Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

g. Ezek. 33.11

3. God personally elects individuals to salvation, ensuring forever their certain and blessed redemption.

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a. God has guaranteed the salvation of his own through his foreknowledge and predestination to life, Rom. 8.28-30.

b. God has elected those who believe in Jesus Christ to salvation, to be his own recipients of eternal life, Eph. 1.4-6.

c. All those whom the Father gives to Jesus will come to him, John 6.37; and no one can come to Christ unless the Father draws him, John 6.44.

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d. He chose us and appointed us to bear fruit that remains, John 15.16.

C. Certain principles emerge from this discussion of God’s elective purposes.

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1. First, God’s mercy is given not on the basis of human initiative and merit, but on the basis of God’s lovingkindness and grace alone, Exodus 33.19 is quoted in Romans 9.15-16.

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2. Next, God’s election is made on the basis of his own sovereign purpose in order that no one can boast in their own righteousness or holiness, Eph. 2.8-9.

3. Third, God chose the base, the weak, and the foolish to bring to shame the wise and powerful in this age, 1 Cor. 1.26-31.