I decided to post this up. And I give credit to my friend Tony at the Reformed Church for his great insights that provided a framework to look more deeply into these issues.
Maybe it’s helpful to someone.
Mat 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Tony’s Comments & More
I’m reading from Plumer’s Book. End of Chapter 14 and then into Chapter 15. See the separate excerpt in the Comments.
Chapter 15 opens:
GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” If this be so we should very carefully guard ouri hearts that we indulge in no prejudices against any portion of divine truth. If God has revealed anything to us, it will do us good to receive it with meekness and fear. It is not possible for any sincere person to deny that the Bible uses words, which seem to teach that God governs the world by a fixed plan, and that events occurring in a manner to us accidental, or brought about by human agency— were foreseen and pre-ordained by God.
Continuing where Chapter 14 God’s grace is of great antiquity, sovereign and distinguishing ends….
That the doctrine of election is a ground of encouragement to pious preachers of the Gospel is certain. Thousands have told us so.
It was so to Paul. “Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, ‘Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.’ And he stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:9-11.
The earlier context shows that the Jews at Corinth “opposed Paul and became abusive.” In fact, the work of founding a church there was but just begun. Yet God says, “I have many people in this city.”
The only fair logical meaning, is that among the crowds of the ungodly in that city, were many of God’s elect, whom he purposed by Paul’s ministry soon to bring to a saving knowledge of Christ.
The doctrine of election, rightly understood, holds out the only ground of encouragement, which we have, for preaching the blessed Gospel. If God has no elect—we preach in vain!
Within Chapter 15 Plumer quotes:
The Synod of Dort says: “Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, by which, before the foundation of the world, according to the most free pleasure of his will, and of his mere grace, out of all mankind (fallen through their own fault from their first integrity into sin and destruction) he has chosen in Christ unto salvation a set number of certain men, neither better nor more worthy than others, but lying in the common misery with others.” In subsequent sections many explanations are given, as that this election is not manifold, but one; that it was not made upon the foresight of faith or good works, but was unto faith and holiness; that the true cause of this free election is the good pleasure of God; that it cannot be interrupted, changed, revoked, or disannulled; that this doctrine is to be reverently received, etc. etc.
Adding…
The Westminster Confession says that “God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatever comes to pass: yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”
He ends the Chapter with:
The quote “That the doctrine of election is a ground of encouragement to pious preachers of the Gospel is certain” is attributed to William S. Plumer (William Swan Plumer, 1802–1880), a 19th-century American Presbyterian theologian and pastor. [1, 2]
- Context: The quote is often cited to show that the doctrine of election encourages preachers, as it ensures their labor is not in vain, because God will secure the salvation of His people.
- Where it is found: This quote appears in literature discussing Reformed theology, such as articles from the Banner of Truth Trust. It is often referenced in discussions about Paul’s encouragement in Acts 18:9-10 (“…I have much people in this city”).
- Source Citation: The quote is featured in a 2006 Banner of Truth article, specifically noting that “thousands have told us so” regarding the encouragement found in this doctrine. [1] AI summary
See specifically…
When I asked a question about role of Lordship Salvation Tony wrote:
2 Peter 1:11 “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “
The whole chapter is on election and grace.
Greeting
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Confirm Your Calling and Election
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2Pe 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2Pe 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
2Pe 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
2Pe 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
2Pe 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
2Pe 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Christ’s Glory and the Prophetic Word
2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
John Gill’s Comment on verse 11
Note the abundant supply of grace and the Strait Gate, recall John Bunyan’s small book with that Title (too long to include here)
2 Peter 1:11
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly,…. An abundant supply of grace and strength shall be freely afforded, to carry you through all the duties and trials of life; and when that shall be ended, an admission will be granted
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; meaning, not the Gospel dispensation, or the spiritual kingdom of Christ, which is not of this world, but lies among his people, who are called out of it, in whom he reigns by his Spirit and, grace, according to laws of his own enacting; nor his personal kingdom on earth with his saints, which will last only a thousand years, and not be for ever; but the kingdom of heaven, or the ultimate glory, which will be everlasting; and is called a kingdom, to denote the glory and excellency of that state; and an everlasting one, because it will never end; and the kingdom of Christ, because it is in his possession, for his people; it is prepared by him, and he will introduce them into it, when they shall be for ever with him, and reign with him for ever and ever. Some copies read, “the heavenly kingdom”. There is an entrance of separate souls into this kingdom at death; and which may be said to be ministered “abundantly” to them, or “richly” as the word signifies, when they depart out of this world with joy and comfort; triumphing over death, and the grave, in a full view by faith of their interest in the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the glories of another world; and there is an entrance into it at judgment, and which will be abundantly, when all the saints together, in their souls and bodies, shall be introduced by Christ into the full joy of their Lord. As the saints enter the kingdom through many tribulations, the gate is strait, and the way is narrow, and they are scarcely saved, and many of them so as only by fire; but when the abundant grace given unto them by the way to heaven, the great consolation many enjoy in their last moments, and especially the free and full admission of them, both at death and at judgment, to eternal happiness, are considered, the entrance ministered may be said to be abundantly; or, as the Arabic version renders it, “with a breadth”; the entrance is large and broad.
Tony continued…
Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
“…our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “
Just in a nutshell. The controversy is “receiving Christ as your personal Savior but NOT as Lord”.
The controversy is Arminian to begin with and therefore beginning with a false premise that the christ (little “c”) of the pseudo gospel of Palegic Arminianism teaches of a god who is submissive to the will of fallen sinners who must “a decision” whether to be saved or not.
The Jesus of the Arminians died for EVERY single sinner who ever existed and shall exist yet “it DOESN’T COUNT” unless the sinner receives God’s offer of Him.
Now the controversy of this leaven is adding more leaven to the mess by saying you honestly said “first prayer”** to get saved but never received Christ as Lord.
It goes so that your convert now has to be brought into church in order to be discipled (follow this christ), come to church and be a member; lest he wander about as A SHEEP (saved) without a Shepherd (Lord) and thus deemed a CARNAL CHRISTIAN all his/her days of their lives, and though they are saved and safe they shall not received GRACE REWARDS.
** who must make a decision.
ALL the above is a pseudo gospel. No such christ, and no such god.
(That’s) The god who cannot save unless the sinner says the “repeat after me” prayer and “mean it”, then “CLAIM IT!”
Salvation is unilateral, it is God who is raising the dead monergistically, conveying him or her into the Kingdom of His Beloved eternally. This is not synergistic before or after. It remains monergistic and is to the praise and glory of God and His. Christ ALONE.
God is not “offering” any sinner “a chance” to be saved. It is a holy Command that goes forth as a two edged Sword. He is saving His chosen people (sinners, His elect) by GRACE alone. It is wrought through Christ’s particular atonement, and their regeneration (resurrection at God’s appointed time) by the Holy Spirit uniting and hiding him or her to Christ eternally in Him (clothed in the Righteousness of God).
I would comment that this really is the Amazing Grace that John Newton wrote about.
His Command does not return to Him void but accomplishes His eternal Decree. He does have mercy upon whom He wills, and He hardens whom He wills justifying His sovereign Judgment.
The sinner who repents and believes does so in Faith (in what God has done through His Chist, loving us, and laying down His life for us) through love.
Again, this helps to clarify what the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle John to write:
1 John 4:19 ” We love Him, because He first loved us.”
No man is saved by what they will, think, say or do. The letter of the Law justifies NO MAN it only reveals sin, EVEN when God calls men to “Repent and believe”. By that letter alone, men only harden their hearts to it, hating God, being totally depraved and in bondage to Satan, sin, and death.
Isa 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isa 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Isa 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Repenting and believing is daily in following Christ and NEVER does it foster salvation in one jot or tittle but REVEALS it.
Note this appears to be a much-discussed subject though I would not necessarily recommend any of the unamed (I deleted) sources, you can get the flavor of the dialogue:
AI note: Based on the provided search results, the exact phrase “Repenting and believing is daily in following Christ and NEVER does it foster salvation in one jot or tittle but REVEALS it” does not appear as a direct quote from a single famous author or text.
However, the quote is a composite of several theological concepts frequently discussed in reformed, evangelical, and messianic social media discussions regarding salvation by grace.
Key Concepts in the Statement:
- Repentance as Daily/Lifelong: This idea is often attributed to Martin Luther and Thomas Brooks, who both taught that the life of a Christian is one of continuous, daily repentance, rather than a one-time act.
- “Not One Jot or Tittle”: This phrase is from Matthew 5:18, where Jesus talks about the permanence of the Law (Torah).
- Reveals vs. Fosters Salvation: This reflects a Calvinist/Reformed view that repentance is the fruit or evidence of salvation (it reveals it), not a work that earns or fosters it.
The risen sinner’s soul fears God, confesses his sin and sinfulness and worthiness of God’s just damnation,
“Woe to us, for we are a people cut off for our own part (fault)”. Unbeknownst to the sinner he has been raised by God IN Christ and is already bearing the fruits thereof and by His call through another servant or in the reading of God’s Word is drawn to His Christ and calls upon God and is heard (IN CHRIST).
God brings sinners to know the Gospel of His salvation by Him alone and sinners take the yoke of Christ willingly, understanding He IS their Lord and Savior (joining a true Church). They don’t join to be saved but BECAUSE they have been saved and confess so and are His disciples.
It is a Command originating within the Godhead centered in Christ (God’s humanity) to His manifest glory.
“…lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”,
this is us sinners having been raised by God already IN CHRIST. Conversion is not regeneration but the outworking of one’s salvation, or ” the fruition of Life Everlasting”.
Coming to KNOW in repentance and believing, clinging to Christ (sheltering by Faith in place) our God and King, our Lord and Savior.
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower:
the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Again, I would quote The Whole Chapter..Lot’s of error revealed here. And I love verse 22 & 24.
Pro 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Pro 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Pro 18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Pro 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Pro 18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Pro 18:6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Pro 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Pro 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Pro 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Pro 18:11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
Pro 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Pro 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Pro 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Pro 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Pro 18:16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Pro 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Pro 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Pro 18:20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Pro 18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Repentance in truth and in spirit is a daily striving, a struggle against one’s own unregenerate body of death’s lusts and Satan and his minions tempting, done in the Faith of the Son of God working through love. It is God working in you to will and to do.
Repenting and believing is a good work daily sought, a work ordained IN CHRIST, fruits borne grafted to the Tree of Life.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
I would add that Paul’s statement to Timothy as clarity to how we pursue these works…and in the larger context the things the world and Satan put in our way.
All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
2Ti 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2Ti 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Repenting and believing is borne by the sinner planted eternally upon the Rock of His Salvation, or can be said hidden in the cleft of the Rock (Truth) of his salvation.
Ezekiel 37:13-14
And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put My Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.”
Monergistic salvation is the Truth that has set the elect free by God’s Christ.
In conclusion I looked up what AI would just capture of the dialogue out there in the WWW on Tony’s final statements:
The phrase “Repenting and believing is a good work daily sought, a work ordained IN CHRIST, fruits borne grafted to the Tree of Life” appears to be a theological commentary or a paraphrased summary related to the interpretation of Romans 11, specifically regarding the imagery of grafting branches into the olive tree (representing faith in Christ). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Connections:
- Context: It relates to the “grafted in” imagery in Romans 11:11-31.
- Metaphor: It draws on the “Tree of Life” (Proverbs 11:30) and the “Vine” (John 15:1-5), where believers are grafted to Christ to bear fruit.
- Theological Theme: It describes the Christian life as a continuous, daily process of repentance and faith (a “good work” or “fruit”) rather than a one-time event, emphasizing that this fruit is produced through union with Christ
The concept of being “hidden in the cleft of the rock” is a deeply rooted theological metaphor in Christian literature and hymns, referencing the biblical narrative in Exodus 33:22, where God places Moses in a cleft of the rock to protect him. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
While the exact, long phrase you provided appears to be a synthesis of multiple theological concepts rather than a single, direct quote from a famous author, it combines several key elements:
- The Cleft in the Rock: This refers to Exodus 33:21-23, where Moses is hidden to see God’s glory.
- The Rock of Salvation: This is a common biblical designation for God, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:15and Psalm 62:2.
- The Hymn “Rock of Ages”: Written by Augustus Toplady (1740–1778), this famous hymn contains the lines “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee”.
- Theological Themes: The idea of being “hidden” or “planted” in Christ is a common theme in sermons, such as those that discuss the perfection of Christ as a shelter. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Based on a search of available theological resources and the Monergism website, the specific, exact phrase “Monergistic salvation is the Truth that has set the elect free by God s Christ” does not appear as a direct, famous quote from a single author.
However, the phrase appears to be a summary or a paraphrase of the core tenets of Reformed/Calvinist soteriology, which is frequently discussed in articles on
Monergism and associated forums.
Key Contextual Information
- Theological Perspective: The quote reflects the belief that salvation is entirely a work of God’s sovereign grace (Monergism), rather than a cooperation between God and man (Synergism).
- “Set the Elect Free”: This aligns with the doctrine of sovereign grace, where God regenerates the heart of the elect, enabling them to believe.
- “Truth… by God’s Christ”: This refers to Jesus Christ being the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2), a central theme in Reformed theology.
- Related Concepts: The idea closely mirrors discussions about God choosing to save a specific group (the elect) from before the foundation of the world. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]
You are likely to find similar sentiments in writings by theologians like John Ryle or in articles posted on
Monergism.com about the sovereignty of God in salvation.
AI responses may include mistakes. Here are the specific references, the others you can look up from the # links.
[1] https://www.covreformedchurch.org/post/2016/10/19/what-is-reformed-theology-monergistic-soteriology
[2] https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalvinismDiscussion/posts/3440614809526465/
[3] https://www.monergism.com/sovereignty-god-salvation
[4] https://ebible.com/questions/1239-is-monergism-or-synergism-correct
[5] https://salvationbygrace.org/is-sanctification-synergistic/
[6] https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheologyDiscussionGroup/posts/27191105243828281/
[7] https://www.tenth.org/resource-library/articles/reformed-theology/
[8] https://www.monergism.com/election-j-c-ryle
Rainbow Trout 
Copied from PDF version of Plumer’s Book.I have a highlighted version.
Extract From: The Grace of Christ – Sinners Saved by Unmerited Kindness by William S. Plumer
“We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved.” Acts 15:11
Chapter 14 ends….What then, is there unrighteousness with God? It was the place for him to answer, that God foresaw the deserts of each of them, yet he says nothing of this, but resorts to the decrees and mercy of God.” Indeed on the day of Pentecost the whole weight of Peter’s argument in convincing his hearers of their sin was in connection with this doctrine.
Speaking of Christ, Peter said: “Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” Acts 2:23. Now, if he had failed to convince them that in putting Christ to death they had fulfilled the eternal purpose, the determinate counsel of God, he would have failed to convince them of Christ’s Messiahship. Or if he had failed to convince them that in doing this of envy and unbelief and enmity they were wicked, then his preaching would have been in vain. There is no escaping from these conclusions. To fulfill God’s decrees with a wicked heart is wicked, is the height of wickedness.
That the doctrine of election is a ground of encouragement to pious preachers of the Gospel is certain. Thousands have told us so. It was so to Paul. “Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, ‘Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.’ And he stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:9-11. The previous context shows that the Jews at Corinth “opposed Paul and became abusive.” In fact the work of founding a church there was but just begun. Yet God says, “I have many people in this city.” The only fair logical meaning, is that among the crowds of the ungodly in that city, were many of God’s elect, whom he purposed by Paul’s ministry soon to bring to a saving knowledge of Christ. The doctrine of election, rightly understood, holds out the only ground of encouragement, which we have, for preaching the blessed Gospel. If God has no elect—we preach in vain!
Chapter 15 – GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” If this be so we should very carefully guard ouri hearts that we indulge in no prejudices against any portion of divine truth. If God has revealed anything to us, it will do us good to receive it with meekness and fear. It is not possible for any sincere person to deny that the Bible uses words, which seem to teach that God governs the world by a fixed plan, and that events occurring in a manner to us accidental, or brought about by human agency— were foreseen and pre-ordained by God.
Without dealing in general assertions, let us come at once to God’s word. There we find first the word decree applied to God’s plan. The reason why the sea is contained within certain limits is that God has determined it shall be so. “He gave the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment.” Proverbs 8:29. He has “placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree.” Jer. 5:22. Elsewhere the same thing is taught in almost the same words. It cannot therefore be denied that God holds the sea in bounds by his unchangeable decree. The Scriptures also declare that it is the fixed decree of God, which nothing can alter, that his Son should be the Mediator. “Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said unto me, You are my Son, this day have I begotten you.” None will deny that the mediatorial throne has its stability in the everlasting unchangeable purpose of God. So likewise Daniel declares that Nebuchadnezzar was expelled from among men “by the decree of the Most High God.” Dan. 4:24.
The Scriptures also use the word appoint as expressive of the same idea. Thus Christ says: “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed unto me.” Luke 22:29. Men must have made great advances in boldness before they can deny that all Christ’s exaltation and glory are fixed and given him by the unchangeable appointment of God, and yet by an appointment of the same kind, all his people shall have a kingdom. So also the day of judgment is fixed. Nothing can hasten it; nothing can defer it: “He has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world.” Acts 17:31. So also no man can die a moment sooner, or live a moment longer than God pleases, and his pleasure and his counsel always agree. “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth?” “Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, you have appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.” Job 7:1 and 14:5. Nor is this doctrine offensive to the pious. Job says: “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, until my change comes.” Job 14:14.
The subversion of the plots of the wicked is in Scripture ascribed to their running counter to God’s fixed plan. “For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.” 2 Sam. 17:14. God’s word no less clearly declares that the wicked rejection of Jesus Christ by sinners, instead of defeating, is executing God’s plan. For he is “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to those who stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” 1 Pet. 2:8.
Again, the Scriptures call God’s fixed plan his counsel and declare its unchangeableness. If it could be changed, it would be either for the better, or for the worse. If it could be changed for the better, it is now imperfect. If it should be changed for the worse it would become imperfect. In either case, it would be unworthy of God. But it cannot be changed: “I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” Isaiah 46:9, 10. “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Psalm 33:11. No plotting and ingenuity and malice of man can hinder what God will do. “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:21. The Apostles held that God’s plan was carried out, even in the wickedness shown towards Christ, and they adoringly said that his enemies “were gathered together to do whatever your hand and your counsel determined before to be done.” Acts 4:28. Indeed Paul says that God does “all things after the counsel of his own will.” Eph. 1:11. He also says that God has taken great care “to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel.” Heb. 6:17.
In like manner the Bible speaks of God’s purpose; and says that our conversion is in fulfillment of it, “called according to his purpose.” It declares that this purpose embraces the destinies of men. Before Rebecca had given birth to any child it was said, “The elder shall serve the younger,” and all this Paul says was, “that the purpose of God according to election might stand.” Romans 8:28 and 9:11. Nor is God’s purpose temporal, or mutable, but he conducts all things “according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph. 3:11. Here is the foundation of all our hopes of life; for he “has saved us, and called us with a 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.” 2 Tim. 1:9.
Nor are inspired writers afraid of the word, predestination, or of the doctrine taught thereby: “Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. 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.” Romans 8:29, 30. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Eph. 1:5. See also verses 11 and 12.
We also find election taught throughout God’s word and in many ways.
1. God’s well-beloved and eternal Son was chosen out of all in the universe to be the Redeemer of lost men. Accordingly in Isaiah 42:1, and in 1 Pet. 2:6, Christ is called God’s elect. I have never seen the professing Christian, who was bold enough to deny that our Savior was “chosen of God.” Augustine well says: “The highest illustration of predestination and grace, is in the Savior himself, the man Christ Jesus, who has acquired this character in his human nature, without any previous merit either of works or of faith.”
2. Election extends to the angels, some of whom are holy and happy, others sinful and miserable. The holy ones are expressly called “elect angels.” 1 Tim. 5:21.
3. When some angels and all men had fallen under condemnation, God’s electing love turned towards sinners of the human race and not at all towards fallen angels. John 3:16; 2 Pet. 2:4.
4. When all nations were rapidly hastening to idolatry and gross corruption, God selected one man and granted to him and his descendants peculiar privileges and mercies. “He choose Abram and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees.” From that time for generations this family was often spoken of as the chosen, the elect of God. Deut. 4:37 and 7:6-8; 1 Chron. 16:13, 14; Psalm 32:12, and in many other places.
5. God also exercises his choice as to the heirs of salvation. They are called “God’s elect.” Romans 8:33. Christ calls them “the elect.” Matt. 24:22, 24, 31; Luke 18:7. Paul says, “God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Eph. 1:4. How any man can dispose of all these texts without rejecting God’s word, and yet refuse to admit decrees, predestination and election, it is not easy to tell. Is anything more fixed than the events of death, judgment and eternity with all that shall be done therein? Every man fixes his plans and purposes before he acts or builds. Has the Builder of the universe no plan, no purpose? As to whether we first chose Christ, or Christ us, what Christian can have a doubt, when he remembers his own vile wanderings, and Christ’s explicit teachings? “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” John 15:16.
Indeed what is a prophecy but a revealed decree? What is a decree but a purpose not revealed, not made known in prophecy? The consent of the people of God in all periods of the Christian Church has been as remarkably in favor of the doctrine here maintained. Formal opposition to it by those, who otherwise stood fair in God’s Church, was unknown to the ancients. How clearly this doctrine was taught by Augustine all well-informed people know: “We are made in time, but we were chosen before the world began.” “Before he made us, he foreknew us, and he chose us in his foreknowledge when he had not as yet made us.” “Out of those to whom the righteous Lord had adjudged punishment, according to the unspeakable mercy of his hidden dispensation, he chose out vessels, which he might fit for honor.” Augustine also quotes the following from Ambrose’s book on predestination: “Whom Christ has mercy on, him he calls. Those who were undevout, he could, if he would, have made devout. But God calls whom he pleases, and makes whom he will pious.” Augustine took the right view of this doctrine when he said: “Do you wish to dispute with me? Rather unite with me in admiration, and exclaim, O the depth! Let us both agree in fear, lest we perish in error.” More explicit statements he could not make.
Fulgentius says: “God, who has made man, did himself prepare, in his predestination, both the gift of illumination to believe, and the gift of perseverance to profit and persevere, and the gift of glorification to reign, for those to whom he pleased to give it; who also does not any otherwise perform indeed, than was ordained by his eternal and unchangeable will. The truth of which predestination, whereby the Apostle witnesses, we were predestinated in Christ before the foundation of the world.” Prosper says: “No Christian denies the predestination of God.” “The belief of predestination is confirmed by abundant authority of the holy Scriptures.” “From the punishment of the sin of our first parent none is freed but by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, prepared and predestinated in the eternal counsel of God before the foundation of the world.” The Confession of Helvetia says: “God has from the beginning, and of his mere grace, without any respect of men, predestinated or elected the saints, whom he will save in Christ.” “Therefore, though not for any merit of ours, yet not without a means, but in Christ, and for Christ, did God choose us; and they who are now engrafted into Christ, the same also were elected.” The Confession of Basle says: “We confess, that God, before he had created the world, had chosen all those to whom he would freely give the inheritance of eternal blessedness.”
The Confession of France says: “We believe that out of this universal corruption and condemnation, wherein by nature all men are drowned, God did deliver and preserve some, whom, by his eternal and immutable counsel, of his own goodness and mercy, without any respect of their works, he did choose in Christ Jesus; and others he left in that corruption and condemnation, in whom he might make manifest his justice, by condemning them justly in their time, as well as declare the riches of his mercy in the others. For some are not better than others, until such time as the Lord does make a difference, according to that immutable counsel, which he had decreed in Christ Jesus before the creation of the world.”
The Confession of Scotland says: “That same eternal God, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus his Son, before the foundation of the world was laid, appointed him to be our head.” The Confession of Belgia says: “We believe that God has showed himself to be both merciful and just: merciful, by delivering and saving those from condemnation and from death, whom, in his eternal counsel, of his own free goodness, he has chosen in Jesus Christ our Lord, without any regard at all of their works; but just, in leaving others in that their fall and perdition, whereinto they had thrown themselves headlong.”
The Synod of Dort says: “Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, by which, before the foundation of the world, according to the most free pleasure of his will, and of his mere grace, out of all mankind (fallen through their own fault from their first integrity into sin and destruction) he has chosen in Christ unto salvation a set number of certain men, neither better nor more worthy than others, but lying in the common misery with others.” In subsequent sections many explanations are given, as that this election is not manifold, but one; that it was not made upon the foresight of faith or good works, but was unto faith and holiness; that the true cause of this free election is the good pleasure of God; that it cannot be interrupted, changed, revoked, or disannulled; that this doctrine is to be reverently received, etc. etc.
The Church of England in her 17th Article says: “Predestination to life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the earth were laid) he has decreed by his counsel, secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those, whom he has chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honor. Therefore, they which are endued with so excellent a benefit of God—are called according to God’s purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through grace obey the calling: they are justified freely: they are made sons of God by adoption: they are made like the image of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ: they walk piously in good works: and at length, by God’s mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.”
As the godly consideration of predestination, and our election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly people, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things— as well because it does greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal salvation to be enjoyed through Christ, as because it does fervently kindle their love towards God. So, for curious and carnal people, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God’s predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the devil does thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchedness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.
The Church of Ireland states, “By the same eternal counsel, God has predestinated some unto life, and reprobated some unto death; of both which there is a certain number, which can neither be increased nor diminished. The cause moving God to predestinate unto life, is not the foreseeing of faith, or good works, or of anything, which is in the person predestinated, but only the good pleasure of God himself. But such as are not predestinated to salvation, shall finally be condemned for their sins.”
The Westminster Confession says that “God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatever comes to pass: yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”
Much more is said to the same purpose, but quite coincident with what has been already quoted from the same confessions of faith. The great lights of the Church in modern times have also spoken with much force on this subject. Luther, in commenting on the words “who separated me from my mother’s womb,” (Gal. 1:15,) says: “This is a Hebrew phrase; as if he said, Who had sanctified, ordained and prepared me. That is, God had appointed, when I was yet in my mother’s womb, that I should so rage against his Church, and that afterward he would mercifully call me back again from the midst of my cruelty and blasphemy, by his mere grace, into the way of truth and salvation. To be short, when I was not yet born, I was an apostle in the sight of God, and when the time was come, I was declared an apostle before the whole world. Thus Paul cuts off all deserts, and gives glory to God alone—but to himself shame and confusion. As though he would say, All the gifts, both small and great, as well spiritual as temporal, which God purposed to give unto me, and all the good things, which at any time in all my life I should do, God himself had before appointed when I was yet in my mother’s womb, where I could neither wish, nor think, nor do any good thing. Therefore this gift also came unto me by the mere predestination and free mercy of God, before I was born.”
Calvin says: “We shall never be convinced as we ought to be, that our salvation flows from the fountain of God’s free mercy, until we are acquainted with his eternal election, which illustrates the grace of God by this comparison, that he adopts not all promiscuously to salvation, but gives to some what he refuses to others. Ignorance of this principle evidently detracts from the divine glory, and diminishes real humility.” Beveridge says: “If God has elected us, it is in vain for men or devils to accuse us; if he is our friend, it is in vain for any one to be our foe.” Charnock says: “Conformity to God in purity is the fruit of electing love. He has chosen us that we should be holy. Eph. 1:4. The goodness of the fruit evidences the nature of the root; this is the seal that assures us the patent is the authentic grant of the prince.” John Newton says: “Admitting the total depravity of human nature, how can we account for the conversion of a soul to God, unless we likewise admit an election of grace? The work must begin somewhere. Either the sinner first seeks the Lord, or the Lord first seeks the sinner. The former is impossible, if by nature we are dead in trespasses and sins. Let me appeal to yourself. I think you know yourself too well to say that you either sought or loved the Lord first.” Flavel says: “God has chosen some to salvation and passed by others.” “God’s choice was not on foreseen works, but merely of his grace, and good pleasure of his will.” Leighton says: “The foreknowledge of God is no other than that eternal love of God, or decree of election, by which some are appointed unto life, and being foreknown or elected to that end, are predestinate to the way of it.” “That thus he chooses some, and rejects others, is for that great end—to manifest and magnify his mercy and justice. But why he appointed this man for the one, and that man for the other, made Peter a vessel of this mercy, and Judas of wrath, this is even so, because it seemed good to him. This, if it is harsh, yet is apostolic doctrine. Has not the potter (says Paul) power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor? This deep we must admire, and always, in considering it, close with this: O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”
A class of honest but timid people, who embrace these views, yet ask, Should this doctrine be preached? The answer is in the affirmative:
1. Because Christ and his Apostles preached it. Their example is safe.
2. It is conducive to holiness when rightly understood and sincerelyloved.
3. It is full of comfort to the humble. But then it should be preachedas Christ and his Apostles preached it. Augustine says: “Both the grace of free election and predestination, and also wholesome admonitions and doctrines are to be preached.”
Chapter 16 – God’s Word Teaches the Doctrines of Grace. The Church Fathers.
The doctrine of gratuitous salvation is prominent in the teachings of inspired men. It is implied in the whole structure of revelation. It is expressly taught in many places. Even on Mount Sinai, amidst all the grandeur and terror of that scene, the Lord passed by and proclaimed himself, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” Exod. 34:6, 7. Although in this passage we have a clear revelation of God’s inflexible justice, yet we have also a rich variety of expression revealing his grace…..Continues for the rest of the book.
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