We have seen how the God the Father elected and how God the Son accomplished redemption for the elect. This post is about the application of Christ’s redemption by the Holy Spirit.
God extends a call to repentance and an offer of salvation to elect and non-elect alike (Mark 1:15). This is a general call and cannot and will not be accepted by non-elect people because of their totally depraved nature. Being spiritually dead, they are completely unable to repent and believe.
Many would say that this is unfair because God is demanding something that only He can give. In answer, I can only say that it is God’s prerogative, and is the best and most perfect way that His purposes will be accomplished. Perhaps it is better think of it this way: God is infinitely merciful in drawing some of us to Himself rather than none of us. Consider the old “bad orange” illustration. We are all bad oranges. But God has chosen some of the bad oranges for himself. The rest will perish, deservingly, for their badness.
The Holy Spirit draws elect sinners to Christ, working in them to bring salvation (Romans 1:6-7). This is an inward call of the Holy Spirit that includes the work of regeneration. He gives them a new nature, in which they understand and embrace the gospel, and freely turn to Christ as their redeemer.
The call of Holy Spirit to the elect is utterly irresistible. Unlike God’s general call to all mankind, the inward call of the Holy Spirit cannot be rejected. Paul’s teaching is very clear on this point:
“And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)
God has predestined some to salvation. And those that He predestined He calls, and those that He calls He inevitably justifies and glorifies. In the same way that non-elect cannot come to Christ, elect cannot not come to Christ.
November 10, 2005 at 6:48 am
Good work Brian! A couple of scriptures came to mind after reading this.
Joh 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
Joh 1:13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
and…
Joh 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
Thanks for the reminder of the sovereignty of God over the hearts of men. It is quite amazing to think about really. I know some say that this makes God drag people kicking and screaming. On the contrary, when God works in man, he is made willing in the day of His power.
Thank the Lord for this grace in our lives. Without it we would be left in our inability and depravity.
Luke
November 15, 2005 at 12:12 am
I was thinking about the fact that God chose not to institute a plan of redemption for the angels who fell, that you brought up in Bible study, I think. It makes me more grateful for God’s grace that he makes irresistible.
You’re a good writer too.
November 24, 2005 at 11:36 pm
Very good post Brian! It was good to see you this thanksgiving!
dave