TEACHING ELECTION PROPERLY

THE BIBLICAL WAY OF TEACHING THE TRUTH OF ELECTION

We should always teach Election in its Biblical context. The method too often used is to lift the doctrine out of its Biblical setting and connections, and make it the dominating principle of a logical system of theology. The result of this method too often turns a very precious truth into a cold and forbidding thing, paralyzing the springs of Christian joy and effort. Here of all places our pedagogy must be that of the Bible itself.

                     The Bible never teaches Election wholly apart from the universal offer of the Gospel.

Matt.                                     Matt. 11:25-28 First the statement of Election (25-27), then the call in the Gospel (28)

J                                     John 6:37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I                             will in no wise cast out."

                       Rom. 9:16, 19-21 with 10:11-13 cf. Chapters 9 with 10
            Rom. 9:16 "So then it is...of God that sheweth mercy."

                        21 "Hath not the potter power over the clay?"

                                  Rom. 10:11-13 'Whosoever believeth....no difference...rich unto all... whosoever shall                                call."

            Chapter 9 - Divine sovereignty          
            Chapter 10 - Human responsibility

Note: We should never preach a sermon or teach a lesson on election without offering salvation in Christ to all who hear. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself" (not merely the elect). Let us beware of beggarly notions of the Good News of the Grace of God.

            Rom. 9:21       "Hath not the potter power over the clay?"

                    

                     2. The  Bible never brings forth Election until the Gospel has been offered to all, and men                         have decided for or against it.

                        Rom. 9 (Election) but see vs. 1-6 for the offer and decisions.

                        Matt. 11:25-27 (Election) but see vs. (20-24 for offer and decision.

                                    (28-30 for reoffer of Gospel.

                        Luke 4:25-27 (Election) but see vs. 16-22 for offer and decision.

                        John 6:35 - offer, 36 for decision, 37a for election.

                        John 6:40 - offer, 41-42 for decision, 44 for election.

                        John 10:9 - offer, 19-21 for decisions, 26-27 for election.

                        Acts 13:44 - offer, 45-48a for decisions, 48b for election.

                        Rom. 8:28-30 (Election) but note what is first in 28 ARV.

                                       Note: Don't begin your preaching with Election or Sovereignty of God. Begin                               with free offer of the Gospel and man's responsibility first. Then follow with                                 election to those who believe.

            3. The Bible never separates God's Sovereignty from man's personal responsibility.

                        Rom. 9 and 10 (Explain relation) This is written to saved people.

                        1 Pet. 2:6-8 - decisions, responsibility, sovereignty.

                        Luke 22:21-22 - divine sovereignty, human responsibility.

                                        Note: (1) If you are saved, you dare not take any credit to yourself. (2) If you are                          lost, you alone are responsible.

                        You cannot make a Sovereign God responsible for your lost condition.

                   4. The Bible never separates Election from its moral and spiritual ends. - I have already                             given several texts to show these purposes.

                        Eph. 1:4;          1:11-12

                        John 15:16

                        1 Pet. 2:9

                        Rom. 8:29

            - Men are elected to holiness, service, fruit bearing, etc.

                  - Let us not teach Election in isolation from these ends. Cf. John 8:33, 39 for the claim                              and the true test.

                        “We be Abraham's seed," (33)            They do not the works of Abraham.

                        "Abraham is our father." (39) They challenge Christ.

                     5. The Bible never teaches that men are elected to perdition in the same sense that men                              are elected to salvation.

                        Matt. 25:34 with 41

                        34 - "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from                            the foundation of the world."

                                    41 - "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and                            his angels."

                                    Elect - foundation (Blessed)

                                    Born again – blessed (Father)

                                    Relation – inherit (Kingdom)

                        Rom. 9:22 with 23

                                    Election - not mentioned

                                    Decision - cursed

                                    Penalty - fire

Note carefully the difference.

            (1) God endured both;

            (2) Prepared the saved;

            (3) Lost fitted themselves for destruction. Judas at his death by suicide had amassed a lifetime of desires that took a body to fulfill what the flesh wanted. The problem is at this point for over 2000 years he has had no body to fulfill what it took a lifetime to accrue. A man makes his own hellish experience that lasts forever. Judas is only 2000 years into the death he prepared for himself. Each has a chance to undo through the strength of the Lord those desires that God’s word says are not righteous and proper. Today the Bible is foolishness to most and they never open the Book which reveals the eternity they shall experience either prepared for joy or eternal sorrow and in solitary confinement in solid darkness away from God and the salvation He says they might have experienced. What a shame. Judas went to his OWN place. Acts 1:25 “…..from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

                        Rev. 20:11-15, but there is no Book of Death!

C                       

                           Conclusion: The story of the Sheepfold and its Door. 3, 4, 9, 14 of John 10:27-28

The Shepherd leads the way to the Fold. They know His voice; they heed his voice; they follow Him. His sheep are those who are elected. The others are not His sheep.