Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Today we will continue with the second letter in TULIP.

The U represents the word UNCONDITIONAL and deals with the reformed view of ELECTION.

Some of us would prefer to use the word SOVEREIGN as the better way of showing God’s sovereign hand on those people who will come to know the Lord.

However these five main headings found in TULIP may help to set in motion the glory of God’s saving grace in our election.

Here is a quote from John MacArthur: “without God’s enablement salvation is not possible” But our pastor has often said that “God is 100% sovereign and we are 100% responsible…” Not only will we cover Faith Bible Church’s doctrinal statement on unconditional or sovereign election, but we will also cover God’s choosing of certain individuals to be the recipients of His special grace and eternal salvation...Hint it is NOT the tunnel of time approach.

What does unconditional election mean?

Here is what our church states in its doctrinal statement: Election is “That eternal act of God whereby, solely on the basis of His sovereign will and for the purpose of His glory, He chose certain persons, who had no merit, to be the recipients of His special grace and eternal salvation.”

The verb “chose” is the word used in the Bible for election.

R. C. Sproul says that it “means that God does not foresee an action or condition on our part that induces Him to save us.

Rather, election rests on God’s sovereign decision to save whomever He is pleased to save.”

What does unconditional election NOT mean?

It does NOT mean that we are not responsible.

Do we have a responsibility to respond to God’s call?

Some scriptures show that we are accountable if we fail to answer His call .

In we read "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse.

So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants” Also, says, “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”

John Piper comments on this verse with these words: “God’s election preceded faith and made it possible.”

Along with other verses like , , , we have ample evidence that man is responsible to believe in order to receive the gift of eternal life.

What is the opposite of unconditional election?

Those who take an Arminian view of election would say they believe in conditional election.

But the condition they include  is that people are chosen because God knew they would believe.

Shawn Farrell put it like this in his message: “Those who accept in faith are elected based on their faith and choice of Christ.

This is called conditional election.

God knew beforehand what man would do and so He elected those.”

(Shawn Farrell, Grace Changes Everything)

Calvinism says that we are chosen.

God chooses unconditionally whom he will mercifully bring to faith and whom he will justly leave in their rebellion.

Arminians say God has chosen us, elected, to bring to salvation all those whom he foresaw would believe by bringing about their own faith — providing the decisive impetus themselves.

Where do we find unconditional election in the Bible?

Mark

Mark

How does it affect our salvation?

The truth of election should help us realize that we are nothing special since God chose us before we did anything.

It is all grace; we did not deserve to be chosen.

We also should recognize that this doctrine is difficult.

It does not need to be a part of sharing the gospel with unbelievers.

We know that God desires all to be saved (; ).

It takes time and growth in Christ to see that God has unconditionally chosen us.

Jim Orrick, author of Mere Calvinism, says this about emphasizing the doctrine of unconditional election: “Be wise.

Not everything that needs to be said needs to be said right now.” (Jim Orrick, Mere Calvnism, p. 78)