Exploring God's Existence, Atonement, and Assurance of Salvation

 

Summary

In this engaging session, we explored a range of theological and philosophical questions with Dr. R.C. Sproul, focusing on the existence of God, the nature of atonement, and the fate of infants who die. We began by affirming the certainty of God's existence, emphasizing that the idea of a self-created universe is irrational. The existence of God is not just a matter of evidence but a demonstrable truth, as nothing can create itself, not even God. This leads to the understanding that denying God's existence is a leap into irrationality.

We then delved into the atonement, discussing why Jesus did not need to suffer in hell for eternity. The infinite value of Christ's sacrifice, due to His divine nature, satisfied the necessary punishment for sin. This is because even eternal hell cannot balance the scales of justice for our sins against God. The discussion also touched on the fate of aborted infants, where we acknowledged the lack of definitive biblical answers but expressed hope based on God's grace.

The conversation shifted to the circulation of the Book of Revelation, clarifying that John was exiled, not imprisoned, on Patmos, allowing for the possibility of visitors and the eventual dissemination of his writings. We also addressed the practice of infant baptism, drawing parallels between Old Covenant circumcision and New Covenant baptism, emphasizing the covenantal promises to believers and their children.

The session concluded with discussions on prayer, the role of dreams in divine communication, and the assurance of salvation. We affirmed that God welcomes our requests, not just our needs, and that His communication today is primarily through Scripture. Assurance of salvation is rooted in a genuine love for the biblical Jesus, which is evidence of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- The existence of God is a fundamental truth, not just a matter of evidence. Denying God's existence leads to irrationality, as nothing can create itself. This understanding reinforces the certainty of God's eternal nature. [03:26]

- Christ's atonement is sufficient because of His infinite value. Even eternal hell cannot fully satisfy the justice required for sin, but Christ's sacrifice on the cross met God's requirements. [05:39]

- The fate of infants who die is uncertain, but we can hope in God's grace. While Scripture does not provide a definitive answer, we trust in God's mercy and the possibility of a special dispensation of grace. [07:25]

- Prayer is an invitation to express both needs and desires to God. God promises to bless His people abundantly, and we are encouraged to bring all our requests to Him, trusting in His sovereign will. [17:02]

- Assurance of salvation is rooted in a genuine love for the biblical Jesus. This love is evidence of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and it provides confidence in our eternal security. [28:57]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Dr. R.C. Sproul
[00:49] - Boomerang Anecdote
[02:00] - Certainty of God's Existence
[04:54] - Understanding Atonement
[06:45] - Fate of Aborted Infants
[08:52] - Circulation of Revelation
[10:29] - Infant Baptism Explained
[14:17] - What Happens When We Die
[16:02] - Prayer and God's Provision
[17:52] - Divine Communication Today
[19:20] - Women in Church Leadership
[21:18] - Burial vs. Cremation
[23:43] - Struggling with Sin
[27:08] - Assurance of Salvation
[30:00] - Jesus' View on Homosexuality
[31:29] - Calvinism vs. Free Will
[33:45] - Second Coming of Christ
[35:07] - Sharing the Gospel in One Minute

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
2. 1 John 2:2 - "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
3. Matthew 19:14 - "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What argument does Dr. R.C. Sproul present for the certainty of God's existence? ([03:26])
2. How does Dr. Sproul explain the sufficiency of Christ's atonement despite not suffering in hell for eternity? ([05:39])
3. What hope does Dr. Sproul offer regarding the fate of infants who die, and what biblical references does he mention? ([07:25])
4. How does Dr. Sproul describe the role of prayer in expressing both needs and desires to God? ([17:02])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of a self-created universe challenge or support the belief in God's existence as discussed by Dr. Sproul? ([03:26])
2. In what ways does the infinite value of Christ's sacrifice provide assurance of salvation for believers? ([05:39])
3. How does the lack of definitive biblical answers about the fate of infants who die affect a believer's understanding of God's grace and mercy? ([07:25])
4. What does Dr. Sproul's explanation of prayer suggest about the nature of our relationship with God? ([17:02])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's existence. How did you resolve those doubts, and what role did reason and faith play in that process? ([03:26])
2. How does understanding the infinite value of Christ's atonement impact your view of sin and forgiveness in your daily life? ([05:39])
3. In what ways can you find comfort in God's grace when faced with uncertainties, such as the fate of infants who die? How can this influence your conversations with others on difficult topics? ([07:25])
4. Consider your current prayer life. Are there desires or needs you have been hesitant to bring to God? How can you approach God more openly in prayer this week? ([17:02])
5. How can you cultivate a genuine love for the biblical Jesus in your daily life, and what evidence of regeneration by the Holy Spirit do you see in yourself? ([28:57])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with assurance of salvation. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and confidence in your faith? ([28:57])
7. Think of a person in your life who may be struggling with questions about faith or salvation. How can you support and encourage them in their journey? ([28:57])

Devotional

Day 1: The Rationality of God's Existence
The existence of God is not merely a matter of evidence but a fundamental truth that underpins all rational thought. The idea that the universe could create itself is irrational, as nothing can bring itself into existence. This understanding reinforces the certainty of God's eternal nature and the necessity of His existence. Denying God's existence is a leap into irrationality, as it contradicts the basic principles of causality and existence. Embracing the truth of God's existence provides a foundation for understanding the world and our place within it. [03:26]

Isaiah 45:18 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'"

Reflection: Consider a moment in your life where you felt the presence of God. How does acknowledging God's existence as a fundamental truth change the way you perceive that moment today?


Day 2: The Infinite Value of Christ's Atonement
Christ's atonement is sufficient because of His infinite value, which stems from His divine nature. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross met God's requirements for justice, as even eternal hell cannot fully satisfy the justice required for sin. The infinite worth of Christ's sacrifice means that it covers the sins of humanity in a way that nothing else can. This understanding of atonement emphasizes the depth of God's love and the completeness of His plan for redemption. [05:39]

Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

Reflection: Reflect on a sin or burden you have been carrying. How does the infinite value of Christ's atonement encourage you to release this burden to Him today?


Day 3: Hope in God's Grace for Infants
The fate of infants who die is uncertain, but there is hope in God's grace. While Scripture does not provide a definitive answer, we trust in God's mercy and the possibility of a special dispensation of grace for those who have not had the opportunity to know Him. This hope is rooted in the character of God, who is loving and just, and it encourages us to trust in His goodness even when we do not have all the answers. [07:25]

2 Samuel 12:22-23 (ESV): "He said, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, "Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?" But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.'"

Reflection: Think of a situation where you lack clear answers. How can you place your trust in God's grace and mercy in this situation today?


Day 4: The Invitation of Prayer
Prayer is an invitation to express both needs and desires to God. God promises to bless His people abundantly, and we are encouraged to bring all our requests to Him, trusting in His sovereign will. Prayer is not just about asking for what we need but also about building a relationship with God, where we can share our hearts and align our desires with His purposes. This practice of prayer strengthens our faith and deepens our understanding of God's character. [17:02]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Identify a desire or need you have been hesitant to bring to God. How can you present this to Him in prayer today, trusting in His will?


Day 5: Assurance of Salvation through Love for Jesus
Assurance of salvation is rooted in a genuine love for the biblical Jesus. This love is evidence of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and it provides confidence in our eternal security. When we truly love Jesus, it reflects a transformation that has taken place within us, confirming our relationship with God. This assurance is not based on our actions but on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, giving us peace and confidence in our salvation. [28:57]

1 John 4:16 (ESV): "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

Reflection: Reflect on your love for Jesus. How does this love manifest in your daily life, and how can you nurture it further today?

Quotes

"i don't think there's anything more certain, more certain than life itself, than the existence of god. and in fact it's an amazing thing to me that people want to debate that issue so strenuously uh as i think that the question is not just a matter of uh evidential reason but i think it's a matter of demonstrable truth that god exists because i believe with the questionness that god cannot not exist." [00:03:00]

"the simplest conviction that i have for myself is if anything exists now something has always existed or nothing could possibly exist namely if there ever was a time that there was nothing, then manifestly nothing could possibly be now. now i've taught courses on atheism and used the primary sources of some of the most rigorous atheistic and elect intellectuals in history, and i'm amazed at how many of them try to advance the idea of a universe that is self-created, which is manifest nonsense." [00:03:37]

"the question is well he did have to go to hell but the question here is why not for eternity correct that's an excellent question i think that even had jesus gone to hell for eternity in our place uh i'm not sure that would have fully satisfied the ultimate necessary punishment for sin. the way the church has answered that question historically is that the value of christ's satisfaction was based on the fact that he was of personally of infinite value." [00:04:59]

"and only because of his infinite value could he be a substitute as a punishment for infinite crime but even if we go to hell forever we can't experience infinite wrath because we're still finite creatures and so even eternal hell is what i was trying to get at is not enough to balance the scales of justice for the gravity of our sin against god." [00:05:42]

"i answered then the way i'll answer now is that in the final analysis i don't know and i don't think any of us knows what happens to babies who die in infancy or babies who die by abortion and so on there have been many different theories advanced some argued that all infants who die in infancy or die in the womb in this case go to heaven under a special dispensation of grace and we can certainly hope for that but there's not a whole lot of biblical warrant for it." [00:07:15]

"you know i think i have no doubt that it's perfectly legitimate for us to to express not only our needs but our wants as well to the father he invites us to come and to make our requests to him we just had a mission conference here in orlando and our mission speaker was dr mark futado who teaches old testament theology in hebrew at reformed theological seminary and the theme of the conference and of his addresses was the concept of blessedness." [00:16:27]

"and he talks about how god promises to bless his people and to bless them abundantly and as he unpacked the whole concept of blessedness in biblical terms it involved god's great willingness to provide for his people far more than what they necessarily need just simply to survive and so the kind of god that we have in scripture the way in which he encourages us to come to him with our requests and with our thanksgiving always of course submitting to his sovereign will." [00:17:02]

"i think having the assurance of salvation is extremely important for the christian and christian life but i've often said that there are four kinds of people in the world there are those who are saved and who know they're saved there are those who are saved that don't know that they're saved there are those who aren't saved and they know they're not saved so far so good then you get this fourth category that mixes everything up people who aren't saved but know that they are saved." [00:27:19]

"do you love the biblical jesus at all and if you can search your heart and know that yes you have a real affection for the biblical christ and if your theology sound you should be having assurance of salvation because unless god the holy spirit changes the disposition of your heart you have no real affection for the biblical jesus and if you do have a biblical effect affection for the biblical jesus and you'll be regenerated by the holy spirit." [00:28:50]

"i know that the only way you're going to be regenerated by the holy spirit is if you're eternally elected by a sovereign god and if you're elected by a sovereign god eternal you're not going to lose that ever so there's where your theology plays a vital role in your assurance and having assurance and while we're called to have assurance as peter tells us to make your calling election sure is this so that we can live lives of productive obedience and fruitfulness." [00:29:59]

"the bible teaches that we are volitional beings we have a faculty of choosing that we call a will and that will is free to choose what we want and and so we have freedom of the will in the sense that we have the ability to choose what we want to choose our freedom of the will goes that far but in the secular humanist pagan view of free will it teaches that the will has the moral power and ability and disposition to choose equally the things of god or against the things of god." [00:31:51]

"that is there is no fallenness to our humanity now the bible says we still have a will that chooses freely but that will at the same time is in bondage to sin our the desires of our heart are only evil continuously and so i can still do what i want but what i want to do is disobey god and i won't have a disposition to come to the through christ unless the spirit changes the inclinations of my heart which is what all reformed theology teaches." [00:32:48]

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Transcript
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