God's eternal decree
Most people object to this truth
but it is sinful to pander to the desires of sinful men and women
we must teach this truth, because it is taught in the Word of God.
we will try to do so as wisely as we can
God is God.
there is nothing anywhere which does not perfectly control. Psa 103 vs 19, Eph 1 vs 11.
this applies to the free actions of men :-
God's predestination makes this certain.
yet those who do them perform them freely
see Matt 26 vs 24, Acts 2 vs 23, 4 vs 27-28, Phil 2 vs 12-13.
men and women are free from external coercion - but not free from the control of their own natures. Matt 7 vs 17-19.
but, remember, it is God's eternal predestination which makes things certain, not simply that He sees things before they happen. Eph 1 vs 11.
Lesson 1 :- Take heart! God is still on the throne.
God is God over men and angels
it is God who determines who shall, and shall not, be saved. Rom 9 vs 15-16.
He gives to some what they deserve (damnation). Rom 9 vs 22.
He gives to others what they in no way deserve (salvation). Rom 9 vs 23.
it is God who puts a difference between them. Rom 9 vs 11, Exod 11 vs 7.
His decision is conditioned, not upon something in the creature, but rather upon something in Himself. Rom 9 vs 15, 18, 21.
why did He do what He did ? For His own glory! Rom 11 vs 36.
Lesson 2 :- Rejoice! Heaven will be full !
God is God over the elect
God gives us daily bread, but uses complex means and agencies to do so.
so it is with salvation, which is God's gift. Rom 6 vs 23.
God gives it, by His Son, through His Spirit. 1 Pet 1 vs 2.
God the Father chooses who is to be saved. John 10 vs 26-29.
God the Son has died for them, and them alone. John 10 vs 11.
God the Holy Spirit brings them to experience and enjoy what has been planned for them. 1 Cor 1 vs 18 - 2 vs 5.
salvation is the work of the Triune God!!
Lesson 3 :- Go with expectancy to the work of evangelism. It cannot fail !
God is God over the rest of mankind
God has determined to pass them by, and not to save them (preterition). Rom 9 vs 15-16.
they are no more or no less sinful than the elect.
the reason for preterition lies entirely within God. Rom 9 vs 10-13.
God determines to treat them with strict justice, so that they receive what they deserve (reprobation). Rom 9 vs 22, Jude 1 vs 4.
God is arbitrary (Rom 9 vs 18) - but He is not unfair or unjust. Rom 9 vs 14, Psa 145 vs 17.
He does nothing other than what is right for Him as God to do. Rom 9 vs 20-21.
Lesson 4 :- All who are saved are saved by God's mercy alone.
It is time to pray :-
"pass me not, O gracious Saviour,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by!"