Understanding God's Sovereignty and the Blessing of Predestination

 

Summary

The Christmas story from Luke's gospel reminds us of the decree issued by Caesar Augustus, which led to Jesus being born in Bethlehem. This historical event, however, was part of a divine plan orchestrated by God from eternity. The doctrine of providence teaches us that God's decrees stand above those of earthly rulers. God's sovereignty is central to understanding His divine decrees, particularly concerning salvation and the doctrine of predestination. Predestination, often misunderstood and controversial, is about God's eternal plan and His sovereign choice in salvation.

Predestination is not merely about fate or destiny but is rooted in God's eternal decree. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, speaks of predestination as a blessing, a doctrine that evokes gratitude and praise. It is a profound expression of God's grace and mercy. In Reformed theology, predestination is seen as part of the doctrines of grace, highlighting the depth of God's mercy. However, this doctrine must be approached with humility and care, as it can easily be misunderstood.

The doctrine of predestination is not a human invention but is deeply rooted in Scripture. It is not synonymous with election, though closely related. Election refers to God's choice of certain individuals for salvation. The controversy often arises around the concept of reprobation, the idea that some are not chosen for salvation. Another contentious issue is the basis of God's choice. The prescient view suggests that God's election is based on His foreknowledge of human decisions. However, the biblical view, as Paul explains, is that God's choice is based on His sovereign will and good pleasure.

Paul's writings in Romans further clarify that God's election is not based on human actions or decisions but on His mercy and sovereign choice. God's decisions are not arbitrary or capricious but are rooted in His righteousness and goodness. The doctrine of predestination challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and to marvel at His grace and mercy. It reminds us that salvation is not about human effort but about God's gracious choice.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human History: The decree of Caesar Augustus, which led to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, was ultimately part of God's eternal plan. This illustrates the doctrine of providence, where God's decrees stand above earthly rulers, reminding us of His sovereignty over history. [01:16]

2. Predestination as a Blessing: The Apostle Paul views predestination as a blessing, evoking gratitude and praise. It is a profound expression of God's grace and mercy, challenging us to see it not as a grim doctrine but as a source of exultation and worship. [06:14]

3. Election and Predestination: Election is a specific aspect of predestination, referring to God's choice of certain individuals for salvation. This choice is not based on human actions but on God's sovereign will, highlighting the depth of His grace. [11:15]

4. The Controversy of Reprobation: The idea of reprobation, or the non-elect, raises questions about God's justice. However, God's decisions are rooted in His righteousness and goodness, and He is under no obligation to redeem any, yet He chooses to redeem some. [12:38]

5. The Basis of God's Choice: The prescient view suggests God's election is based on foreknowledge of human decisions. However, the biblical view is that God's choice is based on His sovereign will and good pleasure, emphasizing that salvation is not about human effort but God's gracious choice. [15:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Caesar's Decree and Divine Providence
- [01:16] - God's Eternal Plan
- [01:59] - The Sovereignty of God
- [02:35] - Divine Decrees and Salvation
- [03:15] - Understanding Predestination
- [04:12] - Destiny and God's Decree
- [04:51] - Ephesians and Predestination
- [05:34] - Predestination as a Blessing
- [07:07] - The Doctrines of Grace
- [07:51] - Calvin and Predestination
- [09:13] - The Biblical Basis of Predestination
- [11:15] - Election and Salvation
- [12:38] - Reprobation and Controversy
- [14:02] - The Prescient View
- [15:09] - God's Sovereign Choice
- [17:01] - God's Good Pleasure
- [19:08] - Romans and Election
- [20:19] - God's Righteousness and Mercy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 2:1-7
2. Ephesians 1:3-6
3. Romans 9:10-16

---

Observation Questions:

1. What historical event does Luke describe that led to Jesus being born in Bethlehem? How does this event illustrate the doctrine of providence? [00:27]

2. According to the sermon, how does the Apostle Paul view the doctrine of predestination in his letter to the Ephesians? [06:14]

3. What is the difference between predestination and election as explained in the sermon? [11:15]

4. How does Paul address the potential objection to God's righteousness in Romans 9 regarding His sovereign choice? [20:19]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the decree of Caesar Augustus serve as an example of God's sovereignty over human history? What does this teach about divine providence? [01:16]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that predestination should evoke gratitude and praise rather than fear or controversy? [06:14]

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of reprobation, and what questions does it raise about God's justice? [12:38]

4. What is the significance of God's choice being based on His sovereign will and good pleasure, rather than human actions or decisions? [15:09]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you saw God's providence in your life. How did it change your perspective on His sovereignty? [01:16]

2. How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude and praise for the doctrine of predestination in your personal worship and prayer life? [06:14]

3. The sermon suggests approaching the doctrine of predestination with humility and care. How can you apply this approach when discussing theological topics with others? [07:51]

4. Consider the idea of reprobation. How do you reconcile this concept with your understanding of God's justice and mercy? [12:38]

5. How does understanding that God's choice is based on His good pleasure impact your view of salvation and your relationship with God? [15:09]

6. In what ways can you trust in God's sovereign will in areas of your life where you feel uncertain or anxious? [17:01]

7. How can you share the message of God's grace and mercy with someone who struggles with the concept of predestination? [09:13]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty Over Human History
The decree of Caesar Augustus, which led to Jesus being born in Bethlehem, serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty over human history. This event, seemingly driven by earthly power, was part of a divine plan orchestrated by God from eternity. The doctrine of providence teaches us that God's decrees stand above those of earthly rulers, illustrating His ultimate control over the course of history. This understanding challenges us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when human actions seem to dominate the narrative. It is a call to recognize that God's purposes are being fulfilled, often in ways that are beyond our immediate understanding. [01:16]

Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you feel overwhelmed by external circumstances. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and providence in this situation today?


Day 2: Predestination as a Source of Worship
Predestination is often viewed as a controversial doctrine, but the Apostle Paul presents it as a blessing that evokes gratitude and praise. It is a profound expression of God's grace and mercy, challenging us to see it not as a grim doctrine but as a source of exultation and worship. Predestination highlights the depth of God's mercy and His sovereign choice in salvation, reminding us that our salvation is not based on human effort but on God's gracious decision. This understanding should lead us to a place of humility and worship, recognizing the incredible gift of grace we have received. [06:14]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How can the doctrine of predestination help you embrace God's grace and respond with worship today?


Day 3: The Depth of God's Grace in Election
Election is a specific aspect of predestination, referring to God's choice of certain individuals for salvation. This choice is not based on human actions or decisions but on God's sovereign will, highlighting the depth of His grace. The biblical view, as explained by Paul, is that God's choice is based on His sovereign will and good pleasure, emphasizing that salvation is not about human effort but God's gracious choice. This understanding challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and to marvel at His grace and mercy, recognizing that our salvation is a result of His divine choice. [11:15]

Romans 9:15-16 (ESV): "For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."

Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you struggle to accept God's grace. How can you embrace the truth of election to deepen your trust in God's sovereign will today?


Day 4: Understanding Reprobation and God's Justice
The idea of reprobation, or the non-elect, raises questions about God's justice. However, it is important to understand that God's decisions are rooted in His righteousness and goodness. He is under no obligation to redeem any, yet He chooses to redeem some. This understanding challenges us to trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when we struggle to comprehend His decisions. It is a call to recognize that God's ways are higher than our ways and that His justice is perfect, even when it is beyond our understanding. [12:38]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Consider a time when you questioned God's justice. How can you trust in His righteousness and goodness in that situation today?


Day 5: The Sovereign Will of God in Salvation
The prescient view suggests that God's election is based on His foreknowledge of human decisions. However, the biblical view is that God's choice is based on His sovereign will and good pleasure. This understanding emphasizes that salvation is not about human effort but God's gracious choice. It challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and to marvel at His grace and mercy, recognizing that our salvation is a result of His divine choice. This perspective invites us to rest in the assurance of God's sovereign will and to live in gratitude for His gracious salvation. [15:09]

John 6:37 (ESV): "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you rely on your own efforts for assurance. How can you rest in the assurance of God's sovereign will and His gracious choice today?

Quotes

"When we hear the Christmas story read every year from Luke's gospel, we hear these words from chapter two: 'And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.' And that little historical detail that Luke supplies for us in his narrative of the birth of Jesus calls attention to the authority of Caesar Augustus who was one of the most powerful rulers of the ancient world." [00:01:08]

"But we realize as we read the rest of the story that long before Caesar Augustus ever thought about issuing a decree in human history that would lead to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, that from all eternity the Lord God omnipotent had issued a decree that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. And there is a sense as we will look at when we see the doctrine of providence that above and beyond the decree of kings and emperors in this world always stands the decree of Almighty God." [00:01:16]

"And when He issues a decree according to His counsel and His eternal plan, that decree must needs come to pass. Now, we are concerned in the Scriptures with many aspects of God's eternal decrees. But the one that has provoked the most discussion and controversy and consternation has to do with those decrees that refer to His plan of salvation; chiefly with respect to the decree of election." [00:02:35]

"For the apostle Paul, the idea of divine predestination was not a concept that he regarded grimly or negatively or did he see it as a curse on theology, but rather for the apostle, the idea of divine predestination was an idea that provoked within him a sense of exultation, of glorifying God, and of great and massive gratitude. In other words the apostle Paul saw the doctrine of predestination as a blessing." [00:06:14]

"Because in predestination perhaps more than any other doctrine, we are confronted face to face with the depths and the riches of the mercy and the grace of Almighty God. If we abstract our thinking about predestination and rip it out of the context of that blessedness, then we will struggle endlessly, I'm convinced, with this doctrine." [00:07:07]

"And if you struggle with it, let me say to you you're not alone. On the other hand, this is a doctrine I believe that is worth struggling with because I think the more we probe it, the more we come to see the magnificence of God and the sweetness of His grace and of His mercy." [00:09:13]

"And so we find this doctrine has its roots not in the theologians of church history, but in the Scriptures themselves who set forth explicitly this concept of predestination. Again, Paul says here that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." [00:11:15]

"Election and predestination are not synonyms. They do not mean the same thing, though they are very closely related. Predestination has to do with God's decrees concerning anything that He decrees from all eternity. A specific type of predestination is election, which has to do with God's choosing certain people in Christ to be adopted into the family of God -- or in simple terms: to be saved." [00:11:15]

"First of all, is there a flip side to election, which theologians call 'reprobation', which has to do with the negative side of the decrees of God. And the question is simply this: If from all eternity God decrees that some people positively are chosen or elected by God unto salvation, does that not mean that there are some who are not chosen for salvation and therefore are from all eternity in the class of the non-elect or the class of what we could call the reprobate?" [00:12:38]

"The prescient view means that God's election is based ultimately on His prior knowledge of what people will do or not do. That is that God from all eternity looks down the corridors of time and He knows in advance (being omniscient) who will embrace Christ and who will reject Christ. And on the basis of that prior knowledge, He chooses to adopt those whom He knows will make the proper decision and the proper choice." [00:14:02]

"Now, the normal objection you hear at that point is to say, 'Well this means God is arbitrary. If the reason why He chooses one person rather than another is not found in those people, then doesn't that mean that God is whimsical and capricious, tyrannical and arbitrary?' No, the Bible does say that the basis for His choosing rests upon His will and His pleasure." [00:17:01]

"And when God considers a race of fallen human beings who are depraved and in rebellion against Him, God decrees from all eternity to give mercy to some and justice to the other. Esau received justice. Jacob received grace. Nobody received injustice. God never punishes innocent people. But He does redeem guilty people. But He doesn't redeem them all and He is under no obligation to redeem any. The amazing thing is that He redeems some." [00:20:19]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 08, 2022. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?