Predestination - Part 1

Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2010

Ephesians 1:1-5

Introduction:

A. The subject that I will begin to deal with tonight is one of much controversy. Again let me say that there is no controversy in the Word of God. God is not the Author of confusion and where confusion is God is not! Then this question must be answered: “If God is not the Author of confusion, then who is?” The answer is simple: Satan! God will never confuse you while Satan strives to do so.

B. A good “Rule of Thumb” that I often teach our people is this: always interpret a hard portion of Scripture (we do not understand everything that is written in the Bible) with the ones that are easily understood. Since there are no contradictions with God, then difficult passages will not be contrary to the simple ones.

C. We often equate predestination and election with the tenets of John Calvin’s theology. John Calvin was an intellectual who set forth his theology in what is called the “TULIP” or “TULIP THEOLOGY.”

T – Total Depravity (total inability)

U – Unconditional Election

L – Limited Atonement

I – Irresistible Grace

P – Preservation of the Saints

D. I am not going to deal with the “TULIP” in detail in this study of Ephesians (I dealt with it over the course of about 10 weeks while preaching through 1 Corinthians). I just wanted our people to know what Calvinism teaches. When one gets the wrong impression of election and predestination, they become “Calvinistic” at the least and Calvinism is a stumbling block to the saint.

E. A wrong understanding of election and predestination is an enemy to assurance of salvation. None of our names are written in the Bible and then only way we can have assurance of salvation is if we are a “whosoever!” It is interesting that every Calvinist’s family is also elect. It is interesting that every Calvinistic Church member is elect. The only ones who are not elect are the “other” people.

1. A Wrong Understanding Of Election And Predestination Defiles The Person Of God. It Defiles God’s Character (I will just suggest a few of God’s immutable attributes.)

a. The Bible Declares That God is Love – 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (Not makes an attempt to love but is intrinsically love itself.)
Mark 10:21-23 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (22) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (23) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Calvinism teaches that God loves His children and hates those who are not but these verses tell us that Christ loved a man who remained unsaved.)
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Matthew 5:43-44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (God tells us to love our enemies while He hates His?)

b. The Bible Declares That God Is Good - Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Not makes an attempt to be good but is good!)

Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. (For God to create men, who have no chance to accept His sacrifice, and condemn them to hell with no chance is about as far from good as you can get.)

c. The Bible Declares That God Is Just - Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Because of God’s justice, babies, who are born in sin, remain innocent until they reach an age of accountability.)

Psalms 98:8-9 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together (9) Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

2. A Wrong Understanding Of Election And Predestination Defies The Word Of God (It attacks the veracity of the Bible. The Bible is clear concerning both the ability and obligation of mankind to respond to God.)
a. The Invitation Of God’s Word - Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Come when you can’t come?)

Revelation 22:17 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. (Whosoever will can come when salvation is limited?)

b. The Inclusion Of God’s Word - 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Died for the sins of the whole world when in fact he died for only a few?)

John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (The Bible declares that Jesus Christ died for whosoever and that includes every man, woman, and child ever born!)

c. The Indictment Of God’s Word - John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (Our Lord indicted the Pharisees for not coming to Him when they could not come?)

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Jerusalem rejected the call of God as did the Pharisees. God can be rejected!)

3. A Wrong Understanding Of Election And Predestination Destroys The Purpose of God. (It deters both missions and personal witnessing.)

a. It Destroys The Personal Responsibility Of The Sinner - Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (How can anyone deny the personal responsibility of the sinner in this verse?)

Revelation 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (Could have repented! Should have repented! Did not repent and was held personally responsible.)

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (Not believing is the sinner’s fault, not God’s! He is not lost because he is not elect or predestined. He is lost because he chose not to believe.)

b. It Destroys The Message Of The Cross - Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

c. It Destroys The Mission Of The Church - Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (You can say what you want about missions hearted, Calvinistic churches but this theology severely affects missions outreach.)

d. It Destroys The Personal Soul Winning Of The Saint (True Calvinists are fatalists! Why witness to someone who will be saved anyway or why witness to someone who cannot be saved?)

Assurance

Calvinism

God and foreknowledge

God and respect of persons

God and second chances Shalt thou not be accepted was the lie of all ages

He lied to the Pharisees – ye would not come unto me – life

God and indictment for now being saved – would not come unto me, come unto me,

God and goodness and love

Whosoever meanth who

Calvinism Destroys The Righteousness Of God

It Destroys His Justice

It Destroys His Love

It Destroys His Veracity (whosoever will)

Calvinism Destroys The Personal Responsibility Of The Sinner

He Has The Responsibility To Come

He Has The Responsibility To Repent

He Has The Responsibility To Believe

Calvinism Destroys The Assurance Of The Believer

He Has No Assurance That He Is One Of The Elect

A. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Character Of God

1. Calvinism Attacks The Veracity Of God

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2. Calvinism Attacks The Righteousness Of God

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Colossians 3:23-25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

3. Calvinism Attacks The Character Of God

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

B. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Cross Of Christ

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

C. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Commission Of The Church

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (All Nations)

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (All Of Mankind)

D. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Command To The Soul Winner (Calvinist are not zealous soul winners – their visitation is sporadic)

Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Hell was prepared for the Devil and his angels!

There are only 4 times that predestinate in one form or another is found. In each instance, it has to do with God’s purpose and foreknowledge.

Romans 8:29 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.

Romans 8:30 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.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Jesus Christ Is Elect - Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Israel Is Elect - Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

Isaiah 65:22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect‘s sake those days shall be shortened.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect‘s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect‘s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1 Peter 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

2 John 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

2 John 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.