INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. God’s plan for the elect
Introductory Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “God’s Plan for the Elect." This will become the fourteenth lesson in the sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be many others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells to obtain Isaiah's promise: "With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation," Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells to obtain the joy found in the: "waters of salvation." This sermon type is called: "textual preaching." In these lessons, our goal will be: "to dig a little deeper" in the text of emphasis. This topic is necessary because of the mis- and dis-information regarding God’s plan for the elect. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the Master's words to shed new meaning to His words of eternal life, John 6:63; John 10:10.
2. We will consider God’s plan for the elect in Christ Jesus. We’ll establish that God’s plan for the elect: was His “choosing, and calling” of them in Christ, through their faith and obedience to the gospel. This mystery has been revealed by God, unto the holy apostles, and prophets by the Spirit. We will re-dig in old wells to uncover this mystery together. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper" in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We will use this scripture as a foundational text for this sermon series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham's death," Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: "Stopped them, and filled them with earth," because they envied Isaac's possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
3. Our Text of emphasis reads in this fashion: "According to as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself…In whom we have redemption through His blood…having made known unto us the mystery of His will…That in the dispensation of the fulness of time; He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the plan of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3-12. (Text shorten for brevity).
4. The teaching of predestination, as taught by Calvinists, differs from Paul’s revelation of the grace and election of God for the saints. This lesson will thoroughly investigate God’s plan for the elect. We will "turn over every rock" to discover the true blessing of God's plan for the saints' election, calling, and salvation. In doing so, we must consider every Text within the context of the scriptures. With God’s help, we will do just that, to draw: “New water from old wells.” With this introduction, let’s consider this topic carefully, with both our bibles and hearts opened unto the living God.
BODY OF LESSON
I GOD’S PLAN FOR THE ELECT
A. Preliminary work. It is always necessary to do some preliminary work on the topic of our discussion. This lesson is needed because of the erroneous, mis- and dis-information regarding God’s plan for the elect. Many theories sprang up in the 15th and 16th centuries throughout England and Europe after the revolt of religious people against Catholicism. Men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others found their priesthood unscriptural and opposed the holy scriptures. We have already discussed those differences in a sermon online at SermonCentral.com, entitled: “A Departure From the Faith.” You would do well to download that lesson, along with this one, to understand the need for this lesson better.
1. John Calvin and his theory on “predestination.” In the Institutes, Calvin wrote: “By predestination, we mean the eternal decree of God, by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and, accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of these ends, we say that he has been predestinated to life or death,” The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book Third, Chap. 22. Sec. 5. See also, Sovereignty of God in Christianity, by Wikipedia. Beloved, I am merely quoting from Calvin’s writing. These are not my words! Notice,
2. Calvin’s teaching is objectional. I sense that this teaching contains religious bias and racial prejudice (all are not created on equal terms). Some religious groups once believed and taught “that certain people did not have a soul.” Prehaps, this is why men and women professing Calvinism; behave so unkindly and cruel towards their neighbors. Starting at the highest levels of government, business, and religious faith.
3. The man of God cannot align himself with those seeking to deny certain Americans their “right to vote" and “equal treatment under the law.” Are truth and justice a reality in our political systems? Is faith in God alive in Congress? Congress begins its day with prayer: invoking God’s guidance in their political affairs. Somehow, they end the day voting against the mandatory legislation that could end hopelessness and despair in the Nation. Why? It seems that,
a. The Republican Party has declared war against “people of color” in America! I wonder if Mitt Romney, a Republican, considers himself an “elect of God?” And maybe even others in this Party?
b. His recent vote with two other Republicans to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court cannot annul their vote against the recent: “Civil Rights’ Legislations.” The man or woman of faith stands for truth: “from the White House to the outhouse!” Where are the faithful servants in Congress? And I might ask: Why are the pulpits in America so silent about the “Republicans’ political misbehavior?” This Party has “terrorized this nation" with all its demagoguery and restrictive laws and legislation that threatens America's democracy.
c. I pray for this Nation. That God will permit both men and women to be elected to congressional offices that stand for truth, justice, and righteousness: with unwavering faith in God and the Nation. Men and women of America, if you desire to save democracy, voting rights, women's right to choose, and other needed legislation that will help the nation. If you want your children to be safe in school and the family everywhere, there must be a change in Congress. Our only alternative is to vote in every local, state, and federal election until after the 24 Presidential Election: for Democrats, up and down your ballot. Do not believe any Republican's promise to work for you if they are elected! The truth is,
d. The Republican Party has had 10+ years in Congress to help this nation. They have failed to produce one piece of legislation that helps the working people of America. Instead, they have made the nation’s billionaires and millionaires richer while impoverishing the working people and poor in this country. Let's give the democrats full charge of the House and Senate to complete President Joe Biden's Agenda for America. We cannot waiver in this effort! The people of America (you and I) must require all our legislators to govern responsibly and with integrity and work for the people that put them in office. I'm truly saddened that not one Republican leader in government, political office, or business had a word of compassion or sorrow for the suffering of young parents over the loss of their children. This silence speaks to the conscience and evil in the hearts of this Party, towards every parent’s pain and suffering; resulting from these avoidable tragedies. America: “Vote them out of office!” Let them hear your voice! I will return now to the lesson. Observe,
4. Paul’s view of predestination. He wrote: “Whom God foreknew, He did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son…firstborn among many brethren,” Romans 8:29-30. Reference, the Holy Scriptures of God. Text shortened for brevity. Paul does not mention some were predestinated to eternal life and others to eternal damnation in his inspired letter to the Romans. He wrote, however,
a. God, “Whom He did foreknow, He did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He (Christ) might be the firstborn among many brethren,” Romans 8:29. That is, “that we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4. By "putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:10. Therefore,
b. God, moreover: “Whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified, them He also glorified,” Romans 8:30. Beloved, we have: "borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the heavenly image," 1 Corinthians 15:47-49. “Being clothed in a glorious body liken unto the Lord,” Philippians 3:20-21. “When we see Him (at His return), we shall be likened unto Him in glory,” 1 John 3:2. Sister Ceiling, I wish I had some help!
c. God's predestination: or His “Calling and election,” of us in Christ: are totally and utterly different than the teachings of Calvinism, 2 Peter 1:10; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-5. We still have some more preparatory work before dealing with the Text of emphasis.
B. Additional preparatory work. Paul wrote Titus regarding the faith of God's elect and their hope of eternal life. Observe,
1. He wrote: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ,” Titus 1:1. The beloved apostle declares himself to be a: “Servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ." He then immediately outlines God’s Plan of election for the Gentiles: “According to the faith of God’s elect and acknowledging the truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1. Consider,
NOTE: The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: “Paul a slave of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of the chosen ones of God and the knowledge of the truth according to godliness," Titus 1:1. Notice that “elect” is translated as “chosen ones.” The “truth” undoubtedly refers to: The “common faith;” or the “common salvation which once was delivered unto the saints," Titus 1:4; Jude 1:3. Paul then informs Titus of God’s will in choosing and calling the Cretians. Observe, His Plan,
a. First, was conceived: "In the hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began,” Titus 1:1-2. God’s plan for the elect was promised before the world began. Its purpose was unto the "hope of eternal life." We can be confident in this promise: "for God doth not lie." He will keep His promise unto the saints if they remain: "faithful in making their calling and election sure," 2 Peter 1:10. Let’s define and examine the word "elect" in Titus 1:1. Consider,
1) The word “elect” in Gr., is eklektos or ek-lek-tos', which means to select; a favorite: —chosen, to elect. To pick out, or choose, all to obtain salvation in Christ. Christians are the “chosen or elect” of God. We will consider this word further in our Text of emphasis later. But for now,
2) The word is being used here to choose or select one for salvation in Christ Jesus. We also find the word eklektos or ek-lek-tos' in Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 5:21; 1 Peter 2:6; and 1 Peter 2:9. Translated as either “chosen or elect.” These are all the elect of God in Christ, 2 Timothy 2:10. Keep in mind that "elect" means "chosen." The words mean the same thing. Amen!
3) This election or choosing was: “according to the faith of God’s elect, and…the truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1; Titus 2:11-12. In the hope of eternal life, Titus 1:2; Titus 3:4-7.
4) Which God: “That cannot lie, promised before the world began,” Titus 1:3. Amen, sister Ceiling and Brother Walls! Paul continues, God’s plan,
b. Further, was commissioned: “Hath in due times to manifested His word through preaching,” Titus 1:3a. It was God's eternal plan to make known His will in our election through the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Through preaching, God's plan for the elect was revealed in the fulness of times. He concludes that God's plan,
c. Finally, was committed: “Unto me (Paul) according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:3b. God committed this message unto Paul, Peter, and other apostles of Jesus Christ. This was a solemn trust and commitment.
1) To Timothy, he wrote: “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust,” 1 Timothy 1:11-16.
2) And again: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war (fight) a good warfare," 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
3) Notice another text that bears witness to God’s plan for the elect. Paul wrote again,
2. To Rome: "Now to Him, that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which God kept secret since the world began. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made know to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God, only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen," Romans 16:25-27. Then, he wrote,
3. To Ephesus: "For this, cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles. If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel," Ephesians 3:1-6. Here's the “long and short of it." The mystery of Christ and the Gentiles came unto the apostles in this fashion: “Paul wrote:”
a. “He received it by revelation” (the uncovering of God’s mystery by the Holy Spirit).
b. “He recorded it by inspiration” (to make the mystery known to all generations).
c. “They are to read it by examination” (to understand Paul's knowledge).
d. “That they might obtain the illumination” (of the mystery of Christ).
e. Conclusion: What was the mystery? "That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel,” Ephesians 3:6. Finally, Peter wrote,
4. To the Jewish saints: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to the abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Christ’s resurrection is the basis of our election! Amen, brother Usher.
a. First, “To an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” Elected unto what: “An inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away," reserved where? In heaven for us. Christ in us is the "hope of glory," Colossians 1:27.
b. Further, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” God’s power is keeping us through faith unto the saving of the soul “to be revealed:”
1) “In the last time,” 1 Peter 1:5.
2) “In the fulness of time,” Galatians 4:4.
3) “In the dispensation of the fulness of time,” Ephesians 1:10.
4) “In the dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 3:2.
5) “In due times,” Titus 1:3.
6) Conclusion: God’s plan for the elect was kept a mystery (hidden), ready to be revealed in the last time (days), Hebrews 1:1-3. The hope of eternal life, an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, has been reserved in heaven for all of us, 1 Peter 1:3-5. It is to this end that we shall,
c. Next, “Receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls.” It was by our faith and obedience to the gospel: that the Father placed us in the beloved, assured by our love and faithfulness to Christ, unto the salvation of our souls. It was this blessing,
d. Similarly, “Of which salvation the prophets (of old) had enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto us: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify when it testified beforehand (predestinated) the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.” Consider,
1) This salvation the prophets had enquired and searched diligently in the scriptures. Only to be given a peek into "God’s plan for the elect.” This plan included the offering of Jesus for the sins of the world. "Whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but shall have (eternal) everlasting life,” John 3:14-16; 1 John 4:9-11; Romans 5:8-11.
2) The prophets: “Who prophesied of the grace that should come unto us.” John wrote: “The law was given to Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17. God’s plan for the elect was manifested during the "dispensation of the grace of God." We spoke about this earlier in the lesson. See our comments on Titus 1:1-3. The prophets were,
3) Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.” Notice, they prophesied:
a) Regarding the grace of God and the suffering and sacrifice of Christ: “Who endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:2. I stated earlier in the lesson that all prophecies are God's "predestination" of events that should come with His foreknowledge and predetermination. Therefore,
b) Christ's suffering was “predestinated” by God. Paul wrote: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which you received, and wherein you stand. By which also you are saved if you keep in memory what I preached unto you unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Luke 24:44-49.
c) Isaiah wrote of His suffering, death, and resurrection but did not understand his prophecy, Isaiah 53:1-12. He looked diligently into them but could not see a clear picture of God’s portrait. All this was a part of God’s plan for the “salvation of the world through Christ.” Here it is,
d) That we might receive His blessing: “Righteousness…that was credited not only to Abraham…But for us also, whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification," Romans 4:22-25. Text shortened for brevity. And,
e. Finally, “Unto these they revealed, it not unto them, but us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desired to look into (and understand),” 1 Peter 1:3-12. (Text shorten for brevity). I wish I had some help in this lesson!
1) First, “Unto whom it was revealed, not unto them.” The revelation was not given unto the "prophets of old." They wrote of them but could not see into them. It was reserved unto the "apostles and prophets" under the "dispensation of the grace of God," Ephesians 3:5.
2) Second, “But us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you.”
3) Third, “With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven,” John 16:13-15; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4. The Holy Spirit’s work was to “guide the apostles into all truth” John 16:13-15. To help in the work of spreading the gospel to all the world. Like in the church at Antioch, Acts 13:1-5.
4) Fourth, “Which things the angels desired to look into (for understanding).” It was also hidden from God’s angels, who's work in this mystery was to assist the apostles, prophets, and evangelists in evangelizing the world, Acts 8:26-39; Hebrews 13:1-2.
NOTE: Illustrate the Treasurer’s conversion. Angel sent Philip; the Holy Spirit told him to join the chariot; and Philip: “opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus,” Acts 8:34-35. His preaching was "guided by the Holy Spirit," Matthew 10:19-20.
5. Conclusion: Paul and Peter wrote of God’s plan for the elect. Those who He foreknew, He called, those who He called, He justified, and those who He justified, He glorified: both the Jews and Gentiles became a part of the family of God in heaven and on earth, Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:10. I wish I had some help! Amen, brother Walls.
a. This election was in Christ, in the church, or in the body. Both Jews and Gentiles were to be joint-heirs, in the joint-body (of Christ), as joint partakers of the promise in Christ through the gospel, or the “good news,” Ephesians 3:6. It's high time we dive into the Text of emphasis.
b. I have immersed you in our preliminary and preparatory work. You now have a good understanding of God’s plan for the elect; from several similar texts outlining the will of God for His elect, in Christ and the church. Let’s begin,
c. Please turn to Ephesians chapter 1, and we will begin in verse 3. Paul is again writing to Ephesus. Paul will impart unto the saints “all the spiritual blessings that they have in Christ.”
C. Text of emphasis. To Ephesus, Paul wrote: “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself…In whom we have redemption through His blood…having made known unto us the mystery of His will…That is the dispensation of the fulness of time: He might gather together in one all things in Christ…In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the plan of Him…after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3-12. (Text shorten for brevity). Paul revealed unto the Ephesians’ God’s plan for the elect. We will now, make “heads and tails” of what the apostle has written to them. By conducting a verse-by-verse analysis of Paul’s discussion of their election. He wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:” Observe,
1. First, who hath blessed us: “With all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,” Ephesians 1:3-4; Ephesians 5:26-27. The saints at Ephesus were blessed:
a. “With all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Notice that all spiritual blessings are in Christ. Paul will begin to list each of them in his Letter to the Ephesians.
b. “According to as He hath chosen us in Him.” Observe, “according to as He (God’s) hath chosen them in Him (Christ). God's "choosing or election" took place in eternity, before there was neither male nor female; before there was neither sun, moon nor stars in the heaven. Yea, chosen us,
c. “Before the foundation of the world.” For what were they chosen? Observe,
d. “That they: “God’s elect,” should be holy and without blame before Him in love,” Ephesians 1:4.
1) What was the Plan, Paul? Here it is: “That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”
2) Where is the mention: God has "saved some and damned others,” in this verse?
3) Paul is writing as he was “being divinely guided by the Holy Ghost,” 2 Peter 1:20-21; Galatians 1:10-12. Calvin, theory differs from that which the apostle: now writes unto the Ephesians!
e. Conclusion: God hath also chosen us in Him. It seems prudent to me that at this time, we should review the word "chosen" in this passage of scripture, Ephesians 1:4. We have already examined its other use, “elect,” in Titus 1:1. Now, consider the phrase: “He hath chosen us in Him.” Now we are going to “dig a little deeper!” Observe,
1) The word “chosen” in Gr., is eklegomai or ek-leg'-om-ahee, which means to select: —make a choice, choose (out), chosen. In other words: “to pick out, select, to be chosen, or to choose for one’s self.” Observe that it is the same word we examined earlier in the lesson. Here are a few examples,
a) Jesus choosing his 12 disciples, John 6:70; John 15:16.
b) Disciples chosen for an office (apostleship, elders, or deacons), Acts 1:24; Acts 6:5.
c) God selecting those beforehand in Him (Christ), Ephesians 1:4, Acts 15:7; James 2:5.
d) We are a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood…called out of darkness,” 1 Peter 2:9.
2) The idea in this Text, God chose all who “obeyed the gospel of Christ” to be His elect and save them: “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 2:8.
NOTE: Paul wrote: “According as He hath chosen us in Him." Having saved them/us: “in Christ,” 2 Timothy 2:10. Paul includes himself as an elect (having been saved in Christ Jesus with eternal glory), Titus 1:1; Ephesians 1:4. I might ask now,
3) Is there a correlation between “chosen” and “called?” The Ephesians were not only chosen but they were also called. The word “called” in Gr., is kaleo or Kal-eh'-o, which means to call: —to bid, call (forth), or (whose, who sur-) name, by which one is called. In this sense, a divine calling by God into His salvation by Jesus Christ. Observe,
a) The apostle Paul: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by His grace,” Galatians 1:15; Galatians 5:8; Galatians 5:13. Paul was also “chosen” by the Lord: for his work as an apostle, Acts 9:15.
b) The Ephesians: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called,” Ephesians 4:1. And, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling,” Ephesians 4:4.
NOTE: God’s plan for the elect included them being "called by the gospel." We will discuss this truth in great profundity later in the lesson. Continuing,
c) Paul wrote Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses,” 1 Timothy 6:12. And also, “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His purpose and grace, which God gave us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:9-10; 2 Timothy 2:10. Stay with me, you beloved church; we will put it all together before concluding this lesson. Here’s the sum of it,
d) Conclusion: God has purposed to choose His elect; the believers, by calling them into His grace in Christ, Romans 5:1-2. This call is through faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Acts 9:15-18; Acts 22:16; Acts 26:13-19. Notice,
i. God called Paul to be an apostle, having chosen him before he came forth from his mother’s womb. God chose Paul from his mother’s womb: “And called him when it pleased Him...To reveal His Son in him…that he might preach Christ among the heathens,” Galatians 1:15-16.
ii. Called also, by God through Christ to be an apostle, “by the faith of God’s elect,” Titus 1:1. Through the “obedience to the faith,” Romans 1:1-5; Acts 26:15-20.
iii. He preached into "all the nations (of the Gentiles) for the obedience of faith," Romans 16:25-27. Now let's consider how the Ephesians, having been predestinated, unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ Himself. Paul continued, God,
2. Having predestinated us: “Unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved,” Ephesians 1:5-6. The apostle continues his address regarding the spiritual blessings that God granted unto the Ephesians in Christ. Penning that God having,
a. First, “Predestinated them unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ.” We are now at the place in the lesson where much is written about the word “predestinated.” So, let’s get cracking and fix this error, being taught regarding this word. Observe,
1) The word “predestinated” in Gr., is proorizo or pro-or-id'-zo, which means to limit in advance, i.e., to predetermine: —determine before, ordain, or predestinate.
2) The word also means to decide beforehand, foreordain, appoint beforehand, and in the New Testament: God’s decree of something in eternity, before the foundation of the world.
3) It is unwise to say, God made these things happen, or worse, forced their occurrence: by His divine authority absent of the will or consent of the believer or disbeliever. God knows beforehand our actions; however, He does not order or direct such actions either for or against our will. We must all be willing participants, or we have become mere puppets in our response to God’s call unto salvation. In truth, this would imply:
a) Jesus did not willingly submit Himself to the Father’s will, Matthew 26:38-39; Hebrews 5:7-9.
b) Or the Jailer was not a willing participant in God's call of grace. When he asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:25-34. We will note several passages of scriptures where the word "predestinated" is used in the bible. However,
NOTE: Let me state again that it is vital that we consider any text within the context of the scriptures where it is being used. In a sense, all prophecies are a predetermination of God. They are His foreknowledge of events unknown unto us but known and ordained by Him beforehand. They have been “predestinated.” Christ’s coming, death, burial, and resurrection had been predestinated, Luke 24:44-49; Isaiah 53:1-12. I wish I had some help right about now. Consider,
a) In Acts 4:28, we find it used in Peter’s prayer: “For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.” Similarly, Peter’s preaching on Pentecost to the people about Jesus, the Messiah: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it," Acts 2:23-24; Acts 10:36-43.
b) In Romans 8:28-30, Paul wrote: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” What is Paul’s meaning in these verses? Here it is beloved,
i. Those God foreknew, He predestinated us to: "Be conformed to the image of His Son."
ii. That He (Jesus): “Might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
iii. Whom He predestinated: "He called, justified, and glorified."
NOTE: There is no mention of predestination to life or death, heaven or hell. How could this be a proof text of Calvinism? I'm confident that this was not Paul's message in the Text.
iv. B. W. Johnson wrote: “According as…(or); Even as, In Revision. (He) Chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. This does not affirm that God chose some individuals and rejected others, but that before the world was before there was Jew or Gentile, God chose to have a people for himself, the whole church of Christ, a covenant people, confined to no one earthly race. God chose them so that they might be holy. Holy and without blame. Holiness is the proof that a church is a chosen church," Page 525. (My insertions for clarity).
v. God has chosen a people to be His elect and adopted family. To be holy and without blame until the coming of Christ. Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people: that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy,” 1 Peter 2:9-10; Colossians 1:13-14. Let’s continue in this discussion.
c) In 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul again wrote: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained (predestinated) before the world unto our glory.” He uses the word ordained, which also means predestination. God determined it beforehand and manifested it in due times or the dispensation of the fulness of time.
d) In Ephesians 1:5; and Ephesians 1:11, Paul uses the word “predestinated." At the end of this lesson, we will consider it further in Ephesians 1:11. But for now,
b. Further, “according to the good pleasure of His will.” All this was done according to the good pleasure of the will of God. God’s plan of predestination was done entirely in and through the sovereign and divine will of Himself. His decision was: “The riches of His mercy, and His great love wherewith He loved us…In the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-9.
c. Next, “to the praise of the glory of His grace.” It aimed to praise the glory of His grace unto the obedient believers through the gospel of the Son of God. Our adoption as children of God may bring forth our praise and glory unto God. Consider,
1) As it was in Paul’s call by His grace. He wrote: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me,” Galatians 1:21-24. Paul's conversion to Christ brought "rest unto the churches," and glory to God, Acts 9:31.
2) The church of Christ. Luke wrote: “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (those that were being saved),” Acts 2:47; Acts 4:32; Acts 5:14.
3) Paul and Silas. Luke wrote again: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them," Acts 16:25. Their praying and singing "rock the jailhouse," Acts 16:26; James 5:13. And from this event, the Jailer and his house were taught the word of the Lord, Acts 16:31-32. Then, the Jailer: “Took them (Paul and Silas) the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his (house), straightway," Acts 16:33. And when he (the Jailer): "Had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house," Acts 16:34. The rejoicing occurred after the Jailer, and his household had obeyed the gospel: “being baptized to wash away their sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 3:20-21.
d. Finally, “wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.” Paul concludes this thought by affirming that God has made these saints accepted in the beloved (or in Christ, His beloved Son).
1) Simply, He has "added them to the church" by their obedience to the gospel, Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47; Acts 6:7.
2) By adding us to the church, we have been accepted in God’s Beloved, Jesus Christ.
3) Jesus is the: “Beloved Son in whom God is well pleased,” Matthew 3:14-17; Matthew 17:1-7. Brother Johnson wrote of our acceptance as the church in the "Beloved," which is Christ. Notice,
a) He wrote: “Having predestinated us…Foreordained that we, the church of Jesus Christ, should be adopted as his children…God foreordained a church that should be composed of those adopted as his children. According to the pleasure of his will. The act of predestination was due simply to God's sovereign will…To the praise of the glory of his grace. To the end that his grace in adopting us as children may redound to his praise and glory. In the beloved. In Christ. See Matt. 3:17; Col. 1:13,” Page 525. Matthew Henry also wrote of this adoption into the beloved. Notice,
b) He wrote: “The next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of is acceptance with God through Jesus Christ: Wherein, or by which grace, he hath made us accepted in the beloved, v. 6. Jesus Christ is the beloved of his Father (Matt. iii. 17) and angels and saints. It is our great privilege to be accepted (by) God, which implies his love for us and his taking us under his care and into his family. We cannot be thus accepted of God, but in and through Jesus Christ. He loves his people for the beloved's sake," Page 985. Observe,
4) Conclusion: These verses tell the Ephesians when they were adopted: “before the foundation of the world.” But also, where this adoption took place: “in the beloved,” or “in Christ Jesus," who is the "beloved of the Father." The "elect of God" are the saints who He purposed and planned to "call by His grace unto salvation," which He placed in the church of Christ. The same act of obedience that saves us: also places us in Christ or the church, Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47. God's salvation for His elect has been placed in Christ, 2 Timothy 2:10. Now, Paul turns his attention to their redemption in Christ. He continued,
4. In whom we have: “Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence,” Ephesians 1:7-8. Notice that Paul includes himself in this spiritual blessing. Redemption is in Him! Who? Christ the “beloved of God.” Now he states how this was possible, “through His blood” or “through the faith in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be the propitiation through the redemption in His blood,” Romans 3:24-26; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 5:8-11. Consider,
a. First, “In whom we have redemption.” In the "beloved" or Him, the Ephesians had obtained redemption. The word redemption in Gr., is apolytrosis or ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis, which means to pay the ransom in total, i.e., for the riddance of sins or (especially) for the sinner’s salvation: —deliverance, redemption, or freedom from all their sins. All the redeemed have been forgiven, or “made free from their sins,” Romans 6:22; John 8:31-36.
b. Further, “Through His blood.” Liberation from the practice and guilt of sins was procured by the ransom payment in full for our redemption, through “the precious blood of Christ,” 1 Peter 1:18-19; John 1:29; Revelation 13:8.
c. Next, “The forgiveness of sins.” In this case, Jesus' blood was offered so that He might become: “The mediator of the new testament, that through death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, (that) they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance,” Hebrews 9:14-15. Jesus became the atoning victim that was offered for the whole world's sins, 1 John 2:1-2.
d. Similarly, “According to the riches of His grace.” Or through the riches, or the wealth of His grace towards the saints. The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: “According to the wealth of the grace of Him, which He lavished in us in all wisdom and understanding,” Page 661. The NRSV, Ephesians 1:7. For where: “Sin doth abounded, grace does much more abound,” Romans 5:20; Romans 6:1-2.
e. Finally, “Where He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” The attributes and blessings in Christ are fully seen and understood by God's love and mercy unto the saints and the whole world by His plan for election. Observe, Paul wrote,
1) To Ephesus: “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:7-10.
2) To Rome: “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, He might have mercy upon all. O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen," Romans 11:32-36.
3) To Corinth: “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which Jesus Christ gives you; That in everything you are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.
5. Having made known: “Unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which he hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him,” Ephesians 1:9-10. Observe, “God, having made known:”
a. The mystery of His will. The word mystery means something hidden and not yet revealed. This mystery included both Jews and Gentiles and the families of God in heaven and on the earth. It was determined,
1) According to His good pleasure. God’s plan in this mystery was done according to His good pleasure. Those He had chosen and called; might abound unto Him in praise and exceeding joy, through to riches of His love, mercy, and grace, granted unto His beloved, in Christ.
2) The mystery had been hidden throughout all eternity. It was sought out by angels, prophets, and learned men without understanding God's wisdom and prudence. Jesus spake unto His Father, saying: "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight,” Matthew 11:25-26; Luke 10:21.
3) It was made known in the "dispensation of the fullness of times,” Ephesians 1:10. Which Paul called later: “the dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 3:2.
4) Made known unto His, “holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,” Ephesians 3:5-6; Romans 16:25-26; Titus 1:1-3. This, of course, was the work of the Holy Spirit, John 16:13-15; Matthew 10:19-20; Luke 21:14-15.
b. That in the dispensation of the fulness of time: “He might gather together in one all things in Christ. Both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him.” That God might gather together in one body all things in Christ, Ephesians 2:11-22. Here is what was planned.
c. God’s plan through Him (Christ) was to bring together all things in heaven and on earth, John 10:16; Acts 2:39. And He hath “put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church. Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all,” Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 2:8; 1 Peter 3:22.
d. Conclusion: God's plan of election: was formulated before the foundation of the world; manifested in due times (the dispensation of grace); revealed unto the apostles, and preached unto the world. Through the preaching of the gospel, God has made known His grace through Christ Jesus. Paul now begins to conclude his discussion of the Ephesians' election. He now describes their inheritance in God's plan on their behalf. Observe,
6. In whom also we have: “Obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the plan of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:11-12. Notice,
a. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance. The word “inheritance” in Gr.; is kleroo or Klay-ro'-o, which means to allot, i.e., to assign (a privilege): —obtain an inheritance. To be granted a heritage, a private possession. Used in this Text to show the Ephesians had obtained an inheritance of eternal life and granted the Holy Spirit, which is the "earnest of their inheritance unto the redemption of the purchased possession, i.e., the redemption of our body, Ephesians 1:14; Romans 8:23.
1) At the resurrection of the dead on the last day, John 6:39-40; John 6:44-45.
2) At that time, He “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body,” Philippians 3:20-21.
3) When Christ returns from heaven, “to raise the saints that sleep in Him,” 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
b. Being predestinated, “according to the purpose (plan) of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.” Paul wrote how the Ephesians were predestinated. It was: “according to the (plan) of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will,” Ephesians 1:11. Some explanation is needed here in this sentence. Observe,
1) First, the word “purposed” in Gr., is protithemi or prot-ith'-em-ahee, which means to place before, i.e., (for oneself) to exhibit; (to oneself) to propose (determine): —purpose, to set forth. The idea of this verb is to plan all the details to be manifested in due time, in the dispensation of the fulness of time, or the dispensation of the grace of God," Titus 1:1-3; Ephesians 1:11; Ephesians 3:2. Another translation of this verse gives us a clearer insight into the word purposed. Consider,
2) The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: "In whom also we were made an inheritance, having been predestinated according to [The] plan of the one working all things according to the counsel of the will of Him" Page 662. The NRSV, Ephesians 1:11.
3) The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word planned: "To work out the details of (something) in advance." The full details of God’s plan for the elect were done before the world began and executed "in the dispensation of the fulness of time,” Ephesians 1:10; Titus 1:1-3.
c. That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. Now we are at the heart of the matter. We took our time to get here, by design, that there can be no dispute of our part in God’s plan for the elect. Paul wrote: "Who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:12. How did this trust come about? The apostle tells us how! Observe, let’s break it down,
7. In whom ye also: "Trusted, after that, you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14. “In whom you also trusted.” Observe,
a. First, "After that, you heard the word of truth." The Ephesians' trust in Christ came after hearing the word of truth. The apostle speaks here of his preaching in Ephesus.
1) Paul’s preaching: “And he went into the synagogue and spake boldly for three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus,” Acts 19:8-9. The beloved apostle received some resistance from the Jews that were hardened and believed not; he removed the disciples from them and began to speak daily in the school of one Tyrannus. This is what you do; if they reject the word, find a more fertile field.
2) All Asia heard: “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews, and Greeks,” Acts 19:10; Acts 19:18-20. Paul understood: “That faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.
3) Paul’s miracles: “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them,” Acts 19:11-13. Through his preaching and teaching, all of Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews, and Greeks. Through his work of miracles confirming the word, many who heard believe the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation. Notice,
b. Further, “The gospel of your salvation.” Luke wrote of Paul’s stirring address to the elders of Ephesus, on the isle of Miletus. Paul spake unto them: “Testifying the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more,” Acts 20:24-25.
1) They heard and believed: “The gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. And His preaching of the kingdom of God, which the Lord sent him to testify both to the Jews and Gentiles.
2) Paul reminded the elders at Miletus: "How he kept back nothing profitable unto them… Testifying both to the Jews and the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts 20:20-21.
3) Repentance towards God, and faith in Christ, are essential components of gospel preaching unto all desiring to be saved by grace. He wrote to Corinth: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10.
He continued,
c. Next, “In whom also after that you believed.” Concerning the believers in Ephesus, Luke wrote: “And many that believed came, confessed, and showed their deeds…So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” Acts 19:18-20. These believers in Christ came confessing their faith in Him as the Son of God.
d. Similarly, “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” This sentence refers to their baptism. Luke wrote: “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:1-7. Consider also,
1) We don't know the sum of all that Paul preached to these disciples of John the Baptist. But they immediately submitted to baptism: "in the name of the Lord Jesus."
2) When Paul preached of grace and the kingdom of God, along with faith and repentance, the normal response for these believers was "to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
3) The Corinthians: “Hearing believed and were baptized,” Acts 18:8. Paul wrote of their baptism: “You are washed, you are sanctified, and you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11.
4) Paul understood this washing, “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 22:16; Titus 3:4-7. Ananias told him to: "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord," Acts 22:16. He now explains the surety of the believer's gift of the Holy Spirit.
a) Which is the earnest of our inheritance. The word “earnest” means a down payment. He meant: That the Holy Spirit was given unto them as: “The earnest of their inheritance.”
i. To Colossae, Paul wrote: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,” Colossians 1:12.
ii. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that you are His child by adoption. He wrote: “And because you are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore, thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ,” Galatians 4:6-7.
iii. Therefore, “we are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians 3:7-9; Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:26-29. We are sealed unto the day of redemption. Paul refers to the Day of Redemption, i.e., the resurrection of the bodies of the saints. Notice,
b) Until the redemption of the purchased possession. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee from God to be our earnest or guarantee "until the redemption of the purchased possession.” That is the redemption of our physical bodies from the grave. Without the certainty of the resurrection of Christ, there could be no guarantee that we too shall be raised from the dead at His return. We will discuss this more later in the lesson. However, Paul wrote of God's guarantee of this blessed hope. That is, the redemption of the "purchased possession." Notice these quotable notables,
i. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Until the redemption... (Or), "Unto." This "earnest" given is looking unto the final and complete redemption from the grave of the purchased possession, the children of God, bought with Christ's blood," Page 470.
ii. Matthew Henry wrote: "For this, we were made, and we were redeemed; this is the great design of our Christianity and God in all that he has done for us: unto the praise of his glory, v.14. He intends that his grace and power should become conspicuous and illustrious and that the sons of men should magnify (glorify) Him," Page 1205. Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 13:15-16.
5) Day of redemption. Paul wrote: “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30. There will be a day of redemption at the second advent of Christ. Notice:
a) God designed this whole plan of redemption to restore not only the "spirit of man" to God's glory; but also, the body of clay: "The redemption of the body."
b) How will this be possible? Note: “By the quickening of our mortal bodies, by His Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11.
c) We will be like Him when we see Him in His glorified body, Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-2. Nearing a conclusion on Paul's discussion of the saints at Ephesus. This entire election plan was done by God the Father, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit for our eternal redemption. Unto the praise of His glory, in Christ Jesus. Paul concluded,
e. Finally, “Unto the praise of His glory.” God has promised to do all things: “Unto the praise of His glory.” It was,
1) “To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved,” Ephesians 1:6.
2) “We should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:12.
3) “The earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory,” Ephesians 1:14.
4) Conclusion: God’s work in Christ among the Gentiles was: “Unto the praise of His glory” in bringing both Jew and Gentiles into the fellowship of the body of Christ, Ephesians 3:6. After Paul's conversion to Christ, Luke wrote: "And then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified, and walking in fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied," Acts 9:31; Acts 8:8; Acts 12:24. Now let’s put it all together,
g. Analysis of God’s plan for the elect. We are ready to apply what we have learned from our Text of emphasis. We will present a correlation between Paul's writing of God’s election (choosing) and the calling of the saints in his Letters to the churches. The apostle wrote,
1) First, to the Corinthians. Of God's choosing, and calling them, and their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ.
a) God’s chosen: “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have many people (predestinated) in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them,” Acts 18:9-11. The Lord spoke to Paul of His chosen ones, whom He would call by the gospel in Corinth. The apostle wrote: “For God, who quickeneth the dead and calleth those things which be not as though they were,” Romans 4:17. There was some elect in Corinth the Lord hath chosen and would call by Paul’s preaching in this city.
b. God’s calling: “God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:2. Also, “For you see your calling, brethren, how not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called," 1 Corinthians 1:26; 1 Corinthians 7:20-24.
c) Their faith and obedience: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11. Also, "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized,” Acts 18:8.
2) Further, to the Ephesians. The apostle wrote,
a) God’s chosen: “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,” Ephesians 1:4.
b) God’s calling: “I, Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called…There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling,” Ephesians 4:1-4.
c) Their faith and obedience: “In whom you also trusted, after that, you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14. Also, “That He (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church), with the washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:26.
3) Next, to the Thessalonians. The apostle wrote,
a) God’s chosen: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you,” 2 Thessalonians 2:12a.
b) God’s calling: “That you walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory,” 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13.
c) Their faith and obedience: “He chose them, to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
4) Finally, to Titus. The apostle wrote:
a) God’s chosen: “According to the faith of God's elect, and acknowledging the truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1.
b) God’s calling: "In the hope of eternal life…promised before the world began; But hath in due time manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior,” Titus 1:2-3.
c) Their faith and obedience: "But when…God, our Savior, appeared…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy: He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:4-7.
h. Final summation: What we have witnessed in all these examples of God's plan for the elect: how He chose, called, and saved them: “through their faith and obedience to the gospel.” We have seen that God's calling was unto all people, and He has placed their salvation in Christ. It was in Christ; that they became partakers of the grace of God. In every case of God's choosing and calling: the believers heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and they were baptized to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. God’s elect was chosen before the foundation of the world, called during the dispensation of grace, to obtain the salvation in Christ (the church), 2 Timothy 2:10; Acts 2:47. We have taken a holistic approach in discussing God’s plan for the elect. Now, let's consider some misconceptions about Calvin's theory of predestination. We are almost done; stay with me, beloved of the Lord.
D. Misconceptions of predestination. What has God predestined to those he has called? For those whom He has "elected?" There are some misconceptions about what the bible teaches on this subject. One such view is called: "Calvinism." Conceived by a prominent reformer in the 16th century. Here is his view of predestination,
1. John Calvin wrote: "By predestination, we mean the eternal decree of God, by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and, accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of these ends, we say that he has been predestinated to life or to death.” Reference, Sovereignty of God in Christianity, by Wikipedia.
a. Calvinism affirms God has predestinated some to salvation or hell by His will without the sinners will for or against this choice of God.
b. Paul, in his Letter to Rome, wrote: “Those whom God had predestinated" were called in Him and would “be conformed to the image of His Son,” Romans 8:29. Paul's position on God's election of the saints differs from John Calvin's. Calvin's teaching on election is his theory; Paul's teaching on election is according to the pleasure of God’s will and glory, as given to him by the revelation of Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:10-12. Also,
c. He wrote to Rome: “And we know that all things…For whom He (God) foreknew, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called, them He justified: and whom He justified; them He also glorified," Romans 8:28-30. Text shortened for brevity. Here is our analysis of these verses. Observe,
2. Whom God foreknew: “He did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son,” Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:5; John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-27; Galatians 4:4-7. The Holy Scriptures.
a. Paul does not mention some were predestinated to eternal life and others to eternal damnation in his letter to the Romans.
b. God has “predestinated” that all who are “the elected (chosen) and called:” would be “conformed to the image of His Son.” We have been ordained or predestinated to be like Jesus. This change, however, does not occur until the believer: has heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14. We will consider this at the end of this lesson.
c. God's predestination and His “calling and election” to Christ are totally and utterly different from the theory taught and believed by the Calvinists.
3. Conclusion: It sounds like Calvin had it all wrong. God's predestination was those whom: "He foreknew, He called, and He justified, and He glorified. That they should: "be conformed to the image of His Son, Christ Jesus," Romans 8:29; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2.
E. God’s call to the world. Our last thought in this lesson is God's call unto the world. Recall the Calvinist's teach that God has called some to salvation and others to damnation. It behooves us to look at the scriptures regarding their election theory. Consider these references regarding God's love and call unto all humanity. Observe,
1. Jesus’ call is unto all. Matthew wrote: “Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30. The Lord’s call is unto all the “whosoever.” Stay with me, please!
a. Whosoever will. John wrote: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely,” Revelation 22:17; Revelation 3:20.
1) Jesus and the Samaritan woman: “Jesus answered and said unto her: Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst…(it) shall be to him a well of water springing up into everlasting life,” John 4:13-15.
2) Jesus promises at the feast: “Jesus stood up and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me…out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…this spake He of the Spirit…not yet given,” John 7:37-39.
3) Jesus said: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink,” John 7:37; Matthew 5:6.
b. Whosoever believeth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16; John 3:15.
c. Whosoever heareth: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it,” Matthew 7:24-27. The wise heareth and doeth; the foolish does neither!
d. Conclusion: Jesus beckons unto all to come. Those that labor and are heavy laden; those that believe, and those that hear His sayings. During the ministry of Christ, He called all, accepted all, and rejected none: that believed His word and followed Him, Matthew 16:24-26. These verses dispel the notion that some were predetermined to damnation and hell. God sent Jesus to be the Savior of all that believe and obey Him, John 5:24; Hebrews 5:8-9.
2. Joel’s “whosoever.” The prophet wrote: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh…And…whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call,” Joel 2:28-32; Luke 24:47-49. Text shortened for brevity. This was Joel’s prophecy of God’s promise: “to pour out of His Holy Spirit upon all flesh” on the day of deliverance (salvation). Observe,
a. Joel’s prophecy of promise: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered,” Joel 2:32. All that called upon the name of the Lord on this day shall be saved and given the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38.
b. Peter on Pentecost said: “Whosoever will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Acts 2:21. On this day, Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled. God had shed forth the Holy Spirit upon all flesh, as He had promised on that day, Acts 2:33-35; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4. Observe,
c. Peter preached: “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy…before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Acts 2:16-21.
3. Peter’s “as many as.” Luke wrote, Peter said: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call,” Acts 2:39. This verse bears some explanation.
a. The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: "For to you is the promise and to the children of you and all the ones at a distance, as many, as may call to the Lord the God of us,” Page 411. The NRSV, Acts 2:39. Peter includes the Jews present, their children, and the afar off, the Gentiles, in the persuasive close of his sermon on Pentecost. Consider,
b. The Interlinear reads: “As many as may call to the Lord the God of us." The "as many as," is doing the calling to the Lord our God.” It is not the "Lord our God" calling the “as many as He shall call,” as it is currently translated in this Text. The KJV, Acts 2:39.
c. It is, however, “the as many as may call," who are "calling upon the Lord, the God of us," to be saved. The NRSV, Acts 2:39; Acts 2:21. This translation agrees with two other passages that bear our best investigation. Consider now,
4. Paul’s “whosoever shall call.” Paul wrote to Rome: “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:11-13. Observe,
a. First, “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11; Isaiah 28:16.
b. Further, “For the same Lord over all is rich (in mercy) unto all that call upon Him.”
c. Finally, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
d. Paul also wrote: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to Jew first, and also to the Greek,” Romans 1:16.
e. Conclusion: The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved," Romans 10:13. It is, therefore, the "whosoever” or “everyone” that believeth and calleth in the name of the Lord to be saved. Both the Jews and the Greeks are the “whosoever” or “everyone" who believeth and are now calling on the Lord's name. These scriptures teach a message opposite to that of "Calvinism." Calvinism becomes a hard sell to anyone that believes and studies the bible. I pray you are listening to me, as I begin to wrap up this lesson?
5. Lord not willing any perish. Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11; Ezekiel 18:23.
6. God desires all men to be saved. Paul wrote: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,” 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
7. Conclusion: What these texts have revealed unto us all is this: God does not want to destroy any, but desires that all who believes to come unto Him, so that they might be saved, Hebrews 11:6. Unlike Calvinism, God has not predestined some to heaven and others to hell. God has made His creation, the human race, with the will and desire to choose, either good or evil. Observe,
a. Moses admonished Israel: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you: life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live,” Deuteronomy 30:19; Jeremiah 32:29. Don't be foolish; serve God and live.
b. Joshua charged Israel: “Choose you this day who you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” Joshua 24:15. (Paraphrased).
c. Peter’s persuasive closing: “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ…For to you is the promise and to all the children of you, and all the ones at a distance, as many as may call to [the] Lord the God of us. And with many other words, he testified and appealed…save yourselves…The ones then having welcomed his word were baptized and were added…souls about three thousand,” Page 411. The NRSV, Acts 2:39-41. (Text shortened for brevity).
1) The Jewish believers on Pentecost “having welcomed the word of him (Peter) were baptized.”
2) They welcomed God’s terms to be saved: Through faith, repentance, and baptism: "they called upon the name of the Lord to be saved," Acts 2:38-41; Romans 10:13. Amen, brother Walls!
3) They were chosen, called, and accepted God's terms of pardon through faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ.
4) They were then placed in the church by the Lord, in the church of the beloved of God the Father, Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:6. Being now “blessed with all the spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3.
NOTE: For more clarity in: “calling on the name of the Lord.” Download our lesson entitled: “Calling on the Name of the Lord" from SermonCentral.com; by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
d. Paul’s persuasive closing: "Having spoken boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, To you, the word of God needed to be spoken first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves not worthy of eternal life, we turn to the Gentiles. For thus has commanded us the Lord, I have appointed you for a light to [the] Gentiles in order [for] you to be for salvation unto [the] end of the earth. Now hearing [the], the Gentiles were rejoicing and were glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as believed had been appointed to eternal life,” Page 460. The NRSV, Acts 13:46-48. Observe,
1) The Jews rejected the word of God, judging themselves as not worthy of eternal life.
2) Paul and Barnabas, then turn unto the Gentiles. The Lord had appointed them for a light unto the Gentiles to be for salvation unto the end of the earth.
3) The Gentiles: Hearing was rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, as many as believed (having) been appointed (ordained) to eternal life.
4) These Gentiles accepted God’s terms for eternal life. They, too, "called upon the name of the Lord to be saved," Romans 10:13; Acts 15:13-18. We have come a mighty long way in this lesson. We have turned over every rock in search of the truth in God’s Plan for the Elect. I trust something has been said in this lesson: to help you see the errors of Calvinism. Feel free to comment on this lesson below, or send me an email with your thoughts. May God bless you and yours. As I conclude, let me quickly review what we discussed. Recall….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. God’s plan for the elect
B. Summarize main points.
1. We considered how God predestinated His elect in Christ Jesus. We established that God’s plan for the elect: was His “choosing, and calling” of them in Christ, through their faith and obedience to the gospel. This mystery has been revealed by God, unto the holy apostles, and prophets by the Spirit. We re-dug in old wells to uncover this mystery together. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper" in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We used this scripture as a foundational text for this sermon series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham's death," Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: "Stopped them, and filled them with earth," because they envied Isaac's possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
2. Our Text of emphasis read in this fashion: "According to as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself…In whom we have redemption through His blood…having made known unto us the mystery of His will…That in the dispensation of the fulness of time; He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the plan of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ," Ephesians 1:3-12. (Text shorten for brevity).
3. The teaching of predestination as taught in Calvinism differs from Paul’s revelation of the grace of God. In the lesson, we thoroughly investigated God’s plan for the elect. We also proved that it was essential to consider every Text within the context of the scriptures. With God’s help, we did just that, to draw: “New water from old wells.”
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.
D. Exhortation. Let is not be said of you: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself from this untoward (wicked and ungodly) generation,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Credits and Contributions
I give credit to my contributors; I, therefore: "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
10. Calvinism, “Predestination in Calvinism.”– Wikipedia.
11. Calvinism, “Sovereignty of God in Christianity.”– Wikipedia
12. John Calvin. Institutes of the Christian Religion, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, 2 vols. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960).
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
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