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

C. A third implication of God’s election is that evangelism and missions are essential, even in the face of the sure hope we have in God’s electing grace.

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1. While God Almighty knows those who are his, we don’t! In obedience to the Great Commission, we are to proclaim the Good News to the very ends of the earth, making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Christ’s teaching, Matt. 28.18-20.

2. Empty and wrongheaded speculation about whether or not God predestines the lost to damnation is foolish distraction from the plain revealed will of God to make disciples till he comes.

D. A fourth and final implication suggests that God’s election provides God with certainty regarding those who belong to him.

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3

1. God knows those who belong to him, 2 Tim. 2.15-19.

2. We need never feel guilty for those who reject Jesus. We are to declare Jesus as Lord, and leave the rest with his Spirit.

3. Rather than argue about issues which can only be settled in the mind of God we ought to embrace our role as believers, affirming the mystery of God’s elective purpose, and the limits of our reason. We may never know all those whom we have touched, or the reasons within God’s heart for his sovereign choices. We can affirm, however, that God has instructed us to share the Good News with all, and that every one who believes will inherit eternal life in Jesus Christ.