Summary
Bell contrasts the powerless "god" commonly preached in modern churches with the sovereign God of Scripture, arguing that contemporary Christianity falsely presents salvation as dependent on human cooperation and free will decisions. Drawing on passages such as Psalm 115:3, Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:11-13, and Acts 13:48, the author emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty in election and salvation, rejecting popular notions that God "wants" to save sinners but cannot act without human permission or that sinners must "open their hearts" to Jesus. Bell contends that the biblical God accomplishes His purposes according to His will alone, choosing the elect before the foundation of the world and giving them new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26) and faith as sovereign acts, not human achievements.
Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about God’s sovereignty?
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign and does whatever He pleases (Psalm 115:3).
Psalm 115:3, Daniel 4:35, Jonah 2:9
What does the Bible say about God's sovereignty in salvation?
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over salvation and saves whom He wills without needing man's permission.
Jonah 2:9, Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:11-13
How do we know election is true?
The doctrine of election is affirmed in Romans 9:11-13, showing that God's will is sovereign in choosing whom to save.
Romans 9:11-13, Acts 13:48
How do we know that God does not need our cooperation for salvation?
Scripture indicates that God acts independently and does not require our cooperation for salvation.
Acts 13:48, Ezekiel 36:26
Why is understanding God’s power important for Christians?
Understanding God's power is crucial for Christians as it assures them of His ability to save and fulfill His promises.
John 17:2
Why is it important for Christians to understand God's nature?
Understanding God's nature is crucial for Christians as it shapes our faith and trust in His sovereignty.
Psalm 115:3
One old writer said, "The 'god' of this age no more resembles the 'God' of the bible than the flickering of a candle resembles the sun." It is a pity that the "god" preached from the average pulpit has no power to save, no ability to do anything for anyone, whose purpose is frustrated. Let me illustrate how god is presented to the majority of church-goers:
"Now 'god' wants to save you if you will let Him." "'god' wants to bless you if you will meet his conditions." "god' has done all he can do, it's now up to you; he has made the first step, now if you will just make a step he will meet you halfway." Another popular but false presentation is, Jesus will save you if you will just open your heart and let him in; 'god' can't do anything for you unless you, by your freewill, let him." Does all of this sound familiar? Am I exaggerating? Let us now look at what the bible says about God:
"Our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He pleased (Ps. 115:2). "All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say unto Him, 'What doest Thou?' (Dan. 4:35).
Does that sound like a god who can't do anything to save or bless you without your approval? The God of the bible saves whom He will, when He will. "Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9)." Listen to what God's word says. "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth; it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (Rom. 9:11-13). You do believe the bible don't you? It is amazing what you can learn when you read the bible honestly.
Another fallacy exposed. " Jesus will come into your heart if you will open it and let him". What does the bible say? "Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul (Acts 16:14). The God of the bible does not need our help nor our cooperation in order to save a sinner. "As many as were ordained to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48).
A favorite among preachers to tell poor deluded souls is; "give jesus your heart" the bible tells us that He must give us "A New Heart and right spirit"(Ezek. 36:26).
The god of this age is a figment of man's imagination and it is a pity that folks are being duped into believing in "him". They have brought God down to their level and have exalted man up to His level! The Lord Jesus said, He has all power over all flesh to give eternal life unto as many as the Father gave Him (John 17:2). Who are you going to believe? Your church? Your traditions? Your relatives? Why don't you just believe the bible and it's description of God instead of believing in the "pitiful" god of this age?
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