1. Calvinism-4 Jude 3-4

2. Introduction-1 Jude wrote exhorting christians to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints Even then false teachers were at work teaching error and trying to lead disciples astray Calvinism contains the most pervasive religious errors among those who claim to be christians It consists of five points sometimes represented by the acronym, TULIP

3. Introduction-2 T- total hereditary depravity U- unconditional election L- limited atonement I- Irresistible grace Perseverance of the saints These are found in the handbooks, manuals and disciplines of the various denominations And many of their members believe these erroneous teachings

4. Introduction-3 John Calvin was an influential French theologian who preached during the Protestant reformation These teachings did not originate with him, but he popularized them through his teaching and writings during the 1500’s Knowing the truth about these teachings can prevent us from believing them, and also help us lead others out of error This afternoon I want to the fourth of the five tenants of Calvinism which is irresistible grace

5. Meaning of Irresistible Grace Grace (charis) means to receive favor or to be in favor with Here it refers to God’ favor toward sinners in forgiving their sins That we are saved by grace is without question Eph. 2:8 says “For by grace you have been saved by grace through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” But this teaching says that God through the direct operation of the Holy Spirit will change the heart and the will of those who are among the elect so that they will understand the gospel, believe and be saved

6. Irresistible Grace Stated-1 I. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ: yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace. (Westminister Confession of Faith, Chp. X, section 1)

7. Irresistible Grace Stated-2 II. This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, who is altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it. (Westminister Confession of Faith, Chp. X, section 2)

8. Proof Texts Claimed for Irresistible Grace-1 Rom. 8:7- Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. The claim is that the carnal mind is unable to understand God’s word and respond to the gospel call because it is depraved by original sin from birth But the reason for people’s rejection of God’s word is not a lack of ability but a lack of interest in and desire for it- Rom. 1:25 They have set their mind on the things of the flesh- v.5 & Jn.3:19

9. Proof Texts Claimed for Irresistible Grace-2 Acts 16:14- Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. The assertion is that the Holy Spirit acted directly on Lydia’s heart enabling her to believe what Paul taught If that were true, then God did for her something that He did not do for any other convert recorded in the New Testament

10. Proof Texts Claimed for Irresistible Grace- 3 First, Lydia was not depraved but was already a worshiper of God and prayed to Him God opened her heart the same way Jesus opened the understanding of the two disciples going to Emmaus and His apostles by teaching them in a way so that they could understand the truth about Himself- Lk. 24:27 & 45 Her heart, like the heart of many of the Jews, was closed by a misunderstanding of the Messiah and His kingdom The language emphasizes God’s providence in her conversion

11. Scriptures that Refute Irresistible Grace Stephen said that the unbelieving Jews had always resisted the Holy Spirit- Acts 7:51 The assertion is made that people may resist some influences of the Holy Spirit But if some influences may be resisted, why not all of them People are not called directly by the Holy Spirit but by the gospel inspired by Him- II Thess. 2:13-14 All are invited to come and enjoy life in Christ- Mt. 11:28

12. In Conclusion Irresistible grace stands in direct opposition to the plain teachings of the scriptures It denies man’s freedom of choice It makes people nothing more than robots It makes God unjust in condemning those are not directly called by the Holy Spirit God calls all to salvation through the gospel of His beloved Son- Rom. 1:16