Theology of the Church, Student Workbook, SW03

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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.

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.

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.

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.