Marveling at God's Sovereign Election and Grace

 

Summary

In this gathering, I shared my journey of discovering the profound truth of God's sovereign election and how it led me to a deeper understanding of the grace and glory of Jesus Christ. This is not about theological labels like Calvinism but about the centrality of Christ in God's eternal plan. Before we chose Christ, He chose us, and this truth is rooted in the Scriptures, particularly in Romans 8 and John 6. The focus is on God's eternal plan to save His people for His glory, which is the basis for Christ's saving work, the foundation of the covenant of grace, and the ground of our hope in the gospel.

The doctrine of God's sovereign election is not a cause for controversy but a source of heart-stopping wonder and worship. As Paul concludes in Romans 11, the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge are unsearchable, leading us to marvel at His grace. This understanding should not lead to pride but to humility and awe at God's grace in Christ. The gospel is not about defending doctrines but about proclaiming the grace and glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the obedient Servant of God, fulfilling the Father's will to redeem a world of lost sinners. His life, death, and resurrection are the outworking of God's eternal plan. Our salvation is anchored in the invincible purpose of the triune God, and all our hope lies outside of ourselves in Christ. It is not electing love that saves us but Jesus Christ, the gift of that love. Our hope is built on His blood and righteousness, not on our efforts or theological understanding.

The greatest comfort for believers is knowing that our salvation rests on the unchanging nature of God's electing love, sealed in the blood of the everlasting covenant. John Owen emphasized that many Christians fail to grasp the grace of the Father's love in Christ. Jesus did not come to win the Father's love for us; He came as the gift of that love. This everlasting love is the pillow on which we rest our heads, and it is the source of our heart-stopping wonder and worship.

Key Takeaways:

- God's sovereign election is not a theological controversy but a source of profound wonder and worship. It leads us to marvel at the grace and glory of God in Christ, as Paul expressed in Romans 11. This understanding should humble us and fill us with awe. [05:30]

- Jesus Christ is the obedient Servant of God, fulfilling the Father's will to redeem sinners. His life, death, and resurrection are the outworking of God's eternal plan, and our salvation is anchored in the invincible purpose of the triune God. [10:49]

- Our hope is not in our efforts or theological understanding but in Jesus Christ, the gift of God's electing love. He is the ground of our hope, and His finished work on the cross is the foundation of our salvation. [22:19]

- The greatest comfort for believers is knowing that our salvation rests on the unchanging nature of God's electing love, sealed in the blood of the everlasting covenant. This everlasting love is the source of our heart-stopping wonder and worship. [30:16]

- Jesus Christ did not come to win the Father's love for us; He came as the gift of that love. Understanding this truth transforms our relationship with God and fills us with gratitude for His grace and mercy. [38:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Discovering Calvinism
- [01:11] - Chosen in Christ
- [02:10] - Grace and Glory of God
- [02:56] - God's Eternal Plan
- [03:38] - Bread of Life
- [04:31] - Sovereign Election
- [05:30] - Heart-Stopping Wonder
- [06:10] - Depths of the Gospel
- [07:56] - Electing Love
- [09:48] - Jesus' Obedience
- [10:49] - Servant of God
- [13:41] - Covenant of Grace
- [15:44] - Triune God
- [18:27] - Foundation of Hope
- [22:19] - Ground of Our Hope
- [30:16] - Comfort in Doctrine
- [38:15] - Gift of the Father's Love
- [45:10] - Sovereign Kindness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:28-30
- John 6:35-40
- Romans 11:33-36

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 6:35-40, what does Jesus declare about Himself and His mission? How does this relate to the concept of God's sovereign election? [03:38]

2. According to Romans 8:28-30, what is the sequence of events that God has predestined for those who love Him? How does this passage support the idea of God's eternal plan? [19:18]

3. In Romans 11:33-36, how does Paul describe the wisdom and knowledge of God? What is his response to these attributes? [05:30]

4. How does the sermon describe Jesus' role as the obedient Servant of God, and what biblical evidence supports this description? [10:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of God's sovereign election as a source of wonder and worship, rather than controversy, change one's perspective on salvation? [05:30]

2. What does it mean that our hope is "extra nos," or outside of ourselves, and how does this concept challenge common beliefs about personal effort in salvation? [19:18]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between God's electing love and Jesus Christ as the gift of that love? Why is this distinction important for understanding the gospel? [22:19]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding the Father's love in Christ can transform a believer's relationship with God? [38:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How does the concept of God's sovereign election and everlasting love provide comfort in such moments? [41:25]

2. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus did not come to win the Father's love for us but as the gift of that love. How does this understanding affect your view of the cross and your relationship with God? [38:15]

3. Consider the idea that all our hope lies outside of ourselves in Christ. How can this perspective influence the way you approach challenges in your faith journey? [19:18]

4. How can you cultivate a heart of wonder and worship in response to God's sovereign election, as Paul did in Romans 11:33-36? What practical steps can you take to deepen your awe of God's grace? [05:30]

5. The sermon suggests that many Christians are not fully acquainted with their privileges in Christ. What steps can you take to better understand and embrace these privileges in your daily life? [32:24]

6. How does the understanding of Jesus as the obedient Servant of God inspire you to live a life of obedience to God's will? What specific areas of your life might need alignment with this calling? [10:49]

7. Reflect on the statement, "Everlasting love shall be the pillow on which I rest my head tonight." How can you make this truth a reality in your life, especially during times of uncertainty or doubt? [41:25]

Devotional

Day 1: The Wonder of God's Sovereign Election
God's sovereign election is a profound truth that invites believers into a deeper sense of wonder and worship. It is not a doctrine meant to divide or cause controversy but to lead us to marvel at the grace and glory of God in Christ. As Paul reflects in Romans 11, the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge are unsearchable, and this understanding should humble us and fill us with awe. The realization that God chose us before we chose Him is a testament to His grace and love, which should inspire a heart-stopping wonder in our spiritual journey. [05:30]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of wonder and awe in your daily life as you reflect on the truth of God's sovereign election?


Day 2: Christ, the Obedient Servant of God's Eternal Plan
Jesus Christ is the obedient Servant of God, fulfilling the Father's will to redeem a world of lost sinners. His life, death, and resurrection are the outworking of God's eternal plan, demonstrating the invincible purpose of the triune God. Our salvation is not based on our efforts or understanding but is anchored in the work of Christ, who perfectly executed the Father's will. This truth reminds us that our hope lies outside of ourselves and is firmly rooted in the finished work of Jesus. [10:49]

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily actions with the example of Christ's obedience to God's will?


Day 3: The Gift of God's Electing Love in Christ
Our hope is not in our efforts or theological understanding but in Jesus Christ, the gift of God's electing love. He is the ground of our hope, and His finished work on the cross is the foundation of our salvation. This understanding shifts the focus from human efforts to divine grace, emphasizing that it is not electing love that saves us but Jesus Christ, the embodiment of that love. Our faith rests on His blood and righteousness, providing a secure foundation for our spiritual journey. [22:19]

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily that your hope and salvation are grounded in Christ's finished work rather than your own efforts?


Day 4: Comfort in the Unchanging Nature of God's Love
The greatest comfort for believers is knowing that our salvation rests on the unchanging nature of God's electing love, sealed in the blood of the everlasting covenant. This everlasting love is the source of our heart-stopping wonder and worship, providing a secure foundation for our faith. Understanding that Jesus came as the gift of the Father's love, not to win it, transforms our relationship with God and fills us with gratitude for His grace and mercy. [30:16]

"But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children." (Psalm 103:17, ESV)

Reflection: What specific aspect of God's unchanging love brings you the most comfort, and how can you rest in that truth today?


Day 5: Jesus, the Gift of the Father's Love
Jesus Christ did not come to win the Father's love for us; He came as the gift of that love. This truth transforms our relationship with God, emphasizing that His love is not something to be earned but is freely given through Christ. Understanding this profound reality fills us with gratitude and compels us to live in response to His grace and mercy. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is based on His initiative and love, not our performance. [38:15]

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you express gratitude today for the gift of Jesus as the manifestation of the Father's love in your life?

Quotes

"I've discovered that before I chose Christ, He chose me." And one of the office bearers, a little crossly, said to me, "That's Calvinism!" But not knowing what Calvinism was, I said, "No, I read it in Romans chapter 8." I say that, only now, to say this: that this address is not about Calvinism. It is about the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in Christ that God chose us from before the foundation of the world. [00:01:11]

For the apostle Paul, the doctrine of God's sovereign election of sinners to salvation in Christ was never a cause for controversy or perplexity, but rather for heart-stopping wonder and worship. As Paul comes to the end of his magisterial exposition of the gospel in Romans chapter 11, he concludes with those magnificent words: "Oh, the depth both of the riches and of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His paths are beyond tracing out!" [00:05:30]

Jesus affirms that He has come into the world to fulfill the will of the heavenly Father, to fulfill His eternal plan to redeem a world of lost, judgment-deserving sinners. If you're ever to make sense of the life, and ministry, and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, you will need to understand that He is where He is as the obedient Servant of God. [00:10:49]

To say, then, that Jesus Christ is the foundation of God's saving decree is to say simply that God's eternal plan of salvation was laid in Christ to be accomplished by Christ. He is the heart, the core, and the glory of the covenant of redemption. God chose us in Him from before the foundation of the world, and the sovereign decree of God, in Christ, is the foundation of all His saving counsels regarding His children. [00:18:27]

Your salvation is impregnably anchored in the invincible, eternal, sure purpose of the triune God. And that is to say this: that all your hope lies outside of yourself. All your hope is extra nos, "outside of you." There is nothing of any value, hope, or worth in you. All of your hope, if you are a Christian at all, lies outside of you in the glory of the triune God. [00:20:23]

What then actually is the ground of our hope in the gospel? What actually is it, if it can be narrowed down at all? If it can be concentrated in the fewest of words, what actually is the ground of our hope in the gospel? Now, I've been saying that salvation comes to us from the electing love of God. And it does. [00:22:19]

It is not electing love that saved you; it was Jesus Christ, the gift of the Father's electing love, who saved you. This is not an arcane, sophisticated theological distinction. It is not electing love per se that saves. It is Jesus Christ, the gift of the electing love of God, who saves. He is the ground of our hope, and He alone. [00:22:59]

The greatest hindrance we have in the Christian life is not our lack of effort, but our lack of acquaintedness with our privileges. And what greater privilege do we have than Jesus Christ? He is, Himself, the gospel. The gospel isn't something that God gives to us through His Son; Jesus Christ Himself is the Good News. [00:33:15]

Jesus Christ did not come to win the love of the Father for us; He came as the gift of the Father's love to us. He said, "I'm not sure I have really grasped that before." And I think that's probably true for many Christians. We look at the cross and we think that, by His cross, Jesus Christ has won for us the approbation of the Father. [00:38:15]

The best proof that God will never cease to love us lies in that He never began. Now, I stopped. Everything else stood still for me, actually, in that conference. And I played those words over, and over, and over again in my mind -- "The best proof that God will never cease to love me lies in that He never began." [00:40:00]

Everlasting love shall be the pillow on which I rest my head tonight. That lies at the heart of the divine election. And that's why, throughout the ages of eternity, will this not be true of you as, please God, it will be true of me. We will ever be asking, "Why, Oh Lord, such love to me?" [00:42:06]

I left that church a new man in Christ, a young boy. God saved me. My friend left unmoved, unchanged and, as far as I know, to this day remains the same. Why me? Why me? Sovereign, sovereign, electing kindness. And so what is the great note of people who believe in sovereign, electing love? Heart-stopping wonder, worship, and thankfulness. [00:45:10]

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Transcript
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