Understanding God's Nature: Grace, Sin, and Theological Dialogue

 

Summary

In our discussion tonight, we delved into some profound theological questions that challenge our understanding of God's nature, His actions, and our response as believers. We began by addressing the question of why God cannot lie, emphasizing that God's omnipotence is not about doing anything imaginable but about having total power over His creation while remaining true to His perfect nature. This led us to explore the complexities of God's love and justice, particularly in the context of predestination and election. We acknowledged the tension between God's sovereign choice and human responsibility, recognizing that God's ways are higher than ours and often beyond our full comprehension.

We also tackled the sensitive issue of discussing controversial theological topics with family members who may not be open to such discussions. The consensus was that wisdom and love should guide these conversations, ensuring that our motivation is to edify and not to win arguments. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the gospel and maintains the relational bonds that are crucial for ongoing dialogue.

The concept of irresistible grace was another focal point, where we clarified that it is not about God forcing salvation upon unwilling individuals but about His effectual calling that transforms hearts to willingly embrace Christ. This understanding dispels common misconceptions and highlights the beauty of God's sovereign grace in overcoming our resistance.

We further examined the role of baptism and its theological implications, particularly the differences between infant baptism and believer's baptism. This discussion underscored the importance of approaching Scripture with humility and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue, recognizing that our ultimate goal is to honor God and His Word.

Finally, we addressed the issue of why Christians may not care enough about their sin. The discussion revealed that a deeper understanding of the atonement and our union with Christ is essential for cultivating a genuine hatred for sin and a desire for holiness. Regular exposure to God's Word, participation in the sacraments, and fellowship with other believers are vital means of grace that keep our hearts sensitive to sin and responsive to God's sanctifying work.

Key Takeaways:

- God's omnipotence is not about doing anything imaginable but about having total power over His creation while remaining true to His perfect nature. This means that God cannot lie or act against His nature, which is pure and perfect. Understanding this helps us trust in God's consistent character and His promises. [01:06]

- Discussing controversial theological topics with family members requires wisdom and love. Our motivation should be to edify and not to win arguments, ensuring that we maintain relational bonds for ongoing dialogue. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the gospel and reflects Christ's love. [05:38]

- Irresistible grace is about God's effectual calling that transforms hearts to willingly embrace Christ, not about forcing salvation upon unwilling individuals. This understanding highlights the beauty of God's sovereign grace in overcoming our resistance and drawing us to Himself. [07:16]

- The differences between infant baptism and believer's baptism underscore the importance of approaching Scripture with humility and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue. Our ultimate goal is to honor God and His Word, recognizing that our unity in Christ is greater than our differences. [18:05]

- A deeper understanding of the atonement and our union with Christ is essential for cultivating a genuine hatred for sin and a desire for holiness. Regular exposure to God's Word, participation in the sacraments, and fellowship with other believers are vital means of grace that keep our hearts sensitive to sin. [35:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Can God Lie?
- [01:41] - Omnipotence and God's Nature
- [02:14] - Reconciling God's Love and Justice
- [04:16] - Discussing Theology with Family
- [06:42] - Irresistible Grace Explained
- [08:53] - Was King Saul Regenerate?
- [13:08] - Baptism: Infant vs. Believer's
- [18:49] - Importance of Theological Dialogue
- [23:39] - Denominations and the Holy Spirit
- [28:52] - God's Sovereignty and Evil
- [32:55] - Why Christians Don't Care About Sin
- [40:16] - Sensitivity to Sin and Sanctification
- [46:59] - Justification and Baptism
- [52:31] - God's Favoritism and Fairness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:16
2. Romans 9:13
3. Psalm 5:5-6

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Observation Questions:

1. What does John 3:16 say about God's love for the world, and how does it relate to the concept of God's sovereign choice? [03:29]

2. How does Romans 9:13 illustrate the distinction in God's heart towards His elect and non-elect? [02:43]

3. In Psalm 5:5-6, what is God's attitude towards the ungodly, and how does this align with the discussion on God's justice and love? [02:14]

4. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon when discussing controversial theological topics with family members? [05:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's omnipotence in relation to His inability to lie? What does this reveal about God's nature? [01:06]

2. What is the significance of understanding irresistible grace as effectual calling rather than God forcing salvation upon individuals? [07:16]

3. How does the sermon suggest believers should approach theological discussions with family members who may not be open to such topics? [05:38]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a deeper understanding of the atonement can influence a believer's attitude towards sin? [35:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's promises. How does understanding God's consistent character help you in such situations? [01:06]

2. Have you ever found yourself in a theological discussion with a family member that became more about winning an argument than edifying each other? How can you approach such conversations differently in the future? [05:38]

3. Think about your own experience with grace. How does the concept of effectual calling change your perspective on how God draws people to Himself? [07:16]

4. How do you approach Scripture when discussing topics like baptism? Are you open to respectful dialogue, and how can you ensure that your ultimate goal is to honor God and His Word? [18:05]

5. Consider your current attitude towards sin. What steps can you take to cultivate a genuine hatred for sin and a desire for holiness in your daily life? [35:13]

6. How can regular participation in the sacraments and fellowship with other believers help keep your heart sensitive to sin? What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply in these means of grace? [40:16]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel resistant to God's calling. How can you open your heart to embrace His will more willingly? [07:16]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Omnipotence and Perfect Nature
God's omnipotence is not about doing anything imaginable but about having total power over His creation while remaining true to His perfect nature. This means that God cannot lie or act against His nature, which is pure and perfect. Understanding this helps us trust in God's consistent character and His promises. God's inability to lie is not a limitation but a testament to His perfect and unchanging nature. As believers, this understanding should deepen our trust in His promises and His Word, knowing that He is always faithful and true. [01:06]

Titus 1:2 (ESV): "In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began."

Reflection: Consider a promise from God that you struggle to believe. How does understanding God's perfect nature help you trust in that promise today?


Day 2: Wisdom and Love in Theological Discussions
Discussing controversial theological topics with family members requires wisdom and love. Our motivation should be to edify and not to win arguments, ensuring that we maintain relational bonds for ongoing dialogue. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the gospel and reflects Christ's love. Engaging in these discussions with humility and a genuine desire to understand others' perspectives can lead to fruitful conversations that honor God and strengthen relationships. [05:38]

Colossians 4:6 (ESV): "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you disagreed with someone. How can you approach future discussions with more grace and love?


Day 3: The Beauty of Irresistible Grace
Irresistible grace is about God's effectual calling that transforms hearts to willingly embrace Christ, not about forcing salvation upon unwilling individuals. This understanding highlights the beauty of God's sovereign grace in overcoming our resistance and drawing us to Himself. It is a reminder of the transformative power of God's love and how He works in our hearts to bring us to faith. [07:16]

John 6:44 (ESV): "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."

Reflection: Reflect on your own journey to faith. How has God's grace been evident in overcoming your resistance to Him?


Day 4: Humility in Scriptural Interpretation
The differences between infant baptism and believer's baptism underscore the importance of approaching Scripture with humility and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue. Our ultimate goal is to honor God and His Word, recognizing that our unity in Christ is greater than our differences. This humility allows us to learn from one another and grow in our understanding of God's truth. [18:05]

Romans 14:5 (ESV): "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."

Reflection: Is there a theological issue where you struggle to see another perspective? How can you approach this topic with more humility and openness?


Day 5: Sensitivity to Sin and Sanctification
A deeper understanding of the atonement and our union with Christ is essential for cultivating a genuine hatred for sin and a desire for holiness. Regular exposure to God's Word, participation in the sacraments, and fellowship with other believers are vital means of grace that keep our hearts sensitive to sin. This sensitivity is crucial for our spiritual growth and sanctification, as it helps us align our lives more closely with God's will. [35:13]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily life to increase your sensitivity to sin and desire for holiness?

Quotes

Michael Horton: There are lots of things that God can’t do. God can’t do anything that is contrary to His nature. His will is bound to His nature. So God cannot lie because He cannot do anything that is evil. God is pure perfection, and for God to even be capable of lying would mean that He would be capable of imperfection. [00:01:12]

R.C. Sproul: When we say that He’s omnipotent, that means He always has total power over His creation, but there are things He can’t do. He can’t lie. He can’t die. He can’t be God and not be God at the same time. So I mean, we can’t think that omnipotence means that He can do anything. [00:01:35]

Al Mohler: There are ways to make doctrines more and less winsome, and that I think is probably not the best way to help win persons to a deeper understanding of the gospel. But I think that there are moments in which you can… you can help… you can help persons to understand what you believe more clearly. [00:05:35]

Al Mohler: Effectual calling is far more Biblical way to express this because irresistible grace sounds like a cartoon setup in which there’s someone saying, “I do not want to be regenerated. I do not want to be born again. I do not want to love Christ,” and yet they’re being overruled to such that against their will. [00:06:55]

R.C. Sproul: What is meant by irresistible grace is not that it’s incapable of being resisted, but rather it is effectual, and God’s sovereign grace overcomes our sinful resistance. [00:08:46]

Michael Horton: I think it’s important mainly because it is grounded in the way we approach the Scriptures as a whole and I think that we have often more agreement among Calvinistic Baptist and Presbyterian folks on this than outside our circles. But I think for instance when you come to question of baptism, if it is the work of God, signifying and sealing His covenant pledge in the covenant of grace, then we come to the Bible looking for continuity, assuming continuity, a continuity of Old and New Testaments, one Abrahamic Covenant that the New Testament says is fulfilled in Christ. [00:13:19]

R.C. Sproul: The New Testament no where explicitly commands the baptism of infants nor does it anywhere explicitly forbid the baptism of infants, and so whichever side we come down on has to be dealt with on the basis of implications drawn from the Biblical text, and though we differ on this, I think that the judgment of charity requires that when we do have this discussion, that we understand that those who think that babies should be baptized really are convinced that it is the moral duty of the Christian to have their infant children baptized. [00:16:11]

Alistair Begg: Because we don’t truly understand the nature of the atonement and what has happened in Christ bearing our sins and taking upon Himself all the heinous nature of who and what we are. I think that a low view of the atonement goes directly in line with an easy going view of sin. [00:33:15]

Steve Lawson: I think some Christians are not as sensitive to their sin for a couple of reasons. I think on one side of the spectrum, there is a lack of exposure to the light of God’s Word, and it is the Word of God that shines the holiness of God, that light, into our hearts, and when we are distant from the Word of God, I think there are hidden sins in the heart that are not being brought out into the light to be exposed. [00:40:22]

Steve Lawson: I think also when we see that the saints are casting their crowns back before the Lord, it is emblematic that this crown doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to the Lord. I mean, He chose me. He predestined me. He redeemed me. He called me. He regenerated me. He indwelt me. He sanctified me. He preserved me. He has now glorified me. He empowered me. And like Paul said, “I am what I am by the grace of God,” and all good that is accomplished in and through our lives is solely of grace. [01:10:47]

R.C. Sproul: The basic point is that we are justified, we are declared just, by God and enter into our reconciliation and have peace with Him right now. On the… The sole instrument by which we receive the benefits of the work of Christ is by faith. And after we are justified, sanctification begins immediately upon our justification. And that whole lifelong process of sanctification will yield real rewards in heaven. There’s no real contradiction there. [01:06:06]

Al Mohler: The reality is that God is not fair. I speak about this so often. The fairness doctrine is a lousy doctrine that works for three-year-olds in a sandbox because about the most you can expect of little kids in sandbox is that you can encourage them to be fair. That’s why when you have two kids and one piece of pie, Mom says one will cut and the other will choose. Okay, after Genesis 3, we’re stuck with that. God is not fair in that sense. He is perfect. Perfect is not accountable to fair. [00:52:06]

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