God allows us the choice to follow or ignore Him. But that doesn't mean He gives up and lets us wander aimlessly through life. Dr. Stanley unfolds how God is the One who calls us, enlightens us, and gives us the faith to trust in Him.
Sermon Outline
God chose His people before the world began, yet Scripture tells us that the gospel is for everyone. In today’s sermon, Dr. Stanley examines this paradox and helps us come to terms with the Lord’s omniscience and mysterious love.
Key Passage: Psalm 103:19-22
Supporting Passages: Ezekiel 33:11; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 3:16; John 6:37; John 12:32; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:9-10; 2 Peter 3:9
How can Acts 2:21 (“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”) be reconciled with Ephesians 1:4 (“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”)? Why should we preach the gospel if God has seemingly already chosen those who would be saved?
► “When is the last time you stopped and thanked God for saving you?”
God is in absolute control of everything and everyone (Ps. 103:19-22).
Salvation is what takes place when God rescues us—through our faith in Christ’s work on the cross—from the penalty and power of sin. It is the means by which our relationship with Him is forever restored.
God moves us from a state of hostility toward Him to a state of love.
Throughout the Scriptures, God issues general calls to salvation (Ezek. 33:11; Matthew 11:28-29; John 12:32; 1 Tim. 2:3-6; 2 Pet. 3:9).
He has also specifically chosen those who will be saved (Eph. 1:3-6).
► “Redemption is the work of Almighty God.”
God did not reconcile the possibility of predestination with the idea of a universal gospel for us.
Some theologians have suggested that God looked through the corridors of time and chose us based on how we would respond to the gospel. But there’s a problem with that idea. It implies that salvation is based on what we do.
We can’t even take credit for our faith. It is the work of God (Eph. 2:8).
Good works and morality aren’t able to save us (Matt. 7:21-23).
Salvation is always related to Jesus (John 3:16).
Only adoption into God’s kingdom as a son or daughter brings us into true relationship with Him.
We do not need to reconcile predestination and free will to accept the gospel. It is a divine mystery.
We are saved by God’s grace, and we have an obligation to share our faith with the world (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8).
► “Jesus gave the church the commission to go and share the gospel with the whole world.”
Paul suffered greatly in order to fulfill this high calling (2 Tim. 2:9-10).
We must focus on the Great Commission. It’s not our business to know who will be saved and who will not.
Our responsibility is to ...
Proclaim the gospel.
Learn God’s truths.
Be equipped to represent Jesus Christ as we walk in a lost world.
Thank and praise God for our salvation and tell others about what He’s done for us.
Be unashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16).
Remember that Jesus will save all who come to Him (John 6:37).
After Watching
Dr. Stanley said, “Every single thing and every person is in God’s mind, before His eyes, in His grasp, in His presence, in His power, and under His control.” How did you feel about a statement like this before today’s sermon? What about now?
Spend some time thinking about your life before you met Jesus and your life afterward. What’s different now? Pray and thank Him for all the ways He’s changed you for the better.
