What Baptists Believe About God's Purpose of Grace.

Prayer: That we may so study the Word of God as to enable us to come to a better understanding of the grace of God in election.





IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace

We believe that election is the eternal purpose Of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; (1) that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (2) that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (3) that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; (4) that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (5) that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; (6) that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (7) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence!(8)





Places in the Bible where taught.

(1) 2 Tim 1:8, 9. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God; who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:1, 2; Rom. 11:5, 6; John 15:16;
1 John 4:19; Hosea 12:9.

(2) 2 Thess. 2:13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth; whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 13 :48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14.

(3) Exod. 33:18, 19. And Moses said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will cause all my goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee, and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Matt. 20:15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23, 24;
Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28, 29; James 1:17, 18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36.

(4) Cor. 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:12.

(5) 2 Tim. 2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the elects' sake. that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Cor. 9:22. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Rom. 8:28-30;
John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10.

(6) 1 Thess. 1:4-10- Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God; for our gospel came unto you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. etc.

(7) Rom 8:28-31. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called, and whom he called them he also justified, and whom he justified them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29.

(8) 2 Peter 1:10, 11, it. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11 .





Discussion by Leader:

1. The importance of the doctrine of election.

2. God has a plan and that plan operative from all eternity.

3. This plan extends to minute details.





Parts for Assignment:

1. The Bible doctrine of election.

2. Election consistent with the free agency of man.

3.That it displays in a glorious manner God's sovereign goodness.

4. That because of election, boasting is excluded.

5. It encourages the use of means.

6. Its effect can be seen in all true believers

7. It is the foundation of assurance.





Discussion Questions:

1. Does God have a Book of Life?

2. Whose names are in the Book of Life?

3. When were they written there?

4. Is God unjust in election?

5. Had God not elected you, would you ever have been saved? Why not?


 

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