Foundations of the Faith The Doctrine of Election

2 Timothy 2:10 “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” Acts 13:48 “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” John 10:25–26 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. 26 “But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.”

The Doctrine of Election Definition: Election was the act of God before creation in which God chose some individuals to be saved, not on account of anything that the person would do, but only because of God’s sovereign good pleasure. Election is related to God’s omnipotence: all powerful. Election is not related to God’s omniscience: all knowing.

The Doctrine of Election is Not Fair Romans 3:9–20 “we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “T HERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE ; 11 T HERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, T HERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR G OD ; 12 A LL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS ; T HERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, T HERE IS NOT EVEN ONE … 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God” Romans 3:21–24 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested…through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe… as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” FAIR GRACE

The Doctrine of Election is Not Fair Fairness is all humans perish Even one person being saved is grace. (God’s love that we don’t deserve) One person being saved by the exercise of human choice is grace. One person being saved by the exercise of God’s choice is grace.

The Doctrine of Election is Not Fair Fairness is all humans perish Even one person being saved is grace. (God’s love that we don’t deserve) One person being saved by the exercise of human choice is grace. One person being saved by the exercise of God’s choice is grace. Praise God!

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved”

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” What specific ways has the Father blessed us?

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” God the Father chose you and I. What did God the Father choose us to do or be?

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” To be Justified 1:4 God the Father chose you and I.

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” To be Justified 1:4 To be His Children 1:5 God the Father chose you and I.

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” How did the Father accomplish justifying us and adopting us?

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” How did the Father accomplish justifying us and adopting us? Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus How did the Father accomplish justifying us and adopting us? Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” When did God the Father choose us?

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” When did God the Father choose us? Before He created the universe

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” What were the Father’s reasons or motivations for choosing us ? What were the Father’s reasons or motivations for choosing us ?

God the Father has given you so much! Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as God the Father chose us in Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 God the Father predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” What were the Father’s reasons or motivations for choosing us ? His Love His Kindness His Will His Praise What were the Father’s reasons or motivations for choosing us ? His Love His Kindness His Will His Praise

Ephesians 1:3-5 Paul just states the reality that God elects some to be saved. Romans Chapter 9 A Well Developed Argument Defending God’s Prerogative in Election gives historical examples, fields hypothetical objections, answers the “why” question in more details Organization of the Argument: -Four questions by God’s critic about God’s dealings in the salvation of man. -Four corresponding answers in the defense of God’s justice in His dealings in the salvation of man.

Romans Chapter 9 Defending God’s Prerogative in Election 1)The problem of many Jews not being saved by faith in Jesus.(9:1-5 ) 2)Question #1: Did God’s relational promises to the Jews fail? (9:6) 3)Answer #1: No, God did what He promised. (9:6-13) A)Clarification: God’s relational promises were not to all Jews. He promised to have relationships with specific people. (9:6-8) i)Various Historical Examples: Isaac not Ishmael (9:7), Sarah not Hagar (9:9), Jacob not Esau (9:13) ii)Detailed Historical Example: Jacob and Esau (9:10-13) 4)Question #2: Isn’t that unjust for God to initiate relationships with some people and not with others? (9:14) 5)Answer #2: God is just because choosing is His divine right. (9:14- 18) A)It is God’s divine right to be in relationship with some. (9: ) B)It is God’s divine right to not be in relationship with some. (9:17- 18) Romans 9:11–13 “ though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “T HE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.” 13 Just as it is written, “J ACOB I LOVED, BUT E SAU I HATED.” Romans 9:11–13 “ though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “T HE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.” 13 Just as it is written, “J ACOB I LOVED, BUT E SAU I HATED.” Romans 9:14–16 14 “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” Romans 9:14–16 14 “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” Romans 9:14–18 14 “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “F OR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE M Y POWER IN YOU, AND THAT M Y NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. Romans 9:14–18 14 “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “F OR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE M Y POWER IN YOU, AND THAT M Y NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

5) Answer #2: God is just because choosing is His divine right. (9:14- 18) A)It is God’s divine right to be in relationship with some. (9:14-16) B)It is God’s divine right to not be in relationship with some. (9:17-18) 6)Question #3: If God chooses who will be in relationship with Him and who will not, how could God fault the person who is hard hearted or outside of relationship with Him (9:19). 7)Answer #3: God is God, not you (9:20-24) A)God the creator can do what He pleases with His creation (9:20-21). B)God has a cosmic master plan to put His glory on display through election (9:22-24). Romans 9:19 “ You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” Romans 9:19 “ You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” Romans 9:20–21 “ On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?”

6)Question #3: If God chooses who will be in relationship with Him and who will not, how could God fault the person who is hard or outside of relationship (9:19). 7)Answer #3: God is God, not you (9:20-24) A)God the creator can do what He pleases with His creation (9:20-21). B)God has a cosmic master plan to put His glory on display through election (9:22-24). i)Displayed through God’s patience towards and just condemnation of the wicked. (9:22) ii)Displayed through God’s gracious saving of the church (9:23-24) Romans 9: “What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.” Romans 9: “What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.”

What response does God want from us? Ephesians 1:3–6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…God the Father chose us…God the Father predestined us … to the praise of the glory of His grace” Bless and Praise God for His Grace in Your Life Romans 9:23-24 “He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom He also called” Know and Make Known God’s Mercy

Election and Evangelism 1)God has chosen some people to believe and be saved. 2)God has ordained that the way people believe and are saved is by us telling them.

Election and Evangelism 1)God has chosen some people to believe and be saved. 2)God has ordained that the way people believe and are saved is by us telling them. 3)We have no idea who those elect people are. 4)We go fishing with hope and expectation.

Divine Farm Fishing 2 Timothy 2:10 “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” Acts 13:48 “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”