Understanding God's Nature: Glory, Free Will, and Eternity

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into several profound theological concepts that are central to our faith and understanding of God. We began by exploring the distinction between the visible and invisible Church. The visible Church comprises all who profess faith in Jesus Christ, while the invisible Church consists of all true believers across all ages. This distinction is crucial because it reminds us that mere membership in a congregation does not guarantee a saving relationship with Christ. The visible Church can face God's judgment, but the invisible Church, united with Christ, is shielded from His punitive wrath.

We also tackled the challenging question of why God seeks His own glory. It is not selfish for God to seek His glory because He is the most perfect being, and His glory is the greatest good. Unlike humans, who seek glory out of arrogance, God's pursuit of glory is consistent with His righteousness and holiness. We are called to reflect His glory, not to claim it for ourselves.

The discussion then shifted to the nature of God's foreknowledge and human free will. God's foreknowledge does not negate human freedom. Instead, it operates in a way that allows for human choices while fulfilling His divine purposes. This understanding helps us reconcile God's sovereignty with our responsibility.

We also addressed the doctrine of annihilationism, which suggests that the wicked are ultimately destroyed rather than eternally punished. This view, however, undermines the biblical teaching of eternal punishment and the eternal blessed state of believers. Jesus Himself taught more about hell than heaven, emphasizing the reality of eternal consequences.

Finally, we considered the unpredictability of God from a human perspective. While God's nature and promises are consistent, His ways often surprise us. Our limited understanding can make His actions seem unpredictable, but His faithfulness to His promises remains steadfast.

Key Takeaways:

1. Visible vs. Invisible Church: The visible Church includes all who profess faith, but the invisible Church consists of true believers. This distinction highlights the importance of genuine faith and warns against assuming salvation based solely on church membership. True believers are shielded from God's punitive wrath, emphasizing the need for a personal relationship with Christ. [01:29]

2. God's Glory: God's pursuit of His own glory is not selfish but is consistent with His perfect nature. Unlike human arrogance, God's glory is the ultimate good, and we are called to reflect it. This understanding challenges us to align our lives with His righteousness and holiness. [04:24]

3. Foreknowledge and Free Will: God's foreknowledge does not eliminate human freedom. Instead, it allows for our choices while fulfilling His divine purposes. This balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility encourages us to trust in God's plan while actively living out our faith. [11:41]

4. Eternal Consequences: The doctrine of annihilationism contradicts the biblical teaching of eternal punishment. Jesus emphasized the reality of hell, reminding us of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. This understanding calls us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the salvation offered through Christ. [20:14]

5. Unpredictability of God: While God's nature and promises are consistent, His ways often surprise us. Our limited understanding can make His actions seem unpredictable, but His faithfulness remains. This encourages us to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when we don't understand His methods. [27:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Visible vs. Invisible Church
- [01:29] - God's Judgment and Wrath
- [03:13] - God's Glory and Righteousness
- [05:24] - Human Glory and Reflection
- [08:21] - God's Foreknowledge and Free Will
- [11:41] - Divine and Human Interaction
- [14:47] - Free Will and Human Nature
- [18:30] - Annihilationism and Eternal Punishment
- [21:13] - The Reality of Hell
- [26:37] - Unpredictability of God
- [30:12] - Open Theism and God's Knowledge
- [35:08] - The Nature of God
- [38:54] - Denominational Differences
- [45:10] - Handling Theological Disagreements

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
2. Isaiah 42:8 - "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."
3. Romans 8:29-30 - "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."

Observation Questions:
1. What is the distinction between the visible and invisible Church as discussed in the sermon? How does this distinction relate to the concept of true believers? [00:46]
2. How does the sermon explain God's pursuit of His own glory, and how is it different from human pursuit of glory? [04:24]
3. According to the sermon, how does God's foreknowledge interact with human free will? [11:41]
4. What does the sermon say about the doctrine of annihilationism and its contradiction with biblical teachings on eternal punishment? [20:14]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the distinction between the visible and invisible Church challenge our understanding of church membership and personal faith? [01:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's pursuit of glory is consistent with His righteousness and holiness? How does this understanding affect our view of God's character? [04:24]
3. How does the sermon reconcile the concept of God's foreknowledge with human responsibility and freedom? What implications does this have for our daily decision-making? [11:41]
4. How does the sermon address the seriousness of sin and the reality of eternal consequences? What does this mean for our understanding of salvation and repentance? [20:14]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not just based on church membership? What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with Christ? [01:29]
2. Consider how you seek glory in your own life. Are there areas where you might be trying to claim glory that belongs to God? How can you better reflect God's glory in your actions and decisions? [04:24]
3. Think about a recent decision you made. How did you consider God's sovereignty and your own responsibility in that decision? How can you improve this balance in future decisions? [11:41]
4. How does the reality of eternal consequences influence your daily life and interactions with others? What changes can you make to live with a more eternal perspective? [20:14]
5. Reflect on a time when God's actions seemed unpredictable to you. How did you respond, and what did you learn about trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty? [27:25]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God's promises. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in His faithfulness? [27:25]
7. How can you engage in conversations about difficult theological topics, like eternal punishment, with grace and truth? What resources or support do you need to do this effectively? [20:14]

Devotional

Day 1: The True Church: Beyond Visible Membership
The distinction between the visible and invisible Church is a profound theological concept that challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith. The visible Church includes all who profess faith in Jesus Christ, encompassing a wide array of individuals with varying levels of commitment and understanding. However, the invisible Church is composed of true believers across all ages, those who have a genuine saving relationship with Christ. This distinction serves as a reminder that mere membership in a congregation does not guarantee salvation. It emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, as true believers are shielded from God's punitive wrath. This understanding calls for introspection and a sincere commitment to living out one's faith authentically. [01:29]

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3, ESV).

Reflection: Consider your own faith journey. Are there areas where you rely more on church activities or membership than on a personal relationship with Christ? How can you deepen your connection with Him today?


Day 2: Reflecting God's Glory, Not Our Own
God's pursuit of His own glory is not an act of selfishness but a reflection of His perfect nature. Unlike human beings, who often seek glory out of arrogance or pride, God's glory is the ultimate good. As the most perfect being, His glory is consistent with His righteousness and holiness. Believers are called to reflect His glory in their lives, aligning themselves with His character and purposes. This understanding challenges individuals to examine their motives and actions, ensuring that they seek to honor God rather than claim glory for themselves. It is a call to live a life that mirrors His righteousness and holiness, drawing others to Him through their example. [04:24]

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, ESV).

Reflection: In what ways can you reflect God's glory in your daily interactions and decisions? Identify one specific action you can take today to honor Him.


Day 3: Balancing Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The relationship between God's foreknowledge and human free will is a complex yet essential aspect of faith. God's foreknowledge does not negate human freedom; rather, it operates in a way that allows for human choices while fulfilling His divine purposes. This balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility encourages believers to trust in God's plan while actively living out their faith. It reassures individuals that their choices matter and that they are participants in God's unfolding story. This understanding fosters a sense of purpose and accountability, motivating believers to align their actions with God's will. [11:41]

"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" (Ephesians 1:11, ESV).

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you consider God's sovereignty and your responsibility in that situation? How can you better align your choices with His divine purposes?


Day 4: The Reality of Eternal Consequences
The doctrine of annihilationism, which suggests that the wicked are ultimately destroyed rather than eternally punished, contradicts the biblical teaching of eternal punishment. Jesus Himself emphasized the reality of hell more than heaven, underscoring the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. This understanding calls believers to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the salvation offered through Christ and recognizing the gravity of rejecting it. It serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of one's choices and the urgency of sharing the message of salvation with others. [20:14]

"And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46, ESV).

Reflection: How does the reality of eternal consequences influence your daily life and interactions with others? What steps can you take to share the message of salvation with someone in your life today?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Unpredictable Ways
While God's nature and promises are consistent, His ways often surprise us. From a human perspective, His actions can seem unpredictable due to our limited understanding. However, His faithfulness to His promises remains steadfast. This encourages believers to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when they don't understand His methods. It is a call to embrace the mystery of God's ways, finding peace in the assurance that He is working all things for good. This trust in His character and promises fosters resilience and hope, enabling believers to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. [27:25]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8, ESV).

Reflection: Think of a situation where God's actions seemed unpredictable to you. How can you cultivate trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when His ways are beyond your understanding?

Quotes

The visible Church comprises all who profess faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation as He is offered in the gospel. The invisible Church is the church consisting of all true believers in Christ throughout all ages, those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb under the old covenant and those who are alive today redeemed and those who will be redeemed in the future. [00:00:15]

The importance of the distinction between the visible and the invisible church is simply the recognition that in the visible church today, just because a person is a member of a local congregation, you cannot simply assume that they are in vital saving union with Jesus Christ. [00:01:19]

The wrath of God has fallen on Christ on behalf of His people. It would be unjust for God's wrath to fall upon those who are resting and trusting in Christ because God's judicial punishment has been meted out against His Son. So, there is a sense in which the believer is never under the judicial or punitive wrath of God. [00:02:15]

For God to seek His glory is perfectly consistent with His righteousness and His holiness. For us to seek His glory is the essence of arrogance and selfishness, where we try to rob from God what properly belongs to Him. When God works for His glory, it means He works to maintain His own perfection, His own righteousness, His own majesty, His own holiness, which is the greatest good there is. [00:04:24]

The reason we feel selfish in seeking our glory is because, comparatively, we're like so many others, and we are comparing ourselves with ourselves. In God's case, since there is no other being like Him, it is essential to His own nature, His divine glory, and it can belong to no other. [00:05:33]

God's foreknowledge does not mean that all of life is predetermined. What is foreknown by God in the deterministic sense is nevertheless contingent for us. God is related to all reality in a completely different way from the way in which we are related to all reality, so there is never a situation in which the divine and the human interact where we begin to divide the field up. [00:08:36]

The nature of God's relationship to the creature is that all room is left for the creature's freedom. The Westminster Confession of Faith very carefully works its way through the principle that we are at liberty, consistent with our own nature and being, at every stage of our lives. [00:10:54]

The doctrine of the annihilation of the soul has been around for a long time. The doctrine is that at some point, the wicked, after the day of judgment, are annihilated; they cease to exist. There is no eternal punishment. The problem with the view is that many of our proofs of the eternality of the blessed state of the believer are actually the corollary of Jesus's teaching about the eternal state of the wicked. [00:18:40]

The reality is Jesus taught more about hell than He did about heaven. You can't buy what He says about heaven and reject what He says about hell. If we think of the most sanctified believer that's ever walked the Earth apart from Jesus, maybe it's the Apostle Paul. Put Paul next to Jesus, and then put Paul next to Adolf Hitler. [00:24:48]

The unpredictability of God is from the human viewpoint. Things may happen that I wouldn't have expected. There are certain people who are alive that I think should be dead, and there are definitely people dead that I think we need to be alive. That's not predictable. I wouldn't have done it that way. [00:26:37]

From the human viewpoint, God is not predictable to me, but from the divine side, He's absolutely consistent with His eternal purpose, and He's predictable with His promises. His promises are reliable, that's for certain. [00:27:51]

The faithfulness of God to His promises, in which we believe, is not the same thing as our access to the ways in which He's going to fulfill His promises. He has some very strange ways to us of fulfilling His promises, and we need to know that when we're obedient to Him. [00:28:40]

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Transcript
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