"So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny" (Job 23:14, NLT).
"My times [future] are in your hands..." (Psalm 31:15, NIV).
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you" (Psalm 32:8, NIV).
PART I
God revealed Himself to Samuel through His Word (cf. 1 Sam. 3:21), because visions were rare in those days. In fact, it could have been God's judgment on the land (cf. Amos 8:11) for their inclination to do what they saw fit (cf. Judges 17:6; 21:25). Samuel broke the mold and pleased God and became the last of the judges and founded the school of the prophets. Samuel became obedient to the heavenly call and offered no excuses as Moses did, was eager and willing to do God's will. Consider Paul's attitude: "I am obligated ...I am so eager ... For I am not ashamed..." (cf. Rom. 1:14-16, NIV). He was prepared and ready, and he felt indebted to God!
We must realize that none of us can depend upon our own strength to do God's will, for apart from Christ we can do nothing (cf. John 15:5). Don't confide in your own strength! All that Samuel did was only what the Lord had done through him (cf. Isa. 26:12). Paul had the same attitude in saying that he would not venture to boast of nothing but what the Lord had accomplished (cf. Rom. 15:18). God isn't interested in our achievements, but our obedience and trust--trust and obey, there's no other way, the hymn goes.
Samuel's call proves that God always has His witness and a way to speak to mankind, even in the darkest of times. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and Paul asked that a thorn in his flesh be removed, but in the end, they were blessed by God and enabled by grace to do his bidding. After all, we are God's masterpiece and workmanship (cf. Eph. 2:10), ordained to do good works in His name. In other words, bloom where you are planted, and don't look for greener pastures!
We are all called by God according to His purpose and will (cf. Eph. 1:5) and God has a plan for each of us. Paul's only aim was to complete the task the Lord had given him (cf. Acts 20:24). "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me..." (cf. Psalm 138:8, ESV). God has not made us automatons without a will of our own, but we are to cooperate in doing His will and bringing glory to Him through service manifested by faith. The key to service is to be equipped in your gift and to reach out. We will never find our gift without a servant's heart!
Therefore, a non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms. We are to "spur one another toward love and good deeds" (cf. Heb. 10:24, NIV). Mother Teresa said that "true holiness consists in doing the will of God with a smile." The greatness of our service is not our natural abilities, but our surrender and commitment to Christ, as we will be judged by our faithfulness; however, don't get into the "let's compare" game and belittle one another's spiritual gift.
There are several calls for the Christian to answer: to salvation, for service, choosing a mate, finding a church home, choosing a pastor, a vocation, an avocation, a ministry, a mission, one's witness and testimony, a fellowship, or inner circle, and good deeds to do. God's not looking for resumes but faithfulness and too many divorce faith from faithfulness. The only resume we need is that we know God and walk with Him in fellowship. There is a place for everyone in the church to contribute and to feel at home in the body, which is an organism of living beings, not an organization of impersonal ones. The righteous will live by faithfulness (cf. Hab. 2:4) and walk by faith and not by sight (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7). Soli Deo Gloria!
PART II
"Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified..." (Rom. 8:30, ESV). [Note that no one is lost in the shuffle of salvation!]
"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (cf. John 6:29).
"... Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice" (cf. John 18:37).
"... [A]s many as were appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48, ESV).
"I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision," (cf. Acts 26:19).
Man gives the outward, general call (cf. Titus 2:11) of the biblical evangel to the world, exhorting repentance and faith via the preaching of the Word's gospel message--to preach the Word. Man's call is often rejected and ineffectual, and can fall on deaf ears! They say that the convert hears the gospel and rejects it 7.6 times before coming to saving faith. Even the demons believe and tremble (cf. James 2:19) and God requires a faith that is alive with worship and devotion, but also discipline and obedience. No fruit--no faith (the instrumental means)--no salvation (no evidence)! We may say in resignation, "Let the chips fall where they may!" but God is the sole primary cause of the universe--we're merely secondary causes used by God to accomplish His will and bring Him glory! We exist, to bring glory to God (cf. Isa. 43:7): "The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever" (cf. The Westminster Shorter Catechism).
Some people merely produce foliage, not fruit, because they aren't abiding in the vine and they will be pruned. It is important to note that the gospel in vogue isn't necessarily the one Paul preached--and he pronounced an anathema on those false teachers who watered down the gospel (a different gospel or dumb-downed version) or mixed it with works, and forsook the way of grace alone. Grace and works don't mix! We are indeed saved by grace alone, through the channel of faith alone, and this must be invested in Christ alone, all according to the authority of Scripture alone, so as to ensure the glory going to God alone. There's no merit system in our salvation--God doesn't grade on a curve.
We must respond to the inner calling of the gospel to our souls (cf. Romans 8:30) that must respond to the so-called wooing or drawing of the Holy Spirit. John 6:44 makes it clear that the Father must "draw" one, and John 6:65 makes it clear that God must "grant" the privilege of believing in Him. God grants faith and salvation (cf. Phil. 1:29) and it is a gift and not a work (a meritorious one)! If it were a work we would have reason to boast, but Titus 3:5 says we're not saved "by works of righteousness which we have done."
Paul says in Eph. 2:9 that we are not saved by works--the reason being to eliminate boasting or bragging before God. Now, the wooing of God is necessary and sufficient to bring us to Christ: no one would come to Him without it; if we came to Him alone, we will leave alone! God's call is irrevocable and efficacious, meaning that it is a permanent call and God gets His desired effect." As many as were ordained to eternal life believed" (cf. Acts 13:48). AND WE HAVE "BELIEVED THROUGH GRACE." (CF. ACTS 18:27). We receive our faith, we don't achieve it (cf. 2 Pet. 1:1).
Some believe that God woos all men, this would make God out to be a failure; however, those whom He woos do come and without regret--no one who believes is ever disappointed in God. (cf. John 5:24). If you are inclined to ascribe universality to wooing, then does He woo equally? And why do only some respond? There is no way to avoid this doctrine without assigning merit. Our salvation is a pure act of grace and there is no room for works--we are not saved by works, but not without them! This doctrine refers to the irresistible grace of God--God's grace is sovereign and reigns (cf. Rom. 5:21). Christ is Master of our fate, and Captain of our soul.
Our destiny is ultimately in God's hands, not ours (cf. Psalm 31:15; Job 23:14)! If we had to do anything for it, we'd fail, and so God does everything in our monergistic salvation--we do not take part in it nor contribute, nor cooperate with "pre-salvation" works either. God must regenerate us by quickening faith and granting repentance (cf. 2 Tim. 2:25) in order to save us--we don't save ourselves--if you put faith ahead of regeneration, you are effectually saving yourself. If you can believe without being regenerated, what good is regeneration? If our salvation were in our hands and up to us, we'd blow it or botch it! Salvation is grace from beginning to end as Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is not a human achievement, but divine accomplishment! God makes us willing and able to believe and repent: Scripture says, "For God is at work with you, both to do and to the will of His good pleasure" (cf. Phil. 2:13; cf. Col. 1:29; Heb. 13:21).
God calls and we answer, those who are of the truth hear the words of truth and hear God's voice and calling. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. It is not the calling that saves on, nor faith in the calling, but faith in the One making the call: "Many are called, but few are chosen" (cf. Matt. 22:14) refers to the general call of the gospel message to the world at large. "The elect attained unto it, the rest were hardened [blinded]" (cf. Rom. 11:7). We must always remember that we didn't choose Him, but He chose us (cf. John 15:16).
God revealed Himself to Samuel through His Word (cf. 1 Sam. 3:21), because visions were rare in those days. In fact, it could have been God's judgment on the land (cf. Amos 8:11) for their inclination to do what they saw fit (cf. Judges 17:6; 21:25). Samuel broke the mold and pleased God and became the last of the judges and founded the school of the prophets. Samuel became obedient to the heavenly call and offered no excuses as Moses did, was eager and willing to do God's will. Consider Paul's attitude: "I am obligated ...I am so eager ... For I am not ashamed..." (cf. Rom. 1:14-16, NIV). He was prepared and ready, and he felt indebted to God!
We must realize that none of us can depend upon our own strength to do God's will, for apart from Christ we can do nothing (cf. John 15:5). Don't confide in your own strength! All that Samuel did was only what the Lord had done through him (cf. Isa. 26:12). Paul had the same attitude in saying that he would not venture to boast of nothing but what the Lord had accomplished (cf. Rom. 15:18). God isn't interested in our achievements, but our obedience and trust--trust and obey, there's no other way, the hymn goes.
Samuel's call proves that God always has His witness and a way to speak to mankind, even in the darkest of times. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and Paul asked that a thorn in his flesh be removed, but in the end, they were blessed by God and enabled by grace to do his bidding. After all, we are God's masterpiece and workmanship (cf. Eph. 2:10), ordained to do good works in His name. In other words, bloom where you are planted, and don't look for greener pastures!
We are all called by God according to His purpose and will (cf. Eph. 1:5) and God has a plan for each of us. Paul's only aim was to complete the task the Lord had given him (cf. Acts 20:24). "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me..." (cf. Psalm 138:8, ESV). God has not made us automatons without a will of our own, but we are to cooperate in doing His will and bringing glory to Him through service manifested by faith. The key to service is to be equipped in your gift and to reach out. We will never find our gift without a servant's heart!
Therefore, a non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms. We are to "spur one another toward love and good deeds" (cf. Heb. 10:24, NIV). Mother Teresa said that "true holiness consists in doing the will of God with a smile." The greatness of our service is not our natural abilities, but our surrender and commitment to Christ, as we will be judged by our faithfulness; however, don't get into the "let's compare" game and belittle one another's spiritual gift.
There are several calls for the Christian to answer: to salvation, for service, choosing a mate, finding a church home, choosing a pastor, a vocation, an avocation, a ministry, a mission, one's witness and testimony, a fellowship, or inner circle, and good deeds to do. God's not looking for resumes but faithfulness and too many divorce faith from faithfulness. The only resume we need is that we know God and walk with Him in fellowship. There is a place for everyone in the church to contribute and to feel at home in the body, which is an organism of living beings, not an organization of impersonal ones. The righteous will live by faithfulness (cf. Hab. 2:4) and walk by faith and not by sight (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7). Soli Deo Gloria!
PART II
"Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified..." (Rom. 8:30, ESV). [Note that no one is lost in the shuffle of salvation!]
"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (cf. John 6:29).
"... Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice" (cf. John 18:37).
"... [A]s many as were appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48, ESV).
"I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision," (cf. Acts 26:19).
Man gives the outward, general call (cf. Titus 2:11) of the biblical evangel to the world, exhorting repentance and faith via the preaching of the Word's gospel message--to preach the Word. Man's call is often rejected and ineffectual, and can fall on deaf ears! They say that the convert hears the gospel and rejects it 7.6 times before coming to saving faith. Even the demons believe and tremble (cf. James 2:19) and God requires a faith that is alive with worship and devotion, but also discipline and obedience. No fruit--no faith (the instrumental means)--no salvation (no evidence)! We may say in resignation, "Let the chips fall where they may!" but God is the sole primary cause of the universe--we're merely secondary causes used by God to accomplish His will and bring Him glory! We exist, to bring glory to God (cf. Isa. 43:7): "The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever" (cf. The Westminster Shorter Catechism).
Some people merely produce foliage, not fruit, because they aren't abiding in the vine and they will be pruned. It is important to note that the gospel in vogue isn't necessarily the one Paul preached--and he pronounced an anathema on those false teachers who watered down the gospel (a different gospel or dumb-downed version) or mixed it with works, and forsook the way of grace alone. Grace and works don't mix! We are indeed saved by grace alone, through the channel of faith alone, and this must be invested in Christ alone, all according to the authority of Scripture alone, so as to ensure the glory going to God alone. There's no merit system in our salvation--God doesn't grade on a curve.
We must respond to the inner calling of the gospel to our souls (cf. Romans 8:30) that must respond to the so-called wooing or drawing of the Holy Spirit. John 6:44 makes it clear that the Father must "draw" one, and John 6:65 makes it clear that God must "grant" the privilege of believing in Him. God grants faith and salvation (cf. Phil. 1:29) and it is a gift and not a work (a meritorious one)! If it were a work we would have reason to boast, but Titus 3:5 says we're not saved "by works of righteousness which we have done."
Paul says in Eph. 2:9 that we are not saved by works--the reason being to eliminate boasting or bragging before God. Now, the wooing of God is necessary and sufficient to bring us to Christ: no one would come to Him without it; if we came to Him alone, we will leave alone! God's call is irrevocable and efficacious, meaning that it is a permanent call and God gets His desired effect." As many as were ordained to eternal life believed" (cf. Acts 13:48). AND WE HAVE "BELIEVED THROUGH GRACE." (CF. ACTS 18:27). We receive our faith, we don't achieve it (cf. 2 Pet. 1:1).
Some believe that God woos all men, this would make God out to be a failure; however, those whom He woos do come and without regret--no one who believes is ever disappointed in God. (cf. John 5:24). If you are inclined to ascribe universality to wooing, then does He woo equally? And why do only some respond? There is no way to avoid this doctrine without assigning merit. Our salvation is a pure act of grace and there is no room for works--we are not saved by works, but not without them! This doctrine refers to the irresistible grace of God--God's grace is sovereign and reigns (cf. Rom. 5:21). Christ is Master of our fate, and Captain of our soul.
Our destiny is ultimately in God's hands, not ours (cf. Psalm 31:15; Job 23:14)! If we had to do anything for it, we'd fail, and so God does everything in our monergistic salvation--we do not take part in it nor contribute, nor cooperate with "pre-salvation" works either. God must regenerate us by quickening faith and granting repentance (cf. 2 Tim. 2:25) in order to save us--we don't save ourselves--if you put faith ahead of regeneration, you are effectually saving yourself. If you can believe without being regenerated, what good is regeneration? If our salvation were in our hands and up to us, we'd blow it or botch it! Salvation is grace from beginning to end as Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is not a human achievement, but divine accomplishment! God makes us willing and able to believe and repent: Scripture says, "For God is at work with you, both to do and to the will of His good pleasure" (cf. Phil. 2:13; cf. Col. 1:29; Heb. 13:21).
God calls and we answer, those who are of the truth hear the words of truth and hear God's voice and calling. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. It is not the calling that saves on, nor faith in the calling, but faith in the One making the call: "Many are called, but few are chosen" (cf. Matt. 22:14) refers to the general call of the gospel message to the world at large. "The elect attained unto it, the rest were hardened [blinded]" (cf. Rom. 11:7). We must always remember that we didn't choose Him, but He chose us (cf. John 15:16).
We are the elected ones, and remember this point of doctrine: We are elected unto faith (see the Golden Chain of Redemption in Romans 8:29-30), not because of faith, which is the false prescient view--Romans 8:29-30 militates against it. For whom He calls, He regenerates unto faith and repentance (cf. 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Thess. 2:13), and simultaneously justifies them. We don't get any credit for believing, it is given or received, not achieved, and we cannot conjure it up--it comes by the hearing and the hearing of the Word of God (cf. Rom. 10:17).
Christians have answered the call and will be fit for being His vessels of honor, we all have to make sure of our calling and election (cf. 2 Pet. 10), though, because assurance is not an automatic fruit of salvation. "Have mercy on some who doubt, [offer reassurance from the Word]" says Jude 22. John writes to give assurance of salvation; obviously, it's not a sure thing (John 20:31; 1 John 5:13). Paul said that if we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). In the final analysis, we must not divorce faith and works, they are distinguished but not separate--we are saved by faith alone, but no by a faith that is alone (from the Reformer's battle cry) as James 2:17 says, "Faith without works is dead" (can that faith save?).
In sum, God reserves the right to call whom He will and to have mercy on whom He will and harden whom He will (cf. Rom. 9:15). Some sinners receive mercy, some receive justice, but God is unjust to no one. God predestined us according to His good pleasure and the purpose of His will, not according to anything we did (cf. Eph. 1:5; Titus 3:5).
Finally, let me sum up citing three verses: "[W]ho saved us and called us to a holy calling not because of our works but according to his purpose and grace..." (2 Tim. 1:9, ESV); "God in heaven appoints each man's work" (John 3:27, NLT).
"... 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven'" (John 3:27, ESV). Soli Deo Gloria!
Christians have answered the call and will be fit for being His vessels of honor, we all have to make sure of our calling and election (cf. 2 Pet. 10), though, because assurance is not an automatic fruit of salvation. "Have mercy on some who doubt, [offer reassurance from the Word]" says Jude 22. John writes to give assurance of salvation; obviously, it's not a sure thing (John 20:31; 1 John 5:13). Paul said that if we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). In the final analysis, we must not divorce faith and works, they are distinguished but not separate--we are saved by faith alone, but no by a faith that is alone (from the Reformer's battle cry) as James 2:17 says, "Faith without works is dead" (can that faith save?).
In sum, God reserves the right to call whom He will and to have mercy on whom He will and harden whom He will (cf. Rom. 9:15). Some sinners receive mercy, some receive justice, but God is unjust to no one. God predestined us according to His good pleasure and the purpose of His will, not according to anything we did (cf. Eph. 1:5; Titus 3:5).
Finally, let me sum up citing three verses: "[W]ho saved us and called us to a holy calling not because of our works but according to his purpose and grace..." (2 Tim. 1:9, ESV); "God in heaven appoints each man's work" (John 3:27, NLT).
"... 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven'" (John 3:27, ESV). Soli Deo Gloria!