God’s Sovereignty, Man’s Responsibility Series

Ephesians 1:4-6 reveals the past part of God’s eternal plan in forming the church, the Body of Christ.

God’s plan is shown in Seven elements:

1. The Method—Election

 The Bible speaks of 3 kinds of Election:

o Theocratic Election: Deuteronomy 7:6

o Vocational Election: Acts 9:15/ Rom. 1:5

o Salvational Election:

John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (NIV)

Helkuo—is the word for draws and carries the idea of an irresistible force, like a hungry man to food.

From all eternity, before the foundation of the world, and therefore completely apart from any merit or deserving that any person could have, God chose us in Him, “in Christ” eternal Union with Christ.

• Man’s Responsibility: John 3:16/ John 11:25-26/ Joshua 24:15/ John 7:37-39

• God’s Election: Romans 8:29, 9:11/ 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4/ 1 Peter 1:1-2

• Eklego—Chose meaning God’s totally independent choice.

“Divine sovereignty and human response are integral and inseparable parts of salvation—though exactly how they operate together only the infinite mind of God knows.” John MacArthur

2. The Object—The Elect

We are the objects of God’s election the saints that God choose. (vs.1) “Faithful in Christ Jesus”.

3. The Time—Eternity Past

1 Peter 1:20 “He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” (NIV)

Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (NIV)

4. The Purpose—Holiness

Amomos—meaning blameless without blemish or spotless.

1 Peter 1:19/ Ephesians 5:27

5. The Motive—Love

Agape—is not an emotion but a disposition of the heart to seek the welfare and meet the needs of others.

Deuteronomy 7:8/ John 15:13/ Ephesians 2: 4-5

6. The Result—Sonship

John 15:14-17/ Romans 8:15-17

7. The Goal—Glory

Above all else, God elects and save us for His own glory. Salvation is not partly God and partly of man, but entirely of God.

Luke 12:32/ Philippians 2:13/ 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

The ultimate reason for everything that exists is the glory of God’s grace.