Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• The Doctrine of Election
• Humbling
• We should be overwhelmed that God has loved us
• Taught in many other passages: Eph 1:4
• The Doctrine of Reprobation (double pre-destination)
• All those who reject God are responsible for their damnation
• These are solemn verses
• Old Testament examples - Pharaoh, Isaac
• There are many objections to this doctrine
• God is unjust, unfair and discriminating
• If God is a God of love how can He appoint anyone to hell
• If God knows the elect - why bother preach the gospel?
• Paul will answer these points
• Overview:
• Context
• The Truth of Election (v6-13)
• The Objections (v14-25)

Context

• Paul had a great desire for his fellow countrymen to be saved
• Paul had a great heart for Israel
• 10:1
• 1 Tim 2:4 - God desires that all should be saved
• 2 Pet 3:9 - God is not willing that any should perish
• Why did Christ weep for Jerusalem? (He desired their salvation)
• Why did Christ love the rich young man, even when he rejected Him (He desired their salvation)
• God is loving and patient
• The wrath of God abides on unbelievers
• God hates sin (and the workers of iniquity)
• God has a deep love for sinners
• The Doctrine of Election
• Has been controversial
• Has caused stones to be thrown
• It is not something we should fight over
• It is not a question to be debated

The Truth of Election (v6-13)

• Paul is concerned he is being misunderstood
• Israel is not being saved
• Is God's word of no effect?
• v6 - "They are not all Israel who are of Israel"
• A true Jew is not one who is a descendant of Abraham
• Rom 2:28-29
• A true child of Abraham is a child of promise - someone who has been circumcised of heart
• The Covenant promises are made to the spiritual descendants of Abraham
• Rom 3:1-4
• God's word is never frustrated
• God is always faithful to His own word
• Paul refers to Abraham, his wife and their children
• Ishmael was not a child of promise
• It was Isaac that was the child of promise
• Paul refers to Rebecca and their children
• Not a Hagar situation
• One of the children is chosen and one is not
• Mal 1:2,3 - the tribe of Jacob, the tribe of Esau (the Edomites)
• The implications:
• Their is no guarantee of the salvation of our children/family
• You need the favour and blessing of God in your life
• Christ will not turn anyone away
• We must listen to the promises of God
• We must hold on to the promises of God
• Do not complain if you reject God's grace, that He gives it to another
• Psalm 65:4, 2 Thess 2:13, Acts 13:48, John 15:16 & 17:16, Rom 8:33,30
• John 15:16 - a pivotal verse for me
• The Scripture clearly teaches the doctrine of election
• Why should God lavish His love on me - grace!

The Objections (v14-25)

• Can we ever blame God?
• Nobody deserves the love of God
• We must revel in God's mercy and compassion
• Ex 33:19
• Salvation is about mercy (v16)
• John 1:13
• God has a purpose in salvation and a purpose in hardening people
• Pharaoh hardens his heart
• God hardens his heart - He confirms him in his own state
• God used this to show His glory

To continue with this doctrine next week

Closing Remarks and words of exhortation