Today, Pastor Coleborn preached from Eph 1:3-14.
1. Predestination in the Bible
There are many people who doubt that there is predestination, but just look at how many verses in the Bible talk about predestination!
1) John 6:37
2) Eph 1:5,11 - "predestinated" = God chooses some to be His children but not some
3) 1 Peter 1:2
4) 1 Peter 2:9
5) Rom 8:28 - "called according to His purpose"
6) Rom 8:29-30 - "predestinate"
7) Mark 13:20 - "the elect whom God have chosen"
8) John 15:16 - "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you" = God chooses us, not we choose Him
And the list goes on...
2. How predestination works
Look at Eph 1:4 and Rom 9:11, 13, 16, 18. God is the one who chooses us. He is the one who gives us the initiative to become a true Christian and be saved. Another example is that of Lydia in Acts 16, where it is stated clearly that God opened her heart.
However, this doesn't mean that we are like robots, with a computerised mechanism. We do have emotions and wills that are working when we are saved, but they can only act 'cos God has enabled them to do that in the first place.
Naturally, we are spiritually dead (Eph 2:1) and thus, will never be able to choose God on our own (Rom 5:6-7; 8:6-8). This is just like how a dead person will never respond to his/her surroundings.
3. Why does God work this way?
The answer is simple, as found in Eph 1:6, 12, 14b. His purpose is to show His great glory.
Conclusion
We cannot truly comprehend the greatness of God but this reminds us of our limitations, that we must rely on Him and His grace alone :)
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