Understanding Divine Election: Grace Over Human Effort

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Grace as the Source of Faith

God's election is an act of divine grace, not based on foreseen human faith or self-determination. This challenges the common belief that faith is a result of human initiative. Instead, it emphasizes that faith itself is a gift from God, resulting from His sovereign call. This understanding shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace, highlighting that our relationship with God is initiated and sustained by His mercy and love. As you reflect on this, consider how this perspective can transform your understanding of faith and reliance on God's grace in your daily life. [00:50]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and embrace the gift of faith in your life today, recognizing it as a divine gift rather than a personal achievement?

Day 2: God's Knowing as Choosing

In Scripture, the concept of "knowing" often implies choosing or acknowledging, rather than mere awareness. This understanding is crucial in interpreting passages like Romans 8:28-30, where God's foreknowledge is linked to His sovereign choice. This perspective invites us to see God's knowledge as an intimate and purposeful act of choosing, rather than a passive observation. It challenges us to trust in God's intentional and loving choice in our lives, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for each of us. [03:07]

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Reflection: How does understanding God's "knowing" as choosing change your perception of His involvement in your life? Can you identify a specific area where you need to trust in His purposeful choice for you?

Day 3: The Seamless Chain of Salvation

Romans 8:28-30 presents a seamless chain of divine action—foreknowing, predestining, calling, justifying, and glorifying—highlighting that salvation is entirely a work of God, with no room for human self-determination. This sequence underscores the completeness and sovereignty of God's plan for salvation, assuring us that He is in control from beginning to end. It invites us to rest in the assurance that our salvation is secure in His hands, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn or maintain it through our efforts. [07:15]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Reflect on the "chain" of salvation in your life. How can you find peace and assurance in knowing that God is the one who initiates and completes your salvation journey?

Day 4: The Transformative Power of Divine Calling

God's calling is a decisive act that brings about faith, transforming the perception of Christ from a stumbling block to the power and wisdom of God. This calling enables justification, which is by faith—a faith that is a product of God's grace. It highlights the transformative power of God's call in our lives, changing our hearts and minds to see and embrace the truth of the Gospel. This transformation is not something we achieve on our own but is a result of God's gracious intervention. [09:06]

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV): "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. 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."

Reflection: How has God's calling transformed your understanding of Christ and the Gospel? Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to allow His transformative power to work more fully?

Day 5: Salvation as a Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:4-9 emphasizes that salvation is by grace, not by works, and that faith is a gift from God. This underscores the notion that our election is not based on our initiative but on God's sovereign choice, inspiring daily praise for His grace. It reminds us that our salvation is not something we can earn or deserve but is a generous gift from a loving God. This understanding should lead us to a posture of gratitude and worship, recognizing the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. [12:19]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the gift of salvation in your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to express your thankfulness for God's grace?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into the profound mystery of God's election, as outlined in Ephesians 1:3-6. The central theme is the understanding that God's choosing of individuals is not based on foreseen faith or human self-determination. Instead, it is an act of divine grace, independent of any merit or decision on our part. This challenges the view that God’s election is contingent upon His foreknowledge of our faith, suggesting instead that faith itself is a gift from God, resulting from His sovereign call.

We explore the biblical concept of "knowing," which often implies choosing or acknowledging, rather than mere cognitive awareness. This is illustrated through various scriptural examples, such as Genesis 18:17 and Amos 3:2, where God's "knowing" signifies a special recognition or favor. This understanding is crucial in interpreting Romans 8:28-30, where the sequence of foreknowing, predestining, calling, justifying, and glorifying is presented as a seamless chain of divine action, with no room for human self-determination.

The sermon emphasizes that the calling of God is a decisive act that brings about faith, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24. This calling transforms the perception of Christ from a stumbling block to the power and wisdom of God. It is this divine calling that enables justification, which is by faith—a faith that is itself a product of God's grace.

Acts 13:48 further supports this view, showing that belief follows divine appointment to eternal life. This underscores the notion that our election is not based on our initiative but on God's sovereign choice. Ephesians 2:4-9 reinforces this by highlighting that salvation is by grace, not by works, and that faith is a gift from God, not a result of human effort.

In conclusion, the doctrine of election is a testament to the glory of God's grace, which should inspire daily praise and gratitude. It is a reminder that our salvation is entirely dependent on God's initiative and mercy, not on our own abilities or decisions.

Key Takeaways

1. determined faith, emphasizing that faith itself is a gift from God, resulting from His sovereign call. [00:50]
2. Biblical Understanding of "Knowing": In Scripture, "knowing" often implies choosing or acknowledging, rather than mere awareness. This understanding is crucial in interpreting passages like Romans 8:28-30, where God's foreknowledge is linked to His sovereign choice.

3. The Golden Chain of Salvation: Romans 8:28-30 presents a seamless chain of divine action—foreknowing, predestining, calling, justifying, and glorifying—highlighting that salvation is entirely a work of God, with no room for human self-determination.

4. The Role of Divine Calling: God's calling is a decisive act that brings about faith, transforming the perception of Christ from a stumbling block to the power and wisdom of God. This calling enables justification, which is by faith—a faith that is a product of God's grace.

5. Salvation by Grace: Ephesians 2:4-9 emphasizes that salvation is by grace, not by works, and that faith is a gift from God. This underscores the notion that our election is not based on our initiative but on God's sovereign choice, inspiring daily praise for His grace.

** [00:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to Election
[00:50] - Challenging Foreseen Faith
[01:11] - The Role of Prevenient Grace
[02:04] - Romans 8:28-30 Analysis
[03:07] - Biblical Meaning of "Knowing"
[04:13] - Examples from Genesis and Amos
[05:13] - English Analogies for "Knowing"
[06:36] - The Golden Chain of Salvation
[07:31] - The Decisive Work of Calling
[08:52] - Calling and Justification
[09:40] - Chosen for Faith
[10:16] - Acts 13:48 and Divine Appointment
[11:16] - Grace and Salvation
[12:19] - Faith as a Gift from God
[13:26] - Conclusion and Future Sessions

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 1:3-6
Romans 8:28-30
Ephesians 2:4-9

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Observation Questions:

According to Ephesians 1:3-6, what is the basis of God's election of individuals? How does this passage describe the nature of God's blessings? [00:17]
In Romans 8:28-30, what sequence of actions does Paul describe, and how do these actions relate to the concept of divine election? [02:04]
How does Ephesians 2:4-9 describe the role of grace in salvation, and what does it say about human effort in this process? [11:28]
What examples from Genesis and Amos are used in the sermon to illustrate the biblical concept of "knowing"? How do these examples help clarify the meaning of God's foreknowledge? [03:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon challenge the view that God's election is based on foreseen human faith? What implications does this have for understanding the nature of faith? [00:50]
In what way does the sermon describe the "Golden Chain of Salvation" in Romans 8:28-30, and how does this concept emphasize the role of divine action over human self-determination? [07:15]
How does the sermon explain the transformation of perception regarding Christ from a stumbling block to the power and wisdom of God? What role does divine calling play in this transformation? [09:06]
According to the sermon, how does Acts 13:48 support the idea that belief follows divine appointment? What does this suggest about the nature of faith and election? [10:16]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the idea that faith is a gift from God. How does this perspective change the way you view your own faith journey? What steps can you take to express gratitude for this gift in your daily life? [12:19]
The sermon emphasizes that salvation is by grace, not by works. How does this understanding affect your approach to spiritual disciplines and good works? Are there areas where you might be relying too much on your own efforts? [11:28]
Consider the biblical concept of "knowing" as choosing or acknowledging. How does this understanding influence your perception of God's relationship with you? In what ways can you respond to this divine acknowledgment in your life? [03:23]
The sermon suggests that God's calling transforms our perception of Christ. Can you recall a time when your understanding of Christ shifted significantly? What factors contributed to this change, and how can you remain open to further transformation? [09:06]
How does the notion of the "Golden Chain of Salvation" provide assurance in your faith journey? In what ways can you remind yourself of God's sovereign work in your life during times of doubt or struggle? [07:15]
Reflect on the idea that belief follows divine appointment. How does this shape your understanding of evangelism and sharing your faith with others? What practical steps can you take to align your approach with this perspective? [10:16]
The sermon concludes with a call to praise God's grace daily. What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship for God's grace? [13:11]

Sermon Clips

I want to argue against the view that the particular electing of individuals here happened on the basis of our foreknown faith. The people who argue for that position argue for it assuming, indeed requiring, that the faith that is foreknown is faith that we are decisive in bringing to pass. [00:50:43]

The biblical understanding of knowing, God knowing something, is not merely cognition like we understand it. Let me give you some illustrations. I'm arguing here now that knowing is used in the Bible for choosing or acknowledging. Here we go, Genesis 18:17, the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" [00:03:09]

God is aware of, in the sense of knowing, all the families of the earth, but he has known you only, meaning I have set my favor on you only. I have acknowledged you only. I have recognized you only as mine. Or here's Psalm 1: "The wicked will not stand in the judgment." [00:04:26]

The chain here, this golden chain, nobody drops out. All the predestined are called, all the called are justified, all the justified are glorified. Nobody drops out. This is how God saves us. He does the decisive work. Now notice, all the called are justified. [00:07:11]

The calling here, therefore, is a decisive work of God to secure our faith because only people of faith are justified, right? We are justified by faith, Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1. We're only justified by faith, but all the called are justified, so the calling here brings about the faith. [00:07:45]

To those who are called, Jews and Greeks, he is Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The calling enables some hearers to see Christ not as a stumbling block and not as folly but as the very power of God. That calling is the calling of Romans 8. [00:08:46]

The call of God that decisively brings it about, which means that when he chose us here, he chose to give us faith. We're chosen for faith, not on the basis of faith that we produce and God only recognizes, and that's really clear here in Acts 13:48. [00:09:40]

As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. This is the chosen of Ephesians 1:4. If they were appointed by God to eternal life, they believed. The believing is preceded and enabled by a divine appointment. So I come back here and I say the proposal, the suggestion. [00:10:03]

We are chosen freely, without reference to anything in us, which is why it's all going to abound to the glory of the grace of God. And here is the clincher over in chapter 2. God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead. [00:11:06]

By grace you have been saved through faith. This is not your own doing. This faith, this grace, this salvation is not your own doing. It is the gift of God. Faith is a gift of God, and I know that this here is neuter and these two are feminine in the Greek. [00:12:16]

Our election and how we get into Christ is not by us being alive, but we were dead. It's by God making us alive so that we are now in Christ from the foundation of the world so that the glory of grace should be our daily praise. [00:13:03]

For by grace you have been saved because grace made you alive so that you aren't dead and unable to respond in love and praise and faith and joy. By grace you have been saved through faith. This is not your own doing. It is the gift of God. [00:12:25]

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Understanding Divine Election: Grace Over Human Effort

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Grace as the Source of Faith

Day 2: God's Knowing as Choosing

Day 3: The Seamless Chain of Salvation

Day 4: The Transformative Power of Divine Calling

Day 5: Salvation as a Gift of Grace

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding Divine Election: Grace Over Human Effort

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