Dynamic Doctrines of the Faith
Topic #3: Predestination (Part 1)
Quick Review of God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Free Will
Q: What does the word “predestination” mean?
2 TIM 1:8–9. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who 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 to us in Christ Jesus before time began… [Emphasis added.] (All Scripture quotes from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.)
EPH 1:3–14.
Q: When did God choose us?
Q: For what purpose?
Q: For what reason?
JHN 6:44,65. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”
The Greek word translated “draw” is eJlkuvw (hel-koo’-o). Its meaning is “1) to draw, drag off; 2) metaph., to draw by inward power, lead, impel.” Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.
The same word is used in:
James 2:6. But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?
Acts 16:19. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.)
Q: What is the necessary condition for coming to Christ?
Q: Who can come to Christ?
EPH 2:1–10.
Q: What was your condition before you were saved?
Q: What were you by nature?
Q: Name one thing a person in that condition is able to do.
Q: What can a person in that condition do to save himself?
Q: What 3 reasons does it give for God giving us new life?
Next week: Predestination (Part 2)
Homework: Read Romans 9.