved? 4. Based on verse 26 can God accomplish His purpose and save whomever He wants?

Unto You Luke 2:1-14

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

Discovery Questions: 1. Would it have been possible for the angels of the Lord to appear to lost sinners all over the world that night? What reason can you give that God did not send them to do that? 2. Did the angels appear even to others in Judea?
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3. When you consider that in that day and time Shepherds were considered vagrants and even dishonest (their testimony was not even accepted in a court of law), is it surprising that God chose to appear to these shepherds? 4. Was there any reason in yourself that you were made to hear the gospel while millions of others perish in heathen darkness? 5. The ESV translation says in verse 14, on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased, while the NIV translates it to men on whom his favor rests. Do you believe that this is speaking of sovereign grace in election?

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The Savior Shepherd Luke 15:1-7

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them. 3 So he told them this parable: 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Discovery Questions: 1. Based on the occasion of the parable (vv. 1-2) and the application of it (v. 7) do you believe that this parable is describing Jesus as the Shepherd Savior? 2. If this parable is indeed a description of the rescue of sinners by the great Shepherd, then who does the seeking when it comes to salvation Jesus or the sinner? 3. What part does the sheep play in coming back to the shepherd in this parable? Do you believe this also indicates what part the sinner plays in coming to Christ? 4. Since the shepherd went after the sheep until he found it, do you believe that Jesus will succeed in bringing His sheep into the fold? (See Matthew 1:21 and Hebrews 2:12-13.) 5. Do you believe that all lost people are sheep? (See John 10:24-29.)

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Born of God John 1:1-13

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Discovery Questions: 1. What does it mean to receive Jesus? What benefit are all of those given who receive Jesus? See verse 12-13. 2. What does it mean that people who receive Jesus have been born (v. 13)? Does it have to do with what Jesus said about being born again in John 3:1-7? 3. What does it mean in verse 13 when it says that those who have been born again (and have thus come to faith) were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man? Is this a denial of free will as the causal agent in the conversion of a sinner? 4. Can you name one Scripture that says man has free will? ( Consider that the promise whosoever will is to those who are willing to come to Christ, but it says nothing about how they came to be willing, whether by Gods power or their own self-determination.)

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5. The moment that you were born again, did you decide of your own free will to stop loving your sin more than God that day, or did God break your heart and lead you to faith by His omnipotent power?

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The Sovereign Son -- John 5:20-29

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Discovery Questions: 1. These verses talk about two resurrections. One is described in verse 25 and the other is in verse 28. Concerning verse 25, Jesus says that the time is now in which it is taking place. Concerning verse 28, He says that the hour is coming in which it will take place. Do you think that the first resurrection is speaking of a spiritual resurrection of people who are dead in sin (see Ephesians 2:1)? 2. If spiritual resurrection is intended in the context, then verse 21 would teach that Christ gives spiritual life to whom he will. Does this show the sovereignty of the Son in calling whom He wants to quickening and salvation? 3. Can a spiritually dead man do spiritual acts such as believing, repenting, etc., or would life have to be imparted by God first?
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4. In Holy Scripture conversion is described as a manifestation of Gods mighty power. Here it is described as God raising the dead. If God has done the same for all, and each individual has to ultimately decide the final outcome by his or her own free will, how is conversion a demonstration of Gods resurrection power?

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Drawn by the Father John 6:44-66

44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?

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61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe. (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father. 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

Discovery Questions: 1. Can anyone come to God in faith and repentance by their own free will according to verse 44? 2. Verse 45 says that they will all be taught by God and that every man who has heard, and learned from the Father, comes to me. Since everyone does not come to the Father, does the all being taught of God mean every individual in the human race or all of Gods elect people? (See Appendix #1 The Use of the Word All.) 3. According to verse 65, how does a person come to Jesus? 4. Why did some of those who professed faith walk away from Jesus in verse 66? Was it something that He taught? If so, what was the doctrine? 5. Why did you come to Christ when you were saved and another person did not? Were you smarter than the other person? Softer hearted? Was it chance? Or was the desire to come given to you by the sovereign grace of God?

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Christs Flock John 10:24-29

24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Fathers name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand

Discovery Questions: 1. According to verse 26 does a person become part of his flock by believing or do they believe because they are part of his flock? 2. Most people apply the word sheep in verse 27 to people who have already been converted. Doesnt the fact that Jesus says He gives them eternal life in the next verse show that verse 27 is not talking of people who are already saved, but who are certain to be saved, though currently among the lost? In other words, arent these elect people who will certainly hear His voice? 3. We saw in Luke 15 that Jesus will get all of His sheep. Is there anything in this passage that indicates the same truth? 4. What does it mean in verse 29 when Jesus says that the Father gave the sheep to Him? Does this verse seem to favor free will or sovereign grace? 5. What part do you believe the doctrine of divine election plays in the security of the believer? (See 1 Peter 1:3-5.) If our own self-determination brought us to Christ, couldnt it take us out of Christ as well?

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Chosen out of the World John 15:9-19

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another. 18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you

Discovery Questions: 1. According to verse 16, is your choice primary? That is, is Gods choice based on yours? 2. According to verse 19, why are Christs disciples not of the world? 3. Some people say that the words, I chose you apply only to the immediate disciples whom Jesus was talking. Is that an arbitrary distinction, especially considering that they do not say that about other passages that are spoken to the disciples? Could someone make the same argument about the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? 4. If you are a believer, you were chosen by God to be so. What obligation does Gods choice of you place upon you in areas such as praise and thanksgiving?

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Given by the Father John 17:1-11

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 6 I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one

Discovery Questions: 1. What does it mean in verse 2 that Christ has authority over all flesh? What does Jesus say that this power enabled Him to do? 2. How many times in these verses does Jesus make reference to those whom the Father had given Him? 3. Does the work of Christ depend upon the will of man for its success, or does He accomplish His purpose by His sovereign power over the will of man?
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4. Does the fact that God is the one who gave them (selected them to be saved to the glory of His Son) help us to understand how He can keep them by His own power? (See verse 11.) If God is not sovereign over the will of man (able to turn it where He desires), could He keep believers from falling away?

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Additions from the Lord -- Acts 2:37-47

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brothers, what shall we do? 38 And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Discovery Questions: 1. Do you see anything in these verses that demonstrated the sovereignty of Gods grace? 2. If God called everyone in the same way, would Peters words in verse 39 about everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself make any sense? 3. Peter first says in verse 39 that the promise is for all and then says everyone whom the Lord our God calls... Does this seem to indicate that the word all does not always
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mean every individual of the human race in every instance? (See appendix #1 The Use of the Word All.) 4. According to verse 47, who is responsible for people being added to the number of believers? Does that mean that God is the one who converts sinners? 5. Do our church growth methods in modern churches often overlook the fact that only God can add genuine believers to our numbers?

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A Chosen Instrument Acts 9:1-15

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? 5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Here I am, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight. 13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name. 15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

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Discovery Questions: 1. Do you think there may have been other Pharisees around in the days of Paul who would have spiritually benefited from a visit from the Lord such as Paul received? Were there others who would have been saved if they had received such a visit? 2. Why do you think God did not appear to others like He did to Paul? Why do you think He does not deal with everyone in that way today? Is this an example of sovereign grace? 3. Was Gods treatment of Paul an unjust violation of Pauls freedom? 4. Was it unjust for God to do this for Paul and not for others? 5. Why didnt God wait for Paul to turn to Him of His own free will? 6. What does verse 15 say was the reason that God appeared to Paul out of His grace and mercy? 7. Is God trying His hardest to save as many as possible?

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Appointed to Eternal Life -- Acts 13:38-48

38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: 41 Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you. 42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Discovery Questions: 1. According to verse 48, what was the reason that people believed? 2. Some have argued that predestination is just to outward privileges, like the opportunity to hear the Word of God, etc. But to what does verse 48 say they were appointed?

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3. Luke just briefly mentions this doctrine of predestination. Could this imply that it was a well known and commonly accepted doctrine in the early church? 4. According to verse 48, do you think that God just foresaw these peoples faith and chose them, or did He choose them and then give them the gift of faith? 5. How should the truth of verse 48 affect us today as we share the gospel? Should it not encourage us today to know that God has a people that will hear and believe because He has appointed them to eternal life?

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An Open Heart Acts 16:6-15

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 and when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us. 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. And she prevailed upon us.

Discovery Questions: 1. Why do you think God did not allow Paul to preach the gospel in Asia at that time? Is that an example of Gods sovereignty in distributing His gospel and His gifts according to His own good pleasure? 2. Why did Lydia attend to the things that were spoken by the apostle Paul? 3. Could God have opened the hearts of all the other people at the river side if He had wanted?
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4. Is it unjust on the part of God to do something for one person that He does not do for others? How do you personally feel about Gods sovereignty at this point? 5. When you were saved, who was it that opened your heart? 6. Lydia is described by Luke as a woman already inclined to religious matters, a worshipper of God. Does the fact that it took the power of God to open Lydias heart show the utter necessity of a work of the Spirit of God for anyone to be saved?

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Called to Belong Romans 1:1-8

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

Discovery Questions: 1. Why did Paul describe the believers at Rome as called to belong to Jesus Christ in verse 6? Is everyone called to belong to Jesus in this way? (see Joel 2:32; Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24) 2. Many theologians make a distinction between the general call of God (which goes to everyone who is blessed with the outward preaching of the gospel) and the effectual call (the special call of the Holy Spirit that always is effective). Based on Pauls greeting to the church at Rome, do you think that such a distinction is valid? 3. In verse 8 Paul says he thanks God for the Roman believers. He specifically says that he is thankful for their faith. If faith is just a decision of the free will of man and not the gift of God, why would Paul thank God for this? 4. Is faith your contribution to the plan of salvation or is it something God gave you? 5. Have you thanked God for bringing a sinner like yourself to faith and repentance? Are you thankful to God for generating faith in others, or do you thank those people?

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Called According to His Purpose Romans 8:28-39

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Discovery Questions: 1. Many people argue that verse 29 teaches that God looked down through time and chose people based on foreseen faith. Does the passage actually say that God foreknew something about the people or does it say that He foreknew the people themselves? Can you indicate any passage of Scripture in the Bible that says God chose based on the fact that He saw people would believe on Him?
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2. The word know in the Bible, when used of God, indicates more than a bare factual knowledge of people. For example, The Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19) or I never knew you (Matthew 7:23) The obvious meaning of the word know in those contexts is that of an intimate knowledge, or love. In Amos 3:2 we read, You only have I known of all the families of the earth. With that meaning of the word know in mind, the word foreknew in Romans 8:29 would mean that he had known them as His choice beforehand. Have you ever considered this meaning of the word before? 3. Based on verse 30 is every person who is called certainly going to be justified and glorified? Is everyone called (which would be universalism), or is Gods call to particular people? 4. In verse 38-39 we have one of the greatest statements of the security of those who are Gods people. Do you find it significant that in verse 28-33 Paul had been talking about the calling, predestinating, and electing? Is there any security for Gods people if these doctrines be denied? 5. Do you think it is significant that almost every security passage in the Bible has election, predestination, or calling in the near context? 6. If God foreknew 500 billion people, how many people did He predestinate? 500 billion! If God predestinated 500 billion people, how many did He call? 500 billion! If He called 500 billion people, how many did He justify? 500 billion! And if He justified 500 billion people, how many did he glorify (i.e. keep eternally for Heaven)? 500 billion! How many did He lose in the process? NONE!

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Sovereign Mercy -- Romans 9:10-16

10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad in order that Gods purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls 12 she was told, The older will serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on Gods part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Discovery Questions: 1. Do these verses elicit an emotional response from you upon first reading them? Do you fight feelings of anger that God would choose some and not others? Why could that be? 2. From verse 14 we learn that Paul understood that his teaching would elicit the question, Is there injustice on Gods part? Is there anything in the teaching of todays modern church that would make anyone ask that question? If not, is the church as a whole teaching what Paul taught? 3. How did Paul answer the question about the possibility of injustice on Gods part? 4. Is mercy really mercy if a person deserves it or has a claim on it? 5. Based on verse 16, is salvation based on free will?

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The Chosen Remnant Romans 11:1-10

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life. 4 But what is Gods reply to him? I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 As it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day. 9 And David says, Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; 10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.

Discovery Questions: 1. In verse 4 we see that God said He had kept for Himself seven thousand who did not worship Baal. Paul says in verse 5 that God also has a remnant in his own day. Did God just see that there would be a remnant or did He make sure that there was a remnant? If so, does this prove that God can save whom He wants, when He wants as He pleases? 2. What does Paul say of the remnant in verse 5? 3. Who does Paul say in verse 7 had obtained salvation?

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4. When Jesus says in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell would never prevail against His church, do you think that He simply foresaw that there would always be believers, or do you think that it was made certain by Gods sovereign, converting grace? 5. The Bible seems to indicate that there will be a mighty turning back of the Jews at some point in the future. Do you think God just foresees that, or is He going to convert them by His own power (see Romans 11:26) and thus make that certain? Could God convert them even now if He so chose?

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Called and Chosen 1 Corinthians 1:23-30

23 But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

Discovery Questions: 1. According to verse 24 are all people called to salvation by God? 2. If God calls someone with the call mentioned in verse 24, will they fail to truly come to Christ and know Him? 3. Does verse 26 and 27 show a close relationship between being chosen and being called? 4. Many people, even professing Christians, say that God saves the poor and weak because that is all He can get. But what does verse 29 give as the motivation of Gods call? Does He only call those He can get, or is there a great purpose in whom He calls? 5. What do you think that Paul means when He says because of Him you are in Christ Jesus? The King James Version says it this way, Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus. Based on these words, is faith (which puts you in Christ) of yourself or of God?

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Let there be Light 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with Gods word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyones conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. 6 For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Discovery Questions: 1. Why, according to verse 4, do people reject the gospel? Have you experienced this blindness as you have tried to share the gospel with other people? 2. Why did you accept the gospel? Did Satan not blind you as much as he did others? 3. In verse 6, does Paul say that Christians distinguish themselves from lost people by their own activity or willingness, or does he say that it was something God does? 4. Paul compares the work God does in our hearts to Gods command that light shine out of darkness in the original creation. Is Paul saying something about our natural condition? Is he saying something about Gods absolute power? 5. Is Gods power in conversion resistible by man? Could the light have refused to shine in Genesis 1:3? Do we pray to a God who can save whom He wants, or must He wait on man?

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When God was Pleased Galatians 1:11-16

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not mans gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.

Discovery Questions: 1. How likely was it that Paul would become a Christian based on what is taught in verses 13-14? Did he appear to be softer hearted or more inclined to the things of Christ than others? 2. When was Paul set apart according to verse 15? 3. To whom does Paul attribute his call in verse 15? 4. Describe Pauls calling. What did God do in Pauls calling to bring Him to a saving knowledge of Christ ? (See verse 16.) 5. When was Paul converted according to verse 15 and 16? Was it when he decided to be saved by His own free will or was it at the time that God decided? 6. When Scripture so often attributes peoples conversion to the awesome power of God, why do so many in the modern church attribute conversion to mans own free will?

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Before the Foundation of the World Ephesians 1:3-12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Discovery Questions: 1. When did God choose us as believers (see v. 4)? 2. Why did God choose us (see v. 5)? Do you think He saw anything in us that caused Him to choose us? Is it by our will or His will that we were chosen? 3. Based on the fact that Paul wrote this in his letter to a very young church, what do you make of the claim made by many that election is a doctrine too complicated to be taught in our churches? 4. According to verse 11, how many things does God work after the counsel of His own will? 5. What should our response be to the doctrine of Gods choosing us?

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Not of Yourselves Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience -3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Discovery Questions: 1. If we were dead (vs. 1) could we have helped or participated in our quickening? According to verse 5, is the reason that we are now alive something that we did or something that God did? 2. In and of ourselves, are we as believers any better than many others who will die in their sins and go to hell? 3. According to verse 8, is faith our contribution to the plan of salvation, or is it itself a gift of grace? 4. If we were able to overcome our love for sin, repent and turn to Christ of our free will while others were not, would that leave room for boasting?

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5. Paul says in verse 10 that we have been created in Christ Jesus. Did the universe help in its own creation? Did any created being? Did we assist in the new creation of our spiritual life?

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Gods Chosen Ones Colossians 3:12-15

12 Put on then, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Discovery Questions: 1. Paul prefaces his list of Christian virtues (which the Christians in Colossae should put on) by first pointing out that they have been chosen by God. In view of this great blessing, he urges them to live holy lives. How should understanding the doctrine of election lead to compassion, forgiveness, humility, and forbearance? 2. How has your own belief in the doctrine of election been part of the development of your Christian character? 3. Do you think the criticism that many have leveled against the doctrine of election - that it would necessarily lead to ungodliness and arrogance - has any validity? 4. Could a failure to accept what the Bible says about election be one reason that many in the church are puffed up, or at least impatient toward those who are outside the kingdom? 5. Many people today teach that God has done the same thing for everyone, and ultimately leaves it up to the individual to be able to come to Him. They would have us believe that He chooses the ones who rise above their addiction to sin and selfrighteousness to lay hold of Christ. Does that teaching promote humility, and if so, how?

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We Know, Brothers 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Discovery Questions: 1. Can individuals know that they are elect? 2. According to the above verses, how can people know that they are elect? 3. Based on the teaching of Paul in this passage, does anyone who responds to the Gospel in sincere faith and repentance have any reason to believe that they are not elect? 4. Why would some people characterize the teaching of Sovereign Grace as being destructive to true assurance of salvation? 5. Have you personally received the Gospel of Jesus Christ as described in verse 5?

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A Growing Faith 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

Discovery Questions: 1. What is it about the Thessalonians for which Paul thanked God? (See verse 3.) 2. Why would Paul thank God for their growing faith? Is God the one ultimately responsible for the fact that their faith was strong and vibrant? 3. If we cannot even increase our faith on our own, is there any way that we could have ever started it on our own? After all, isnt the creation of something out of nothing much more difficult than its increase? 4. Have you thanked God lately for the spiritual increase in your life and the life of your church? 5. Do you think that God gets the glory which He should receive from todays churches or is too much attributed to mans freewill? 6. Which belief is more likely to lead the Christian worker to look to God in gratitude the belief that free will is the generator of faith, or the belief that faith is the gift of a sovereign God? 7. Based on this teaching, is gratitude enough of a priority in your prayers?

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Gods Purpose and Grace 2 Timothy 1:3-9

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

Discovery Questions: 1. In verse 9 we again see reference to the call of God twice. Do you hear Christian people referred to as the called in todays church? Do professing Christians ever credit their salvation to the call of God? If not, are you surprised - seeing that it is talked about so much in the New Testament? How can we bring our belief system and then our testimony more in line with the teaching of the Bible? 2. When was grace given to us as Gods people? 3. After encouraging Timothy to be courageous, Paul points to the doctrine of Gods sovereign grace. Is there something about knowing that God is all powerful, and able to accomplish His purpose, that imparts courage to Christians? 4. Having heard the doctrine of Gods sovereignty in salvation characterized as merely speculative points, Jonathan Edwards (the great colonial preacher) responded by saying that all devotion greatly depends on a sense and acknowledgement of our dependence on God. How important do you believe it is for Christians to acknowledge how much they owe to God for their salvation their new birth, their sanctification, and their eternal security?

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God May Perhaps 2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 And the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Discovery Questions: 1. Paul teaches in verse 25 that God has to grant repentance (see also Acts 5:31; 11:18). Is this in anyway surprising for you to learn? Has anyone taught you this so far in your Christian discipleship? Has this booklet helped you to see this truth? 2. In verse 25 Paul says that God may or may not give repentance. He specifically uses the words God may perhaps grant them repentance. Is there any way that this God may perhaps statement of Paul fits with todays teaching that God is trying His best to get as many as possible saved? 3. Does God have the right to give or withhold repentance to whom or from whom He chooses? 4. Paul uses words like kind, patiently, and gentleness to describe how we are to teach others. Does understanding that God has to change the heart of the sinner help you to be more patient while teaching lost sinners? 5. Does it encourage you to share the Gospel with hardened sinners knowing that God can give them repentance whenever He sees fit?

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Elected, Born Again, Guarded -- 1 Peter 1:1-5

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by Gods power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Discovery Questions: 1. In verses 1 and 2 Peter refers to the believers as elect . according to the foreknowledge of God. This cannot be referring to a simple knowledge of their persons or all would be elected. Do you believe the concept of foreknowledge is based on the covenantal and affectionate use of the word know that we find in such places as Amos 3:2; Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19? In other words, do you believe that the concept of foreknowledge means that God set His special love upon them before time began? (See appendix # 3 Foreseen Faith a Farce.) 2. Is it significant that Peter says in verse 2 that they were elected for obedience to Jesus Christ and not because of obedience to Jesus Christ? Since Peter says they were chosen to faith and not because of their faith (see Romans 10:16 for example of the word obedience being used of believing), what do you think of the popular teaching about foreseen faith? 3. Peter says in verse 3 that God has caused us to be born again. Was being born again your doing, or Gods? Would Scripture frequently refer to the new birth as something God did to us (Titus 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:4-7; James 1:18) if it were really something we do of our own initiative? 4. Peter says in verse 4 that God guards us through faith. Is faith something that we continue to generate so that we stay in the hand of God, or is it something that He is continually generating so that we will stay in His hand?
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5. If we cannot keep our faith, could we have ever started it in the first place?

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A Chosen People 1 Peter 2:1-10

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 and A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are Gods people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Discovery Questions: 1. How does verse 8 account for the fact that people stumble at Jesus Christ? In other words, why does Peter say they disobey? 2. Gods predestination of people to disobey the word in no way denies human responsibility. It is simply acknowledging that God chose not to grant them the grace to believe and repent. If left to ourselves we would all have continued to disobey the gospel because we are all totally corrupt. Do you think it is wrong for God to leave
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3. 4. 5. 6.

people who willingly hate Him and rebel against His ways to the evil of their own choices? If you believe it is wrong, what explanation would you give to Pauls teaching in Romans 9:14-24? In what way does verse 9 prove that God is sovereign in the distribution of salvation? Did God choose you because you chose Him or did you choose Him because He chose you? How can Gods children show forth the excellencies of him who has called (them) out of darkness into his marvelous light? Are we thankful enough for Gods grace? Does verse 10 give any reason for anyones becoming part of the people of God other than His mercy alone? Does human merit, achievement, or self-will enter at any point into the cause of our conversion?

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Conclusion
Are you convinced? If so, I hope that this doctrine will affect you, not just intellectually, but devotionally as well. The doctrine of Gods sovereignty should drive us into the dust in humility and lift us up to the highest heavens in praise and admiration. If this material has had the effect upon you that I have desired, you will find a place to get alone and pour out your heart before God and thank Him as never before that He chose you from the foundation of the world. You would still be lost and still in your sins if it had not been for grace. I also hope that you will become more courageous about sharing your faith because there are some who will receive the gospel according to the eternal plan of God. The fact that results are not in your hands but in Gods mighty power should give you encouragement and confidence. Perhaps you are still skeptical. I know that there are a lot of questions and things to think about when considering this doctrine. You may even feel that you were able to answer the questions and deal with the text in a way that was consistent with a more Arminian approach. I do not think that is possible from a contextual standpoint, but be that as it may, I am still thankful that you have spent time with these passages and tried to answer the questions. I pray that in the process of dealing with these passages you will at least have a greater understanding and appreciation for what is called Reformed Theology (that school of thought that teaches sovereign grace) and that your knowledge of God and His ways has been expanded along the way. May it be so to the glory of Almighty God!

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Appendix #1: The Use of the Word All

By Kevin Smead
Many argue that when the Bible says that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), that it means that God is doing His best to save every individual of the human race and in pursuing that goal, He has done the same thing for all. But as you read the New Testament you will begin to see that all does not always mean every individual of the human race each time that it is used. Below are a few different ways that the word all is used in Scripture (besides meaning every individual): First, the word is sometimes used to refer to ALL OF A CERTAIN KIND. We must remember, for example, that Paul writes his letters to churches. In many cases, then, the word all is referring only to all of the believers(See Romans 1:8.). This use of the word all also holds true in other places in Scripture as well. For example, we read in John 1:16, And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. Of course, not everyone has received grace so it is clear that John is speaking of himself and all believers. By way of illustration it should be noted that this way of interpreting the word all does not apply only to Scripture. For example, if I were to write a letter to family and say to them, I cannot wait to see you all, a stranger would have no right to read that and think that I was coming to see him too. I had a particular audience in mind when using the word all. At other times, however, all refers to all of the elect, as in John 6:45. There we read that they will all be taught by God. That it does not mean every individual of the human race is evident from what follows: Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not every human being comes to Christ so the first part of the verse cannot mean everyone of them is taught by God. Otherwise, we would have universal salvation. So it is clear that the all is all of the elect. It is a simple matter of examining the context. Another example of the importance of examining context and considering these various uses of the word all is seen when we come to Romans 8:32. I have dear friends who have argued with me that Christ gave Himself up as a universal atonement for the sin of all men (rather than just the elect) based on Romans 8:32 where Paul says that God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. But one has only to look closely at the context to see who the us all is. It is the same as the ones in verse 28 the called according to His purpose. This is one example of how interpreting the word all to mean every individual of the human race each time it is used can lead someone far away from the plain sense of Scripture. Secondly, the word all is sometimes used of ALL KINDS. When Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:4 that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, it is
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obvious that he is speaking of all kinds of people: kings as well as paupers (v. 2) and Gentiles as well as Jews (v. 7). In fact, when compared with 1 Timothy 1:5-7 you can see that Timothy was likely dealing with Jewish heretics that wanted everyone to come under the law and become Jews to be saved. That is the context for Pauls statement about all men. Paul is referring in this place to people from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9). Yet another example of this use in Scripture is seen in John 12:32 where Jesus said, And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. By all people cannot be meant every member of the human race because some people never even have the opportunity to hear the glad tidings of the gospel. The meaning of the words all people are best interpreted by what actually did happen when Jesus was lifted up. What happened? All kinds of people were drawn. In the Gospel narratives we read of what was probably a Jewish thief being saved (Luke 24:41-43); a Cyrenian proselyte who probably became a believer (compare Mark 15:21 with Romans 16:13); and a Roman Centurian that confessed Him as the Son of God (Mark 15:39). All people, that is, all kinds of people, were drawn to Him and it has been happening ever since. Again, we often use the word all and the word world in the same sense. When I once travelled from our small town to a large city as a young man, I came home and told my family that all the world was in the city. I did not mean for them to think that every individual in the world was there, but that representatives from every country seemed to be present. Thirdly, the word all is sometimes used for KIND OF ALL (that is, a lot of people). In Mark 1:5 we read of Johns baptism that all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan. No one really believes that every individual in that region went out to be baptized. No Bible interpreter takes it that way. All it means is that a lot of people came out. As with the previous uses of the word, here is an example of how we often use the word all ourselves: My wife was watching a cooking show the other day while I was writing and the host of the show said of a certain ingredient, I grow this stuff in my back yard all the time. Now upon hearing this I did not jump to the conclusion that she never slept, or never went shopping, or never took walks with her family. Neither did I believe that she meant even that she grew it year round. She simply meant that she grew it quite often. I knew what she meant because I am familiar with how the word all is often used. While I cannot go through and point out every use of the word all in Scripture, I think that it is clear that to interpret the word all to mean every individual of the human race in every instance is incorrect. I hope that this will encourage you to consult the context and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit to see how it is used in each particular place.

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So there you have it. The word all can be used for ALL OF A KIND, ALL KINDS, or KIND OF ALL. May God use this study to enable you to see how precious His electing love is that included you in His all.

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Appendix #2: The World

By Kevin Smead
One of the biggest problems people have when it comes to thinking about the doctrine of Gods sovereign grace is the word world that is often used in Scripture. There is a tension for most people between the idea of God saving whom He wants to, and the fact that the Bible says He loves the world. Most people resolve the tension by denying the sovereignty of God altogether and choosing to teach that He is trying to save as many as possible. But for some people, denying the sovereignty of God is a cost they are unwilling to pay. I mean after all, there goes assurance, there goes worship (to a certain extent), there goes believing prayer for our lost loved ones, and there goes many precious Scriptures that assure us of Gods sovereign choice, redemption, and calling of His people. Those who feel that this cost is too high (to which number I certainly belong) have decided that, rather than denying Gods sovereignty in salvation, we should take a closer look at the word world and what it is meant to communicate to us. The best place to look at the word world is in John 3:16. This is where most people go when they deny sovereign grace and say that God is trying to save as many as possible. So what exactly does John 3:16 teach? First of all, I would just point out that John 3:16 is not the only verse in the Bible. This seems like a simple matter, but this writer has had numerous people say to him, John 3:16 says God so loved the world, and John 3:16 is all I need. To that I simply reply that John 3:16 is not all a believer needs. If it were, God would not have given us a Romans 9 or an Ephesians 1 or numerous other texts of Scripture that teaches Gods sovereignty. God has given us His entire word and it is our duty to study it, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and to interpret it in a way that does justice to all that it says and not just part. The John 3:16 is all I need mentality comes dangerously close to taking from the Word of God, which would place one under the curse of Almighty God (see Revelation 22:18-19). It is certainly a blasphemous insinuation that other parts of the Word of God are not needed. Moving forward from that basic recognition, second, I would point out that we do not have the right to assign whatever meaning that we want to the word world in John 3:16. This becomes increasingly obvious when we consider that no one can deny that the word world is used in several ways in the Scriptures. Besides being used of every member of the human race (Romans 3:19), the word is used in the following ways as well: 1. Luke 2:1 says, In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This, of course, is speaking of the taxation that
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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

would ultimately lead Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Obviously, every human being in the world was not under the control of the Roman Empire, let alone taxed by Caesar. John 1:10 we read, He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. The word world here does not mean every individual because Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna, did know Him. What does it mean? It simply means a whole lot or even most people. John 1:29 says, the next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.It would be hard to argue that this could mean every individual in the world, for then no one would be lost. So what does it mean? It will help us to realize that John makes an allusion here to the Jewish Passover when the lamb was offered up and its blood applied to the door post. This makes a perfect picture of Christ, except for one thing. The Passover only pertained to the Jews, while the gospel of Jesus Christ has to do with people from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9). So the word world here is used to be inclusive of Gentiles as well as Jews. John 6:33 says, For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. If the word world meant every single individual in the world, then all would be given life by the Son. That cannot be the case. Here the word world would either refer to the whole world of Gods elect, or of Gentiles as well as Jews. John 12:31 reads, Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. Here it is obvious speaking of the world as it is in opposition to God, or the world with its principles which are anti-God. It is not necessarily speaking of individuals. Not every individual in the world was ruled by Satan, let alone judged at that time. John 13:1 says, Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Here the word world is used of the earth itself from which Jesus departed, and not the individuals of the human race. John 15:18-19 Jesus says, If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Here Jesus is speaking of the unbelieving world. John 17:9 Jesus says, I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. When Jesus says He is
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not praying for the world He is speaking only of the world of unbelievers, not every individual. If Jesus was speaking of every individual then He prays for absolutely no one. With the word world being used in so many different ways, we can see how important it is for us to look at the context in each instance to see how the word is used. We simply do not have a right to assign whatever meaning we want to the word world. Third, keeping in mind all that has gone before, I would say that the context of John 3:16 seems to favor a particular use of the word world, especially when we consider one important fact that many people overlook when reading this verse. John was a Jew writing to Jews. We know that he was writing to Jews because Paul says in Galatians 2:9 that Johns calling was to the circumcised (And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.) Not only was John writing to Jews, but those Jews were very nationalistic and ethnocentric. In fact, the Jews of that day believed that the Messiah would come just for them and would destroy every other nation under heaven and establish them in worldwide domination. Since this is true it should be at once obvious that Johns purpose in using the word world was to pull his audience out of their Jewish only mentality and show them that Gods purpose was much more comprehensive than the Jewish race (Revelation 5:9). It was for all Jews and Gentiles alike. As a further evidence of Johns using the word world in contrast to the Jews only way of thinking, it should be observed that not only is John writing to a Jewish audience, but in the words preceding John 3:16 he has pointed his readers to a very Jewish concept namely, that of the serpent in the wilderness. Lest this illustration lead his Jewish audience to a strictly Jewish interpretation of the work of Christ on the cross, he makes this glowing reference to the entire world (see explanation of John 1:29 above). The marvel, then, is not only that God has chosen to save some, but that His purpose of grace is not limited to any one people group. This is certainly a cause for rejoicing, especially for those of us who are Gentiles according to the flesh. Fourth, it should be pointed out that the generic term the world (rather than His elect among Jews and Gentiles) serves a purpose that is completely consistent with sovereign grace. What is that purpose? It assists Gods elect in coming to faith in Christ and takes down any barriers that would discourage their faith by assuring them that whoever comes to Him is accepted. God brings His elected people in through the general invitation. Here we come face to face with problems much bigger than John 3:16. The question has often been asked why a general invitation (whosoever will) when there is a particular intention (God saving His elect)? The answer is that for Gods people to exercise faith in Jesus Christ (which is what He elected
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them to do) they must not look at election but at Christ. If God said, All of my elect need to come to me the individual would look at or for election instead of looking at Christ. Faith cannot look two ways at once. So to accomplish His purpose of His people looking at Christ alone, God gives a general invitation. Since God does not work with His people as pieces of wood but as moral and rational people, it could not have been otherwise. The way, then, that God accomplishes His particular intention is through a general invitation. When God says world and whosoever, He is giving that general invitation that He will use to bring all who were predestined to come. It has been said by some that Calvinists promote an unloving view of God because they teach that He does not love the whole world with an electing love. Yet Calvinism presents the most loving view of God the world has ever seen. Arminianism is the one that portrays God as unloving. If for example, I could stop my son from running into the highway but wouldnt because I wanted free-will to have its due, then it would not be my son but free-will that I loved most. If God leaves people to free will then he doesnt love them (even the ones that come to Him because He would have let them go if they wanted) but their free will. Granted, Calvinists do not believe that He loves all with an electing love, but thank God that He loves some (Jeremiah 31:3). And those whom He doesnt love with an electing love, He still loves as much as Arminians believe that He loves anyone, for He simply leaves them to their own will. No one can truly celebrate the saving love of God except those who hold to sovereign grace. To God be the glory for our salvation!

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Appendix #3: Foreseen Faith a Farce

By Kevin Smead
Every church that wants to be biblical has to have some kind of teaching about election. The fact that the word election or predestination is seldom or never mentioned in most churches today shows you how unconcerned most are with being biblical. Many churches and denominations are concerned with nothing more than fitting in with the surrounding culture. Nevertheless, among those who do teach something about this doctrine, there are two views that are commonly held: (1) conditional election; or (2) unconditional election. Lets look at each one. 1. Conditional election: this is the Arminian view which teaches that God makes salvation available, but ultimately leaves it up to each mans own self-determination what to do with it. They believe that when the Bible talks about election that God simply looked down the corridor of time and saw who would choose Him, and then chose them. Hence the term conditional, since he chose them on the condition that they would believe. 2. Unconditional election: this is the Calvinist view which teaches that God not only makes salvation available, but that He actually saves. Those He chooses, He redeems, and those He redeems, He regenerates. Election therefore is based on nothing foreseen in man, but solely upon the good pleasure of God. Where the Arminian would say that believers are elect, Calvinist would say that the elect believe. I think it is clear that Scripture teaches unconditional election - that God chose, not based on foreseen faith, nor on anything foreseen in man (for there was only sin and unbelief to be seen) but according to His own good pleasure. This is clear for the following reasons: A. The Bible never says election is based on foreseen faith. Foreseen faith is a doctrine which is fabricated out of the mind of man. Hence the title of this paper Foreseen Faith a Farce. Many people point to Romans 8:29 which says, For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. But where does it say in that verse that He foreknew their faith? You might as well teach from that verse that He chose them because He foresaw their hair color as to teach that He chose them for foreseen faith. The verse only says that he foreknew the people. That this does not mean a simple knowledge of their persons is evident from the fact that He knows all people in that way. That would lead to the idea that all are predestinated and would not fit with the rest of Scripture. What we must do, then, is look at the biblical use of the word know. When we do look at Scripture for its use, we find that it uses that word in the covenantal sense of knowing someone in relationship or intimately and lovingly. Consider 2 Timothy 2:19 which says, The
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B.

C.

D.

E.

Lord knoweth them that are His or Matthew 7:23 where it says of the lost I never knew you. Obviously then those whom he foreknew are those whom He knew beforehand in relationship because of His determination to save them. In other words, He entered into covenant relationship with them from before the foundation of the world. Election is said to be an election of grace Romans 11:5. We are not left in the dark about what kind of election we are dealing with. Election is not based on anything in man - it is based on grace alone. To say that He elected because of foreseen faith would be to take election out of the realm of grace and into the realm of human achievement. Therefore, the doctrine of foreseen faith is a farce. God did not choose a category but people. Election in the Bible is very personal. We read of peoples names being written in heaven. Now, we are not to interpret this as a literal leafed book but rather metaphorically. The metaphor is meaningful in that we are meant to see how personal election is. It is an election of individuals. If, however, election is based on foreseen faith then God would not be choosing people but the category of faith. That is too impersonal to measure up to the loving doctrine of the Bible. There would have been no faith to merely foresee. Faith is not something the natural man can come to on his own. Almost every natural man would want to be saved if it meant escaping hell, but he does not want to when it means being saved from your sin. Especially when he learns that it means turning his back on sin and acknowledging that he has nothing and needs Christ to be his all in all. That is precisely what the natural man is unwilling to do. True saving faith and repentance are spiritual acts. Since the sinner is spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) he is unwilling to do this. Only by an act of God changing the sinners nature is He willing to have Christ on the terms that God sets forth. Therefore faith is not simply foreseen but foreordained. Moreover, Psalm 14:2-3 makes it plain that when God looked down upon the sons of men, there were none that sought Him. A choice based on foreseen faith is really no choice at all. The teaching of the Arminians is that God could not choose to regenerate and give faith to whom He wanted, but simply looked down the corridor of time and chose those whom He foresaw would believe at some point in their life, by their own will. But when you have two groups (hypothetically), one group of obstinate rebels who refuse to repent and accept the gospel, and another of penitent souls who acknowledge their need and submit to the claims of Christ, there doesnt seem to be much of a choice there. There certainly doesnt seem to be the kind of choice that Scripture would celebrate and repeatedly call our attention to. For there to be a legitimate choice you would think that there would be legitimate options. Otherwise a choice is no
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choice. In other words, why would Scripture make such a big deal about God choosing those who choose Him? If conditions were such that some would believe and some would not (by their own free will), no one would have thought it would be otherwise. Lets consider the same truth in a different light. If God foresaw that there would be a people who would choose the Savior, then it is obvious that a Savior was already set forth in the purposes of God for people to choose, along with the conditions by which they would be saved namely, faith and repentance. How else could people be seen to accept the Savior upon Gods conditions unless both the Savior and the conditions were set forth? But if there were already a Savior set forth, along with the conditions, and the sinners foreseen met said conditions, and were therefore already in the Savior, then what more was there for God to choose. This kind of teaching makes election to be little more than a word with no corresponding reality behind it! But if unconditional election (the Calvinist position) is true, then all sinners were equally lost and beyond hope in and of themselves. But in this lost condition, God chose, based on nothing foreseen in them, to save some. He could have as easily chosen others if He had willed to do so, but of His own good pleasure He chose those who currently make up His elect. Now here is a choice that is worthy of the title. This is an election that truly does promote humility and elicit praise and adoration from those who were elected. F. The Bible flatly denies that our choice was previous to Gods choice. In John 15:16 Jesus said, you did not choose me but I chose you, and in John 10:26 He said, But you do not believe, because you are not part of my flock. The Arminians change that around and say that people are not of His flock because they do not believe, but Jesus said they do not believe because they are not of His flock. That makes Gods choice of sheep previous to the sheeps belief. Therefore faith depends on election rather than election depending on faith. G. Paul says in Ephesians 1:4 that we were chosen to be holy, not because we were holy. What does holiness have to do with faith? Scripture says that the heart is purified by faith. If the heart is purified by faith, which is an essential part of holiness, then Gods choosing us based on faith would be choosing us based on our holiness. This would be a denial of Ephesians 1:4. I hope that this short discussion helps you see some of the issues involved with election. I also hope that it helps you see that an election based on what God foresaw in people would totally
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overthrow salvation by grace alone. Therefore, foreseen faith is indeed a farce. Election is an election of grace and is therefore unconditional!

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About the Author

Kevin Smead is a native of Arkansas and has pastored Southern Baptist churches there for the past ten years. He is currently serving as the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Glenwood, AR. He resides nearby in Daisy, AR with his wife Michelle and Son Haddon. In addition to pastoral ministry, Kevin also writes Christian poetry and serves in evangelistic ministry. He is a 2004 summa cum laude graduate of Ouachita Baptist University where he earned a B.A. in Christian ministries.

Other Titles by Kevin Smead

Poems from a Pilgrims Heart is a collection of Christian poems written over the course of several years. These poems are Scriptural, Christ centered, and evangelistic. -- $7.00 The Doctrine of Election: Questions and Answers is a 32 page booklet which seeks to answer 17 of the most commonly asked questions about the doctrine of election in a simple and understandable way. -- $5.00
Defending Calvinism: One Question at a Time is a conversational defense of the doctrines of Gods grace. -- $5.00

My Journey to Geneva: From Free Will to Free Grace is a 39 page booklet that chronicles Pastor Smeads spiritual journey into the doctrines of Gods amazing grace. -- $7.00 Timeless Wisdom from Thomas Watson: Great Quotes from a Great Puritan is a collection of quotations from the Puritan Thomas Watson concerning most of the major doctrines of the Bible. -- $7.00

For ordering information please call (870) 451-3343, or email us at ksmead3@yahoo.com (put ordering information in the subject line)

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