Mike gives a good message about God’s Chosen.
John 6 is perhaps my favorite chapter in the Bible. Not only does John understand Jesus’ teaching on this subject, but he even quotes Jesus saying it at least two times.
If you read these verses carefully you will even see how the process works,
Jhn 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.
Jhn 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Jhn 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
In essence this is what Jesus told Peter.
Matthew 16:17
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
The apostle Paul also experienced this and wrote about it.
Ephesians 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway 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:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
it’s not anything new, even David wrote about it.
Psa 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
This is basic doctrine, worth thinking about this Resurrection season. God the Father chose us and draws us, God the Holy Spirit brings the faith to understand and opens our hearts to his Word and stays with us in our progressive Sanctification, and God the Son, Jesus came to live a perfect life, die on the cross and was resurrected to finish and proof the truth of our Salvation. All three persons of God working together on this….for his Chosen /Elect.
Hebrews 2:1-4
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
I mentioned an excellent sermon series on the Canons of Dort yesterday that is well worth taking the time to listen to this teaching presented. Likewise I am studying in parallel Vos’ commentary on the Westminster Larger Catechism. I recommend them both, above most of the modern materials out there being read today.
Rainbow Trout 