Exploring God's Nature and Assurance in Faith

 

Summary

In our evening of theology and dialogue, we explored a range of profound questions that touch on the core of Christian doctrine and practice. We began by discussing the nature of God, emphasizing that God's nature makes it impossible for Him to lie, highlighting His eternal and immutable character. This segued into a discussion on the greatest challenge to biblical Christianity today, which Dr. Thomas identified as idolatry—the human heart's tendency to create idols, as Calvin described it, a perpetual factory of idols.

We also tackled the assurance of salvation, affirming that Christians are not only able but called to have assurance, as it provides stability in personal growth and obedience. This assurance is rooted in the biblical basis for authentic assurance, which serves as an anchor for our souls. The question of whether Adam and Eve were saved was addressed, with the consensus being that they were recipients of the covenant of grace, implying their inclusion among the faithful.

The dialogue also delved into the contentious issue of head coverings in the church, where Dr. Sproul argued that the Apostle Paul's injunction is rooted in creation, making it transcultural and applicable beyond the contemporary customs of Corinth. This was followed by a discussion on the personification of wisdom as female, humorously attributed to the inherent wisdom observed in women.

A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to the relationship between Christianity and Islam, particularly whether Muslims and Christians worship the same God. Both Dr. Sproul and Dr. Thomas emphasized the distinctiveness of the Christian God, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, which Islam does not acknowledge, thus concluding that the two faiths do not worship the same God.

The evening concluded with reflections on the hope for another awakening in our day, drawing parallels to the Reformation and the transformative power of the gospel. Dr. Sproul shared personal insights on suffering, emphasizing the peace and comfort found in the Word of God and the sovereignty of God in all circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

- The Immutability of God: God's nature is such that He cannot lie, highlighting His eternal and unchanging character. This understanding of God's nature provides a foundation for trust and faith in His promises. [03:14]

- Idolatry as a Perpetual Challenge: The human heart is described as an idol factory, constantly creating substitutes for God. This challenge requires vigilance and a continual return to the true worship of God, as idolatry can subtly infiltrate even the most devout believer's life. [03:35]

- Assurance of Salvation: Christians are called to have assurance of their salvation, which is not only possible but necessary for spiritual stability and growth. This assurance is grounded in the biblical promise and serves as an anchor for the soul amidst life's uncertainties. [04:05]

- The Distinctiveness of the Christian God: The Christian understanding of God, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, sets it apart from other faiths, including Islam. This distinctiveness is crucial in maintaining the integrity of Christian doctrine and resisting the pressures of pluralism. [18:36]

- Hope for Revival: Despite the darkness in the world, there is hope for revival and awakening, as seen in historical movements like the Reformation. The power of the gospel to transform lives and societies remains a source of hope and encouragement for believers today. [37:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Introduction and Online Engagement
- [00:51] - Audience Participation and Questions
- [01:22] - Introduction of Dr. Derek Thomas
- [02:18] - Lightning Round Introduction
- [02:46] - Nature of God and Truth
- [03:14] - Assurance of Salvation
- [04:35] - Salvation of Adam and Eve
- [05:04] - Head Coverings and Cultural Context
- [07:01] - Favorite Hymns
- [08:00] - Dating Biblical Texts
- [10:37] - Understanding the Trinity
- [13:12] - Church and State Relations
- [16:37] - Wisdom Personified as Female
- [18:04] - Worshiping the Same God
- [19:44] - Apologetics and Relativism
- [22:21] - Ability to Sin and Jesus
- [25:35] - Hope for Prodigal Children
- [28:48] - Eschatological Views of Reformers
- [32:57] - Addressing Prosperity Preachers
- [33:28] - Difficult Doctrines
- [35:41] - Hope for Awakening
- [37:47] - Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins
- [39:33] - Finding a Good Church
- [43:13] - Reasons to Leave a Church
- [44:24] - Incarnation and Immutability
- [46:41] - Atonement and the Non-Elect
- [48:10] - Inerrancy of Scripture
- [49:30] - Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
- [52:56] - Idolatry and Theology
- [56:26] - Surprised by Suffering
- [59:29] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Titus 1:2 - "In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began."
2. 1 John 5:13 - "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
3. Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the nature of God that makes it impossible for Him to lie? ([02:46])
2. How does Dr. Thomas describe the human heart in relation to idolatry? ([03:35])
3. What is the biblical basis for Christians having assurance of salvation, as discussed in the sermon? ([04:05])
4. How does the sermon address the question of whether Muslims and Christians worship the same God? ([18:04])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the immutability of God provide a foundation for trust and faith in His promises? ([03:14])
2. In what ways can idolatry subtly infiltrate a believer's life, and why is vigilance necessary? ([03:35])
3. What role does assurance of salvation play in a Christian's spiritual stability and growth? ([04:05])
4. How does the distinctiveness of the Christian God, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, set Christianity apart from other faiths? ([18:36])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's promises. How can understanding His immutable nature help you in similar situations in the future? ([03:14])
2. Identify a potential "idol" in your life that might be taking the place of God. What steps can you take to address this? ([03:35])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper assurance of your salvation in your daily walk with God? What practical steps can you take this week? ([04:05])
4. In what ways can you engage in meaningful conversations with people of other faiths while maintaining the distinctiveness of your Christian beliefs? ([18:36])
5. Consider the current state of the world and the church. What role can you play in fostering hope for revival and awakening in your community? ([37:03])
6. How can you find peace and comfort in God's Word during times of personal suffering or uncertainty? ([56:26])
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on God's sovereignty. How can you practice surrendering that area to Him this week? ([59:06])

Devotional

Day 1: The Unchanging Nature of God
God's nature is eternal and immutable, meaning He cannot lie or change. This understanding provides a foundation for trust and faith in His promises. When believers grasp the immutability of God, they find stability and assurance in their relationship with Him. This characteristic of God assures us that His promises are reliable and His character is consistent, offering a solid foundation for our faith. In a world where change is constant, the unchanging nature of God is a source of comfort and hope. [03:14]

"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" (Numbers 23:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's unchanging nature? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 2: Guarding Against Idolatry
The human heart is described as an idol factory, constantly creating substitutes for God. This challenge requires vigilance and a continual return to the true worship of God. Idolatry can subtly infiltrate even the most devout believer's life, manifesting in various forms such as materialism, relationships, or personal ambitions. Recognizing and dismantling these idols is crucial for maintaining a pure and devoted heart towards God. By identifying and addressing these idols, believers can cultivate a deeper and more authentic relationship with God. [03:35]

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (1 John 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: What are some potential idols in your life that may be taking the place of God? How can you actively work to remove these idols and refocus your worship on Him?


Day 3: Assurance of Salvation
Christians are called to have assurance of their salvation, which is not only possible but necessary for spiritual stability and growth. This assurance is grounded in the biblical promise and serves as an anchor for the soul amidst life's uncertainties. When believers have confidence in their salvation, they experience peace and motivation to grow in their faith and obedience. This assurance is not based on personal merit but on the finished work of Christ, providing a secure foundation for a life of faith. [04:05]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: Do you have assurance of your salvation? If not, what steps can you take to seek this assurance and anchor your soul in God's promises?


Day 4: The Distinctiveness of the Christian God
The Christian understanding of God, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, sets it apart from other faiths, including Islam. This distinctiveness is crucial in maintaining the integrity of Christian doctrine and resisting the pressures of pluralism. The Trinity reveals the complexity and relational nature of God, emphasizing the unique Christian belief in one God in three persons. Understanding and embracing this doctrine helps believers appreciate the depth of their faith and the uniqueness of their relationship with God. [18:36]

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How does the doctrine of the Trinity shape your understanding of God and your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of this foundational belief?


Day 5: Hope for Revival
Despite the darkness in the world, there is hope for revival and awakening, as seen in historical movements like the Reformation. The power of the gospel to transform lives and societies remains a source of hope and encouragement for believers today. By looking to the past, believers can find inspiration and motivation to pray and work towards a new awakening in their own time. This hope is rooted in the belief that God is still at work, bringing about transformation and renewal through His Spirit and Word. [37:03]

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to contribute to spiritual revival in your community? How can you be a catalyst for change and transformation through the power of the gospel?

Quotes


SPROUL: That's an easy one. His nature makes it impossible for Him to lie. He doesn't have to make a choice about it. That's just who He is eternally and immutably. [00:03:07]

THOMAS: You know, one is tempted to say that the challenge to Christianity is the same today as it always has been. And that is idolatry, the tendency, as Calvin said, that man's heart is an idol factory, a perpetual factory of idols. And I think that's always been the challenge to Christianity. [00:03:35]

SPROUL: I think not only can they have, but we are called to have it. We are called to make our calling and election sure, and the follow up reason that the Apostle Peter gives there is that for stability in personal growth and obedience. A lot of people think that it's not possible to have assurance but, and there is such a thing as false assurance, but the Bible provides a basis for authentic assurance, and we need that as an anchor for our souls. [00:04:00]

SPROUL: Well, one way you could look at it is to say there is only one God, Yahweh. And so, you could say that every form of pagan worship is a worship of the one true God, though a distorted, corrupted style of worship that goes back to the first question of idolatry. But if you mean that the content of the theology of Islam with respect to the nature and being of God is the same as you find in the Christian view of the understanding of the being and character of God, I would say that there's very little resemblance between the two. And so the simple answer would be "No, we don't worship the same God." [00:18:36]

SPROUL: I'm a Calvinist. How can I not be hopeful, you know? And I see all kinds of encouraging signs of revitalization of the church in our own day. At the same time, on the other side of the of the spectrum we see dreadful decay in the life of the church and so many things being eclipsed that are vital to the truth of Christianity. But again, you have to have a scope beyond the United States. Worldwide, there's all kinds of resurgence of powerful Christianity that I see, and I'm encouraged by it. [00:36:01]

SPROUL: Well, certainly, there've been lots of people, or are lots of people, who've suffered a whole lot more than I have in the last year, but I have had some serious health issues in the last year, and I have been reminded frequently of my own work there on that book Surprised By Suffering and go back to my own advice that I gave to others and give it to myself. And on a practical level, one of my favorite experiences is daily to pray the Lord's Prayer, excuse me, that, but the 23rd Psalm as well because I just have to remember who I am, who God is, that He is my Shepherd, and therefore there's no reason for me to want anything, you know? He takes me where He wants me to be, beside the still waters, in the green pastures, and He restores my soul. And even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I don't have to be afraid of anything because, why? He's with me. [00:56:26]

SPROUL: I think not only can they have, but we are called to have it. We are called to make our calling and election sure, and the follow up reason that the Apostle Peter gives there is that for stability in personal growth and obedience. A lot of people think that it's not possible to have assurance but, and there is such a thing as false assurance, but the Bible provides a basis for authentic assurance, and we need that as an anchor for our souls. [00:04:00]

SPROUL: Well, one way you could look at it is to say there is only one God, Yahweh. And so, you could say that every form of pagan worship is a worship of the one true God, though a distorted, corrupted style of worship that goes back to the first question of idolatry. But if you mean that the content of the theology of Islam with respect to the nature and being of God is the same as you find in the Christian view of the understanding of the being and character of God, I would say that there's very little resemblance between the two. And so the simple answer would be "No, we don't worship the same God." [00:18:36]

SPROUL: I'm a Calvinist. How can I not be hopeful, you know? And I see all kinds of encouraging signs of revitalization of the church in our own day. At the same time, on the other side of the of the spectrum we see dreadful decay in the life of the church and so many things being eclipsed that are vital to the truth of Christianity. But again, you have to have a scope beyond the United States. Worldwide, there's all kinds of resurgence of powerful Christianity that I see, and I'm encouraged by it. [00:36:01]

SPROUL: Well, certainly, there've been lots of people, or are lots of people, who've suffered a whole lot more than I have in the last year, but I have had some serious health issues in the last year, and I have been reminded frequently of my own work there on that book Surprised By Suffering and go back to my own advice that I gave to others and give it to myself. And on a practical level, one of my favorite experiences is daily to pray the Lord's Prayer, excuse me, that, but the 23rd Psalm as well because I just have to remember who I am, who God is, that He is my Shepherd, and therefore there's no reason for me to want anything, you know? He takes me where He wants me to be, beside the still waters, in the green pastures, and He restores my soul. And even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I don't have to be afraid of anything because, why? He's with me. [00:56:26]

SPROUL: I think not only can they have, but we are called to have it. We are called to make our calling and election sure, and the follow up reason that the Apostle Peter gives there is that for stability in personal growth and obedience. A lot of people think that it's not possible to have assurance but, and there is such a thing as false assurance, but the Bible provides a basis for authentic assurance, and we need that as an anchor for our souls. [00:04:00]

SPROUL: Well, one way you could look at it is to say there is only one God, Yahweh. And so, you could say that every form of pagan worship is a worship of the one true God, though a distorted, corrupted style of worship that goes back to the first question of idolatry. But if you mean that the content of the theology of Islam with respect to the nature and being of God is the same as you find in the Christian view of the understanding of the being and character of God, I would say that there's very little resemblance between the two. And so the simple answer would be "No, we don't worship the same God." [00:18:36]

SPROUL: I'm a Calvinist. How can I not be hopeful, you know? And I see all kinds of encouraging signs of revitalization of the church in our own day. At the same time, on the other side of the of the spectrum we see dreadful decay in the life of the church and so many things being eclipsed that are vital to the truth of Christianity. But again, you have to have a scope beyond the United States. Worldwide, there's all kinds of resurgence of powerful Christianity that I see, and I'm encouraged by it. [00:36:01]

SPROUL: Well, certainly, there've been lots of people, or are lots of people, who've suffered a whole lot more than I have in the last year, but I have had some serious health issues in the last year, and I have been reminded frequently of my own work there on that book Surprised By Suffering and go back to my own advice that I gave to others and give it to myself. And on a practical level, one of my favorite experiences is daily to pray the Lord's Prayer, excuse me, that, but the 23rd Psalm as well because I just have to remember who I am, who God is, that He is my Shepherd, and therefore there's no reason for me to want anything, you know? He takes me where He wants me to be, beside the still waters, in the green pastures, and He restores my soul. And even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I don't have to be afraid of anything because, why? He's with me. [00:56:26]

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Transcript
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