A Sovereign Grace New Testament Reader

8/6/2019 A Sovereign Grace New Testament Reader

1/65

A Sovereign Grace New Testament

Reader

Exploring the Grace of God

By Kevin Smead

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard

Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. ESV text edition

2007

Publisher Information:

WeThree Publications: P.O. Box 650, Glenwood, AR 71943

2010


2/65

2

This study booklet is dedicated to my son Haddon. May you

always walk according to the light given us in the Word of

God!

And to my wife Michelle: Studying the Word of God with you

and our son has been one of the greatest joys of my life.


3/65

3

Introduction

The word sovereign means supreme ruler. A sovereign is a person who has no one over him

and who can do whatever he wants to, when he wants to, how he wants to, and for whom he

wants to and no one has the authority to question his plans, actions, or motives. God is the

only absolute supreme ruler. He rules over all the angels, over all the universe including all

physical and spiritual matters, over all animals, over the devil and all of his host, and over all

mankind, including the heart, mind, soul and will of every man. God is absolutely sovereign.

The word grace means unmerited favor. It is a favor which cannot be bartered for, earned, or

purchased. It is an absolutely free gift given to mankind. It is given to those whom He

sovereignly chooses. As the sovereign ruler over His universe He has the power and the right to

dispense this free gift to whomever He pleases, and no one can question His sovereign will.

When we put these two biblical concepts together, Sovereign Grace, we have a wonderfullybiblical picture of Gods plan of redemption for His people. He, as the Sovereign, determines

from all eternity to dispense His grace to the people of His choice, and none can question Him

or thwart His purpose. His grace is sovereign, because He is sovereign.

God says to Moses in Exodus 33:19, that which is repeated by Paul in Romans 9:15, I will have

mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. That is

sovereign grace! This wonderfully biblical doctrine teaches us many things. To begin with,

Sovereign grace means that He has determined to glorify His Son in the salvation of a vast

multitude which no man can number and He is not at the whim or the free-will of man to get it

accomplished. Sovereign grace means that God is never frustrated in His purpose but that He

always does what pleases Him (Psalm 115:3 and Psalm 135:6). Sovereign Grace means that

heaven is filled by God, not by mans free will. Sovereign Grace means that God actually saves

people, rather than just putting them into a savable state.

Moreover, when we talk about grace being sovereign we are saying that ultimately all the credit

for the salvation of any individual goes to God alone (Psalm 115:1). Sovereign Grace means that

salvation is not just suppliedby Gods grace, but it is appliedby Gods grace as well. God is the

alpha and the omega. God not only elected His people for Himself when none of them sought

Him (Romans 3:10) and granted them a Redeemer to die on the cross when they were withoutstrength (Romans 5:6), but then He provided the Holy Spirit to come to them in time and to

give them a heart of flesh for a heart of stone. The Holy Spirit turns them from darkness to light

by His omnipotent power, and sweetly but irresistibly draws them to faith and repentance in

Him who was set forth as a propitiation for their sin. That is why a sinner who is saved is said to

be born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8). Christians are saved not because they are smarter than a

lost person, softer hearted than a lost person, or luckier than a lost person. God set His love on


4/65

4

them from eternity and by His grace alone called them into the fellowship of His Son (1

Corinthians 1:8). Sovereign grace means that when we look at lost sinners in the world around

us we can truly say with the 16th

century Christian John Bradford, as he observed a criminal

being led to execution, There, but for the grace of God, go I. Or as the great Apostle Paul said,

By the grace of God I am what I am (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Furthermore, sovereign grace means that when we pray to God about our lost loved ones, we

are praying to a God who can save them if He wills. When we pray, we are not just sharing our

frustrations with a mutually frustrated God. Sovereign grace means that we do not just ask God

to wait patiently upon our loved ones stubborn free wills, but we ask Him to change their

stubborn wills so that they will offer themselves freely to Him. Sovereign grace is a recognition

that when God calls sinners they will respond (Joel 2:32). Therefore we can have hope for the

worst of sinners. Our friends or our loved ones who, if left to their own free will, would give

us little reason to think that they would ever turn, may yet be turned by the sovereign grace of

God. Sovereign grace is also a recognition that people are not just lucky to have Christian

parents, friends, or pastors to pray for them, but that God is sovereign over this as well. He

determined to save them and He therefore determined that we would pray for them. Sovereign

grace means that we do not decide who goes to heaven by our prayers and our witnessing, but

that God does. Even our prayer and witnessing is wrought in us by God and He gets all the

glory. As Isaiah 26:12 says, O LORD, you will ordain peace for us: for you have indeed done for

us all our works, and as Philippians 2:13 says, For it is God who works in you, both to will and

to work for his good pleasure.

In addition to what has been said, Sovereign grace also means that Gods Word will not returnto Him empty but it will accomplish that which He purposed (Isaiah 55:11). In other words,

when you hear a preacher say in the service something like, God will have His way in the

service this morning he is stating the doctrine of sovereign grace and is telling you the truth. As

Ephesians 1:11 says, He works all things according to the counsel of His will.

Finally, sovereign grace means that if you are saved you can have absolute assurance of your

salvation. If you were the one who began with God at the point of conversion then you might at

some point drift away from God and be lost. If your will is not in the hands of a sovereign God,

you might decide to no longer be a part of Gods family. If faith were your idea instead of being

the gracious gift of God then you might lose your faith. But, if God began a good work in you,

(He) will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, (Philippians 1:6) and if He is the one

who gave you the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) then we can be confident that the gifts and the

calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). If God is the one who gave you to Christ (John

10:29) then He will not take you away from His Son. In other words, the God who in eternity

past chose of His own free-grace to save you is the same God who can carry out that purpose


5/65

5

today. Not only can no one else pluck you out of His hand, but if you are His child He has given

you a heart to fear Him so that you will not turn from Him yourself (Jeremiah 32:38-40).

As evident from the title, it is this biblical doctrine ofsovereign grace that is presented in this

booklet. I have not sought to establish this doctrine upon philosophical arguments or even

upon human experience (although that would not be difficult to do). This booklet is a collection

of passages from the New Testament that plainly teach the doctrine of free and sovereign

grace. I have not taken verses out of context or engaged in the sometimes superficial method of

proof-texting. I have quoted at length from various passages. The only part that I have

contributed is the discovery questions after each passage to help the reader key in on certain

concepts that are in the text.

Please note that while some of the verses below focus on the issue of Gods irresistible power

to do what He wants in the salvation of sinners, others focus on the doctrines of election and

predestination themselves. To prove Gods irresistible power in converting sinners is to proveelection and predestination (since He doesnt save everyone). To prove election and

predestination is to prove Gods irresistible power to open the hearts of sinners (since He is

able to infallibly bring in His elect). These ideas compliment and complete one another and they

all establish what we mean by the concept of sovereign grace.

I hope that this booklet will be both helpful to you and will glorify our sovereign God. If you

find it does, pick up several copies and pass them out. Only as we see the fullness of this

teaching will we really give the Lord the glory that is due Him. Too many people in the modern

church attribute their faith to their own softness of heart or higher intelligence. This has led to

spiritual pride. It has also led to faithless prayers as people utter prayers they really do not

believe God can or will answer. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide your reading. It is

in His light alone that we see the light. To God alone be the glory (Soli Deo Gloria)!


6/65

6

The Sovereign Will of God Matthew 11:20-30

20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done,

because they did not repent.

21 Woe unto you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had

been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22 But I tell you, It shall be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for

you.

23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades.

For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this

day.

24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodomthan for you.

25 At that time Jesus declared, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have

hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the

Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to

reveal him.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will

find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Discovery Questions:

1. If Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom would have repented by seeing the mighty works that thesecities in the days of Jesus saw, why did they not get to see them? Did God have the right

to give to one and not to another according to His own good pleasure? In what way is

this example an illustration of Gods sovereignty?


7/65


8/65

8

Revealed From Above Matthew 16:-13-18

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do

people say that the Son of Man is?

14 And they said, Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of

the prophets.

15 He said to them, But who do you say that I am?

16 Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not

revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell

shall not prevail against it.


1. How significant was Peters confession concerning Jesus You are the Christ, the Sonof the living God? Is this truth concerning His person (the Son of God) and His finished

work (the Christ) the rock upon which the church would be built?

2. According to the words of Jesus in verse 17, is it possible for a person from his or herown nature to sincerely confess Jesus as God and Christ?

3. According to verses 22-23, Peter was still very weak in the faith and in His understandingof who Christ was, and had to be rebuked because of his misunderstanding. If even

Peters basic beginning in the faith could only come by a special revelation from heaven,

how deeply dependent are we on God each step of the way?

4. 1 Corinthians 12:3 says that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says Jesus isaccursed! and no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. How, in your

opinion, is 1 Corinthians 12:3 related to Matthew 16:17?

5. Do you believe that Matthew 16:13-18 teaches Sovereign Grace?


9/65

9

All Things Possible With God Matthew 19:16-26

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do to have

eternal life?

17 And he said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good.

If you would enter life, keep the commandments.

18 He said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit

adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,

19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

20 The young man said to him, All these I have kept. What do I still lack?

21 Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor,

and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.

22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person

enter the kingdom of heaven.

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich

person to enter the kingdom of God.

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, Who then can besaved?

26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are

possible.


1. Is it difficult for a rich person to be saved? Why?2. Is it difficult for other people to be saved as well?3. According to vv. 24-26 is it possible for anyone on his or her own to turn from their sin

and self-righteousness and be saved?

4. Based on verse 26 can God accomplish His purpose and save whomever He wants?


10/65

10

Unto You Luke 2:1-14

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be

registered.

2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of

David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in amanger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock

by night.

9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were filled with fear.

10 And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that

will be for all the people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in

a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and

saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!


1. Would it have been possible for the angels of the Lord to appear to lost sinners all overthe world that night? What reason can you give that God did not send them to do that?

2. Did the angels appear even to others in Judea?


11/65

11

3. When you consider that in that day and time Shepherds were considered vagrants andeven dishonest (their testimony was not even accepted in a court of law), is it surprising

that God chose to appear to these shepherds?

4. Was there any reason in yourself that you were made to hear the gospel while millionsof others perish in heathen darkness?

5. The ESV translation says in verse 14, on earth peace among those with whom he ispleased, while the NIV translates it to men on whom his favor rests. Do you believe

that this is speaking of sovereign grace in election?


12/65

12

The Savior Shepherd Luke 15:1-7

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.

2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with

them.

3 So he told them this parable:

4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the

ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?

5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them,

Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.

7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over

ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.


1. Based on the occasion of the parable (vv. 1-2) and the application of it (v. 7) do youbelieve that this parable is describing Jesus as the Shepherd Savior?

2. If this parable is indeed a description of the rescue of sinners by the great Shepherd,then who does the seeking when it comes to salvation Jesus or the sinner?3. What part does the sheep play in coming back to the shepherd in this parable? Do you

believe this also indicates what part the sinner plays in coming to Christ?

4. Since the shepherd went after the sheep until he found it, do you believe that Jesus willsucceed in bringing His sheep into the fold? (See Matthew 1:21 and Hebrews 2:12-13.)

5. Do you believe that all lost people are sheep? (See John 10:24-29.)


13/65

13

Born of God John 1:1-13

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become

children of God,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.


1. What does it mean to receive Jesus? What benefit are all of those given who receiveJesus? See verse 12-13.

2. What does it mean that people who receive Jesus have been born (v. 13)? Does it haveto do with what Jesus said about being born again in John 3:1-7?

3. What does it mean in verse 13 when it says that those who have been born again (andhave thus come to faith) were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the

will of man? Is this a denial of free will as the causal agent in the conversion of a sinner?

4. Can you name one Scripture that says man has free will? ( Consider that the promisewhosoever will is to those who are willing to come to Christ, but it says nothing about

how they came to be willing, whether by Gods power or their own self-determination.)


14/65

14

5. The moment that you were born again, did you decide of your own free will to stoploving your sin more than God that day, or did God break your heart and lead you to

faith by His omnipotent power?


15/65

15

The Sovereign Son -- John 5:20-29

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works

than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he

will.

22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son

does not honor the Father who sent him.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal

life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the

voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his

voice

29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who havedone evil to the resurrection of judgment.


1. These verses talk about two resurrections. One is described in verse 25 and the other isin verse 28. Concerning verse 25, Jesus says that the time is now in which it is taking

place. Concerning verse 28, He says that the hour is coming in which it will take place.

Do you think that the first resurrection is speaking of a spiritual resurrection of people

who are dead in sin (see Ephesians 2:1)?

2. If spiritual resurrection is intended in the context, then verse 21 would teach that Christgives spiritual life to whom he will. Does this show the sovereignty of the Son in calling

whom He wants to quickening and salvation?

3. Can a spiritually dead man do spiritual acts such as believing, repenting, etc., or wouldlife have to be imparted by God first?


16/65

16

4. In Holy Scripture conversion is described as a manifestation of Gods mighty power.Here it is described as God raising the dead. If God has done the same for all, and each

individual has to ultimately decide the final outcome by his or her own free will, how is

conversion a demonstration of Gods resurrection power?


17/65

17

Drawn by the Father John 6:44-66

44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up

on the last day.

45 It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has heard

and learned from the Father comes to me

46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.

47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

48 I am the bread of life.

49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.

51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live

forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to

eat?

53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man

and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on

the last day.

55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.

56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he

also will live because of me.

58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died.Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?


18/65

18

61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, Do

you take offense at this?

62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to youare spirit and life.

64 But there are some of you who do not believe. (For Jesus knew from the beginning who

those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)

65 And he said, This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by

the Father.

66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.


1. Can anyone come to God in faith and repentance by their own free will according toverse 44?

2. Verse 45 says that they will all be taught by God and that every man who has heard,and learned from the Father, comes to me. Since everyone does not come to the

Father, does the all being taught of God mean every individual in the human race or

all of Gods elect people? (See Appendix #1 The Use of the Word All.)

3. According to verse 65, how does a person come to Jesus?4. Why did some of those who professed faith walk away from Jesus in verse 66? Was it

something that He taught? If so, what was the doctrine?

5. Why did you come to Christ when you were saved and another person did not? Wereyou smarter than the other person? Softer hearted? Was it chance? Or was the desire to

come given to you by the sovereign grace of God?


19/65

19

Christs Flock John 10:24-29

24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, How long will you keep us in suspense?

If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Fathers

name bear witness about me,

26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my

hand.

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them

out of the Fathers hand


1. According to verse 26 does a person become part of his flock by believing or do theybelieve because they are part of his flock?

2. Most people apply the word sheep in verse 27 to people who have already beenconverted. Doesnt the fact that Jesus says He gives them eternal life in the next verse

show that verse 27 is not talking of people who are already saved, but who are certain

to be saved, though currently among the lost? In other words, arent these elect people

who will certainly hear His voice?

3. We saw in Luke 15 that Jesus will get all of His sheep. Is there anything in this passagethat indicates the same truth?

4. What does it mean in verse 29 when Jesus says that the Father gave the sheep toHim? Does this verse seem to favor free will or sovereign grace?

5. What part do you believe the doctrine of divine election plays in the security of thebeliever? (See 1 Peter 1:3-5.) If our own self-determination brought us to Christ,

couldnt it take us out of Christ as well?


20/65

20

Chosen out of the World John 15:9-19

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers

commandments and abide in his love.

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but

I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit

and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give

it to you.

17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of

the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you


1. According to verse 16, is your choice primary? That is, is Gods choice based on yours?2. According to verse 19, why are Christs disciples not of the world?3. Some people say that the words, I chose you apply only to the immediate disciples

whom Jesus was talking. Is that an arbitrary distinction, especially considering that they

do not say that about other passages that are spoken to the disciples? Could someonemake the same argument about the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

4. If you are a believer, you were chosen by God to be so. What obligation does Godschoice of you place upon you in areas such as praise and thanksgiving?


21/65

21

Given by the Father John 17:1-11

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the

hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,

2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have

given him.

3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you

have sent.

4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before

the world existed.

6 I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they

were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.

8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have

come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.

9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me,

for they are yours.

10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy

Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we

are one


1. What does it mean in verse 2 that Christ has authority over all flesh? What does Jesussay that this power enabled Him to do?

2. How many times in these verses does Jesus make reference to those whom the Fatherhad given Him?

3. Does the work of Christ depend upon the will of man for its success, or does Heaccomplish His purpose by His sovereign power over the will of man?


22/65

22

4. Does the fact that God is the one who gave them (selected them to be saved to theglory of His Son) help us to understand how He can keep them by His own power? (See

verse 11.) If God is not sovereign over the will of man (able to turn it where He desires),

could He keep believers from falling away?


23/65

23

Additions from the Lord -- Acts 2:37-47

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the

apostles, Brothers, what shall we do?

38 And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus

Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom

the Lord our God calls to himself.

40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, Save

yourselves from this crooked generation.

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three

thousand souls.

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking

of bread and the prayers.

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the

apostles.

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all,

as any had need.

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they

received their food with glad and generous hearts,

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day

by day those who were being saved.


1. Do you see anything in these verses that demonstrated the sovereignty of Gods grace?2. If God called everyone in the same way, would Peters words in verse 39 about

everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself make any sense?

3. Peter first says in verse 39 that the promise is for all and then says everyone whomthe Lord our God calls... Does this seem to indicate that the word all does not always


24/65

24

mean every individual of the human race in every instance? (See appendix #1 The

Use of the Word All.)

4. According to verse 47, who is responsible for people being added to the number ofbelievers? Does that mean that God is the one who converts sinners?

5.

Do our church growth methods in modern churches often overlook the fact that onlyGod can add genuine believers to our numbers?


25/65

25

A Chosen Instrument Acts 9:1-15

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high

priest

2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging

to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven

flashed around him.

4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting

me?

5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.

7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led

him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision,

Ananias. And he said, Here I am, Lord.

11 And the Lord said to him, Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of

Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,

12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that

he might regain his sight.

13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he

has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.

15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name

before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.


26/65

26


1. Do you think there may have been other Pharisees around in the days of Paul whowould have spiritually benefited from a visit from the Lord such as Paul received? Were

there others who would have been saved if they had received such a visit?

2. Why do you think God did not appear to others like He did to Paul? Why do you think Hedoes not deal with everyone in that way today? Is this an example of sovereign grace?

3. Was Gods treatment of Paul an unjust violation of Pauls freedom?4. Was it unjust for God to do this for Paul and not for others?5. Why didnt God wait for Paul to turn to Him of His own free will?6. What does verse 15 say was the reason that God appeared to Paul out of His grace and

mercy?

7. Is God trying His hardest to save as many as possible?


27/65

27

Appointed to Eternal Life -- Acts 13:38-48

38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is

proclaimed to you,

39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be

freed by the law of Moses.

40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that

you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.

42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next

Sabbath.

43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to

Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in

the grace of God.

44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict

what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.

46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, It was necessary that the word of God be

spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,

behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that

you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord,

and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.


1. According to verse 48, what was the reason that people believed?2. Some have argued that predestination is just to outward privileges, like the opportunity

to hear the Word of God, etc. But to what does verse 48 say they were appointed?


28/65

28

3. Luke just briefly mentions this doctrine of predestination. Could this imply that it was awell known and commonly accepted doctrine in the early church?

4. According to verse 48, do you think that God just foresaw these peoples faith and chosethem, or did He choose them and then give them the gift of faith?

5.

How should the truth of verse 48 affect us today as we share the gospel? Should it notencourage us today to know that God has a people that will hear and believe because

He has appointed them to eternal life?


29/65

29

An Open Heart Acts 16:6-15

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy

Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

7 and when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of

Jesus did not allow them.

8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging

him and saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us.

10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia,

concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day

to Neapolis,

12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman

colony. We remained in this city some days.

13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed

there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come

together.

14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple

goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was

said by Paul.

15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, If you have

judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. And she prevailed upon us.


1. Why do you think God did not allow Paul to preach the gospel in Asia at that time? Isthat an example of Gods sovereignty in distributing His gospel and His gifts according to

His own good pleasure?

2. Why did Lydia attend to the things that were spoken by the apostle Paul?3. Could God have opened the hearts of all the other people at the river side if He had

wanted?


30/65

30

4. Is it unjust on the part of God to do something for one person that He does not do forothers? How do you personally feel about Gods sovereignty at this point?

5. When you were saved, who was it that opened your heart?6. Lydia is described by Luke as a woman already inclined to religious matters, a

worshipper of God. Does the fact that it took the power of God to open Lydias heartshow the utter necessity of a work of the Spirit of God for anyone to be saved?


31/65

31

Called to Belong Romans 1:1-8

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh

4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his

resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith

for the sake of his name among all the nations,

6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peacefrom God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all

the world.


1. Why did Paul describe the believers at Rome as called to belong to Jesus Christ inverse 6? Is everyone called to belong to Jesus in this way? (see Joel 2:32; Romans 8:30; 1

Corinthians 1:23-24)

2. Many theologians make a distinction between the general call of God (which goes toeveryone who is blessed with the outward preaching of the gospel) and the effectual

call (the special call of the Holy Spirit that always is effective). Based on Pauls greeting

to the church at Rome, do you think that such a distinction is valid?

3. In verse 8 Paul says he thanks God for the Roman believers. He specifically says that heis thankful for their faith. If faith is just a decision of the free will of man and not the gift

of God, why would Paul thank God for this?

4. Is faith your contribution to the plan of salvation or is it something God gave you?5. Have you thanked God for bringing a sinner like yourself to faith and repentance? Are

you thankful to God for generating faith in others, or do you thank those people?


32/65

32

Called According to His Purpose Romans 8:28-39

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who

are called according to his purpose.

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,

in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,

and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him

graciously give us all things?

33 Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised

who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,

or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

36 As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep

to be slaughtered.

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things

to come, nor powers,

39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the

love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


1. Many people argue that verse 29 teaches that God looked down through time andchose people based on foreseen faith. Does the passage actually say that God foreknew

something about the people or does it say that He foreknew the people themselves?

Can you indicate any passage of Scripture in the Bible that says God chose based on the

fact that He saw people would believe on Him?


33/65

33

2. The word know in the Bible, when used of God, indicates more than a bare factualknowledge of people. For example, The Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy

2:19) or I never knew you (Matthew 7:23) The obvious meaning of the word know in

those contexts is that of an intimate knowledge, or love. In Amos 3:2 we read, You only

have I known of all the families of the earth. With that meaning of the word know inmind, the word foreknew in Romans 8:29 would mean that he had known them as His

choice beforehand. Have you ever considered this meaning of the word before?

3. Based on verse 30 is every person who is called certainly going to be justified andglorified? Is everyone called (which would be universalism), or is Gods call to particular

people?

4. In verse 38-39 we have one of the greatest statements of the security of those who areGods people. Do you find it significant that in verse 28-33 Paul had been talking about

the calling, predestinating, and electing? Is there any security for Gods people if these

doctrines be denied?

5. Do you think it is significant that almost every security passage in the Bible has election,predestination, or calling in the near context?

6. If God foreknew 500 billion people, how many people did He predestinate? 500 billion!If God predestinated 500 billion people, how many did He call? 500 billion! If He called

500 billion people, how many did He justify? 500 billion! And if He justified 500 billion

people, how many did he glorify (i.e. keep eternally for Heaven)? 500 billion! How many

did He lose in the process? NONE!


34/65

34

Sovereign Mercy -- Romans 9:10-16

10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather

Isaac,

11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad in order that

Gods purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls

12 she was told, The older will serve the younger.

13 As it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on Gods part? By no means!

15 For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion

on whom I have compassion.

16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.


1. Do these verses elicit an emotional response from you upon first reading them? Do youfight feelings of anger that God would choose some and not others? Why could that be?

2. From verse 14 we learn that Paul understood that his teaching would elicit the question,Is there injustice on Gods part? Is there anything in the teaching of todays modernchurch that would make anyone ask that question? If not, is the church as a whole

teaching what Paul taught?

3. How did Paul answer the question about the possibility of injustice on Gods part?4. Is mercy really mercy if a person deserves it or has a claim on it?5. Based on verse 16, is salvation based on free will?


35/65

35

The Chosen Remnant Romans 11:1-10

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a

descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture

says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?

3 Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left,

and they seek my life.

4 But what is Gods reply to him? I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not

bowed the knee to Baal.

5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be

grace.

7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest

were hardened,

8 As it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that

would not hear, down to this very day.

9 And David says, Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a

retribution for them;

10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.


1. In verse 4 we see that God said He had kept for Himself seven thousand who did notworship Baal. Paul says in verse 5 that God also has a remnant in his own day. Did God

just see that there would be a remnant or did He make sure that there was a remnant?

If so, does this prove that God can save whom He wants, when He wants as He

pleases?

2. What does Paul say of the remnant in verse 5?3. Who does Paul say in verse 7 had obtained salvation?


36/65

36

4. When Jesus says in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell would never prevail against Hischurch, do you think that He simply foresaw that there would always be believers, or do

you think that it was made certain by Gods sovereign, converting grace?

5. The Bible seems to indicate that there will be a mighty turning back of the Jews at somepoint in the future. Do you think God just foresees that, or is He going to convert themby His own power (see Romans 11:26) and thus make that certain? Could God convert

them even now if He so chose?


37/65

37

Called and Chosen 1 Corinthians 1:23-30

23 But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,

24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom

of God.

25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than

men.

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly

standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in

the world to shame the strong;

28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to

nothing things that are,

29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God,

righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

31 so that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.


1. According to verse 24 are all people called to salvation by God?2. If God calls someone with the call mentioned in verse 24, will they fail to truly come to

Christ and know Him?

3. Does verse 26 and 27 show a close relationship between being chosen and beingcalled?

4. Many people, even professing Christians, say that God saves the poor and weak becausethat is all He can get. But what does verse 29 give as the motivation of Gods call?Does He only call those He can get, or is there a great purpose in whom He calls?

5. What do you think that Paul means when He says because of Him you are in ChristJesus? The King James Version says it this way, Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus. Based

on these words, is faith (which puts you in Christ) of yourself or of God?


38/65

38

Let there be Light 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to

tamper with Gods word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves

to everyones conscience in the sight of God.

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them

from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your

servants for Jesus sake.

6 For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light

of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.


1. Why, according to verse 4, do people reject the gospel? Have you experienced thisblindness as you have tried to share the gospel with other people?

2. Why did you accept the gospel? Did Satan not blind you as much as he did others?3. In verse 6, does Paul say that Christians distinguish themselves from lost people by their

own activity or willingness, or does he say that it was something God does?

4. Paul compares the work God does in our hearts to Gods command that light shine outof darkness in the original creation. Is Paul saying something about our natural

condition? Is he saying something about Gods absolute power?

5. Is Gods power in conversion resistible by man? Could the light have refused to shine inGenesis 1:3? Do we pray to a God who can save whom He wants, or must He wait on

man?


39/65

39

When God was Pleased Galatians 1:11-16

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not mans

gospel.

12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a

revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God

violently and tried to destroy it.

14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so

extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I

did not immediately consult with anyone.


1. How likely was it that Paul would become a Christian based on what is taught in verses13-14? Did he appear to be softer hearted or more inclined to the things of Christ than

others?

2. When was Paul set apart according to verse 15?3. To whom does Paul attribute his call in verse 15?4. Describe Pauls calling. What did God do in Pauls calling to bring Him to a saving

knowledge of Christ ? (See verse 16.)

5. When was Paul converted according to verse 15 and 16? Was it when he decided to besaved by His own free will or was it at the time that God decided?

6. When Scripture so often attributes peoples conversion to the awesome power of God,why do so many in the modern church attribute conversion to mans own free will?


40/65

40

Before the Foundation of the World Ephesians 1:3-12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with

every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and

blameless before him. In love

5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his

will,

6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to

the riches of his grace,

8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in

Christ

10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on

earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose

of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.


1. When did God choose us as believers (see v. 4)?2. Why did God choose us (see v. 5)? Do you think He saw anything in us that caused Him

to choose us? Is it by our will or His will that we were chosen?

3. Based on the fact that Paul wrote this in his letter to a very young church, what do youmake of the claim made by many that election is a doctrine too complicated to be

taught in our churches?

4. According to verse 11, how many things does God work after the counsel of His ownwill?

5. What should our response be to the doctrine of Gods choosing us?


41/65

41

Not of Yourselves Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the

power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience --

3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the

body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you

have been saved

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness

toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift

of God,

9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand that we should walk in them.


1. If we were dead (vs. 1) could we have helped or participated in our quickening?According to verse 5, is the reason that we are now alive something that we did or

something that God did?

2. In and of ourselves, are we as believers any better than many others who will die intheir sins and go to hell?

3. According to verse 8, is faith our contribution to the plan of salvation, or is it itself a giftof grace?

4. If we were able to overcome our love for sin, repent and turn to Christ of our free willwhile others were not, would that leave room for boasting?


42/65

42

5. Paul says in verse 10 that we have been created in Christ Jesus. Did the universe helpin its own creation? Did any created being? Did we assist in the new creation of our

spiritual life?


43/65

43

Gods Chosen Ones Colossians 3:12-15

12 Put on then, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness,

humility, meekness, and patience,

13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other;

as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

15 and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful.


1. Paul prefaces his list of Christian virtues (which the Christians in Colossae should put on)by first pointing out that they have been chosen by God. In view of this great blessing,

he urges them to live holy lives. How should understanding the doctrine of election lead

to compassion, forgiveness, humility, and forbearance?

2. How has your own belief in the doctrine of election been part of the development ofyour Christian character?

3. Do you think the criticism that many have leveled against the doctrine of election - thatit would necessarily lead to ungodliness and arrogance - has any validity?

4. Could a failure to accept what the Bible says about election be one reason that many inthe church are puffed up, or at least impatient toward those who are outside the

kingdom?

5. Many people today teach that God has done the same thing for everyone, andultimately leaves it up to the individual to be able to come to Him. They would have us

believe that He chooses the ones who rise above their addiction to sin and self-

righteousness to lay hold of Christ. Does that teaching promote humility, and if so, how?


44/65

44

We Know, Brothers 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and

steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and

with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.


1. Can individuals know that they are elect?2. According to the above verses, how can people know that they are elect?3. Based on the teaching of Paul in this passage, does anyone who responds to the Gospel

in sincere faith and repentance have any reason to believe that they are not elect?

4. Why would some people characterize the teaching of Sovereign Grace as beingdestructive to true assurance of salvation?

5. Have you personally received the Gospel of Jesus Christ as described in verse 5?


45/65

45

A Growing Faith 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is

growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and

faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.


1. What is it about the Thessalonians for which Paul thanked God? (See verse 3.)2. Why would Paul thank God for their growing faith? Is God the one ultimately

responsible for the fact that their faith was strong and vibrant?

3. If we cannot even increase our faith on our own, is there any way that we could haveever started it on our own? After all, isnt the creation of something out of nothing

much more difficult than its increase?

4. Have you thanked God lately for the spiritual increase in your life and the life of yourchurch?

5. Do you think that God gets the glory which He should receive from todays churches oris too much attributed to mans freewill?

6. Which belief is more likely to lead the Christian worker to look to God in gratitude thebelief that free will is the generator of faith, or the belief that faith is the gift of a

sovereign God?

7. Based on this teaching, is gratitude enough of a priority in your prayers?


46/65

46

Gods Purpose and Grace 2 Timothy 1:3-9

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you

constantly in my prayers night and day.

4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your

mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the

laying on of my hands,

7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but

share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own

purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.


1. In verse 9 we again see reference to the call of God twice. Do you hear Christianpeople referred to as the called in todays church? Do professing Christians evercredit their salvation to the call of God? If not, are you surprised - seeing that it is talked

about so much in the New Testament? How can we bring our belief system and then our

testimony more in line with the teaching of the Bible?

2. When was grace given to us as Gods people?3. After encouraging Timothy to be courageous, Paul points to the doctrine of Gods

sovereign grace. Is there something about knowing that God is all powerful, and able to

accomplish His purpose, that imparts courage to Christians?

4. Having heard the doctrine of Gods sovereignty in salvation characterized as merelyspeculative points, Jonathan Edwards (the great colonial preacher) responded by sayingthat all devotion greatly depends on a sense and acknowledgement of our dependence

on God. How important do you believe it is for Christians to acknowledge how much

they owe to God for their salvation their new birth, their sanctification, and their

eternal security?


47/65

47

God May Perhaps 2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 And the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach,

patiently enduring evil,

25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading

to a knowledge of the truth,

26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being

captured by him to do his will.


1. Paul teaches in verse 25 that God has to grant repentance (see also Acts 5:31; 11:18).Is this in anyway surprising for you to learn? Has anyone taught you this so far in your

Christian discipleship? Has this booklet helped you to see this truth?

2. In verse 25 Paul says that God may or may not give repentance. He specifically uses thewords God may perhaps grant them repentance. Is there any way that this God may

perhaps statement of Paul fits with todays teaching that God is trying His best to get as

many as possible saved?

3. Does God have the right to give or withhold repentance to whom or from whom Hechooses?

4. Paul uses words like kind, patiently, and gentleness to describe how we are toteach others. Does understanding that God has to change the heart of the sinner help

you to be more patient while teaching lost sinners?

5. Does it encourage you to share the Gospel with hardened sinners knowing that God cangive them repentance whenever He sees fit?


48/65

48

Elected, Born Again, Guarded -- 1 Peter 1:1-5

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus,

Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for

obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied

to you.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has

caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the

dead.

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

5 who by Gods power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed inthe last time.


1. In verses 1 and 2 Peter refers to the believers as elect . according to theforeknowledge of God. This cannot be referring to a simple knowledge of their persons

or all would be elected. Do you believe the concept of foreknowledge is based on the

covenantal and affectionate use of the word know that we find in such places as Amos

3:2; Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19? In other words, do you believe that the concept of

foreknowledge means that God set His special love upon them before time began?

(See appendix # 3 Foreseen Faith a Farce.)

2. Is it significant that Peter says in verse 2 that they were elected forobedience to JesusChrist and not because of obedience to Jesus Christ? Since Peter says they were

chosen to faith and not because of their faith (see Romans 10:16 for example of the

word obedience being used of believing), what do you think of the popular teaching

about foreseen faith?

3. Peter says in verse 3 that God has caused us to be born again. Was being born againyour doing, or Gods? Would Scripture frequently refer to the new birth as something

God did to us (Titus 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:4-7; James 1:18) if it were really something we do

of our own initiative?

4. Peter says in verse 4 that God guards us through faith. Is faith something that wecontinue to generate so that we stay in the hand of God, or is it something that He is

continually generating so that we will stay in His hand?


49/65

49

5. If we cannot keep our faith, could we have ever started it in the first place?


50/65

50

A Chosen People 1 Peter 2:1-10

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into

salvation

3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and

precious,

5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy

priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and

precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, The stone that the

builders rejected has become the cornerstone,

8 and A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the

word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,

that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his

marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are Gods people; once you had not received

mercy, but now you have received mercy.


1. How does verse 8 account for the fact that people stumble at Jesus Christ? In otherwords, why does Peter say they disobey?

2. Gods predestination of people to disobey the word in no way denies humanresponsibility. It is simply acknowledging that God chose not to grant them the grace to

believe and repent. If left to ourselves we would all have continued to disobey the

gospel because we are all totally corrupt. Do you think it is wrong for God to leave


51/65

51

people who willingly hate Him and rebel against His ways to the evil of their own

choices? If you believe it is wrong, what explanation would you give to Pauls teaching in

Romans 9:14-24?

3. In what way does verse 9 prove that God is sovereign in the distribution of salvation?4.

Did God choose you because you chose Him or did you choose Him because He choseyou?

5. How can Gods children show forth the excellencies of him who has called (them) outof darkness into his marvelous light? Are we thankful enough for Gods grace?

6. Does verse 10 give any reason for anyones becoming part of the people of God otherthan His mercy alone? Does human merit, achievement, or self-will enter at any point

into the cause of our conversion?


52/65

52

Conclusion

Are you convinced? If so, I hope that this doctrine will affect you, not just intellectually, but

devotionally as well. The doctrine of Gods sovereignty should drive us into the dust in humility

and lift us up to the highest heavens in praise and admiration. If this material has had the effect

upon you that I have desired, you will find a place to get alone and pour out your heart before

God and thank Him as never before that He chose you from the foundation of the world. You

would still be lost and still in your sins if it had not been for grace. I also hope that you will

become more courageous about sharing your faith because there are some who will receive the

gospel according to the eternal plan of God. The fact that results are not in your hands but in

Gods mighty power should give you encouragement and confidence.

Perhaps you are still skeptical. I know that there are a lot of questions and things to think about

when considering this doctrine. You may even feel that you were able to answer the questions

and deal with the text in a way that was consistent with a more Arminian approach. I do notthink that is possible from a contextual standpoint, but be that as it may, I am still thankful that

you have spent time with these passages and tried to answer the questions. I pray that in the

process of dealing with these passages you will at least have a greater understanding and

appreciation for what is called Reformed Theology (that school of thought that teaches

sovereign grace) and that your knowledge of God and His ways has been expanded along the

way. May it be so to the glory of Almighty God!


53/65

53

Appendix #1: The Use of the Word All

By Kevin Smead

Many argue that when the Bible says that God desires all people to be saved and to come to

the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), that it means that God is doing His best to save

every individual of the human race and in pursuing that goal, He has done the same thing for

all. But as you read the New Testament you will begin to see that all does not always mean

every individual of the human race each time that it is used. Below are a few different ways

that the word all is used in Scripture (besides meaning every individual):

First, the word is sometimes used to refer to ALL OF A CERTAIN KIND. We must remember,

for example, that Paul writes his letters to churches. In many cases, then, the word all is

referring only to all of the believers(See Romans 1:8.). This use of the word all also holds

true in other places in Scripture as well. For example, we read in John 1:16, And from hisfullness we have all received, grace upon grace. Of course, not everyone has received grace so

it is clear that John is speaking of himself and all believers. By way of illustration it should be

noted that this way of interpreting the word all does not apply only to Scripture. For example,

if I were to write a letter to family and say to them, I cannot wait to see you all, a stranger

would have no right to read that and think that I was coming to see him too. I had a particular

audience in mind when using the word all.

At other times, however, all refers to all of the elect, as in John 6:45. There we read that

they will all be taught by God. That it does not mean every individual of the human race is

evident from what follows: Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to

me. Not every human being comes to Christ so the first part of the verse cannot mean

everyone of them is taught by God. Otherwise, we would have universal salvation. So it is clear

that the all is all of the elect. It is a simple matter of examining the context.

Another example of the importance of examining context and considering these various uses of

the word all is seen when we come to Romans 8:32. I have dear friends who have argued with

me that Christ gave Himself up as a universal atonement for the sin of all men (rather than just

the elect) based on Romans 8:32 where Paul says that God did not spare his own Son but gave

him up for us all. But one has only to look closely at the context to see who the us all is. It isthe same as the ones in verse 28 the called according to His purpose. This is one example of

how interpreting the word all to mean every individual of the human race each time it is

used can lead someone far away from the plain sense of Scripture.

Secondly, the word all is sometimes used ofALL KINDS. When Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:4

that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, it is


54/65

54

obvious that he is speaking of all kinds of people: kings as well as paupers (v. 2) and Gentiles as

well as Jews (v. 7). In fact, when compared with 1 Timothy 1:5-7 you can see that Timothy was

likely dealing with Jewish heretics that wanted everyone to come under the law and become

Jews to be saved. That is the context for Pauls statement about all men. Paul is referring in

this place to people from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9).Yet another example of this use in Scripture is seen in John 12:32 where Jesus said, And I,

when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. By all people cannot be

meant every member of the human race because some people never even have the

opportunity to hear the glad tidings of the gospel. The meaning of the words all people are

best interpreted by what actually did happen when Jesus was lifted up. What happened? All

kinds of people were drawn. In the Gospel narratives we read of what was probably a Jewish

thief being saved (Luke 24:41-43); a Cyrenian proselyte who probably became a believer

(compare Mark 15:21 with Romans 16:13); and a Roman Centurian that confessed Him as the

Son of God (Mark 15:39). All people, that is, all kinds of people, were drawn to Him and it has

been happening ever since.

Again, we often use the word all and the word world in the same sense. When I once

travelled from our small town to a large city as a young man, I came home and told my family

that all the world was in the city. I did not mean for them to think that every individual in the

world was there, but that representatives from every country seemed to be present.

Thirdly, the word all is sometimes used for KIND OF ALL (that is, a lot of people). In Mark

1:5 we read of Johns baptism that all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to

him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan. No one really believes that everyindividual in that region went out to be baptized. No Bible interpreter takes it that way. All it

means is that a lot of people came out.

As with the previous uses of the word, here is an example of how we often use the word all

ourselves: My wife was watching a cooking show the other day while I was writing and the host

of the show said of a certain ingredient, I grow this stuff in my back yard all the time. Now

upon hearing this I did not jump to the conclusion that she never slept, or never went shopping,

or never took walks with her family. Neither did I believe that she meant even that she grew it

year round. She simply meant that she grew it quite often. I knew what she meant because I am

familiar with how the word all is often used.

While I cannot go through and point out every use of the word all in Scripture, I think that it is

clear that to interpret the word all to mean every individual of the human race in every

instance is incorrect. I hope that this will encourage you to consult the context and pray for

guidance from the Holy Spirit to see how it is used in each particular place.


55/65

55

So there you have it. The word all can be used for ALL OF A KIND, ALL KINDS, or KIND OF

ALL. May God use this study to enable you to see how precious His electing love is that

included you in His all.


56/65

56

Appendix #2: The World

By Kevin Smead

One of the biggest problems people have when it comes to thinking about the doctrine of Gods

sovereign grace is the word world that is often used in Scripture. There is a tension for most

people between the idea of God saving whom He wants to, and the fact that the Bible says He

loves the world. Most people resolve the tension by denying the sovereignty of God altogether

and choosing to teach that He is trying to save as many as possible. But for some people,

denying the sovereignty of God is a cost they are unwilling to pay. I mean after all, there goes

assurance, there goes worship (to a certain extent), there goes believing prayer for our lost

loved ones, and there goes many precious Scriptures that assure us of Gods sovereign choice,

redemption, and calling of His people. Those who feel that this cost is too high (to which

number I certainly belong) have decided that, rather than denying Gods sovereignty in

salvation, we should take a closer look at the word world and what it is meant to

communicate to us.

The best pla

Documents

A Sovereign Grace New Testament Reader