Bootstrap
Eileen Beckett

Foolish, weak, base & despised!

Eileen Beckett 3 min read
205 Articles
0 Comments
Eileen Beckett
Eileen Beckett 3 min read
205 articles

Drawing on 1 Corinthians 1:27-31, the author reflects on God's sovereign choice of the weak and foolish things of the world to confound worldly wisdom, emphasizing that believers' glorying should be in the Lord alone rather than in themselves. Through personal testimony and pastoral encouragement, Beckett expounds the doctrines of divine election (God choosing His people before the foundation of the world), justification through Christ's perfect sacrifice and atonement, and sanctification, while applying 2 Corinthians 12:9 to demonstrate how God's grace is made perfect in human weakness and suffering. The letter presents a Reformed understanding of God's sovereignty over the believer's circumstances and the assurance of God's love in Christ as immutable, grounded in Romans 8:38-39.

What does the Bible say about God's choice of the foolish and weak?

God chooses the foolish and weak to confound the wise, showcasing His power and grace (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that God has chosen what is foolish and weak according to the standards of the world to bring to nothing the things that are mighty. This is a profound demonstration of His sovereignty and wisdom, reminding us that our value and acceptance before God are not based on human merit or understanding. It underscores a central tenet of Reformed theology: that salvation and divine purpose rest solely upon God's choosing and His grace, not upon human achievement. God’s choice of the despised and the unknown assures us that His ways and thoughts are far beyond our own.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29

How do we know the doctrine of unconditional election is true?

The doctrine of unconditional election is supported by scripture, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5).

Unconditional election, a key aspect of Reformed theology, teaches that God chose certain individuals for salvation based solely on His will and purpose, not on any foreseen merit or action on their part. Ephesians 1:4-5 explicitly states that He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, which affirms that God's electing love is rooted in His grace alone. This doctrine underscores the biblical truth that our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s initiative and decision, providing reassurance that nothing can thwart His redemptive plan. It reminds us that God’s election brings glory to His grace, leaving no room for human boasting.

Ephesians 1:4-5

Why is God's sovereign grace important for Christians?

God's sovereign grace is vital as it assures believers of their ultimate salvation and God's unwavering love (Romans 8:38-39).

The importance of God's sovereign grace for Christians cannot be overstated. It reassures believers that their salvation is secure and wholly dependent upon God’s grace, rather than their own efforts or worthiness. Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God, illustrating the unshakeable nature of His commitment to His chosen ones. This truth deepens our faith and fosters gratitude, knowing that our relationship with God is founded on His unwavering will and not our fluctuating performance. In embracing sovereign grace, we find peace in life’s trials, understanding that even in weakness, God's power is made perfect, enabling us to live out our faith with confidence.

Romans 8:38-39

1 Corinthians 1:27-31 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

This is an open letter to a brother in Christ who left a comment under my post entitled “Hiatus”.

I am touched and deeply saddened , yet rejoicing in the Sovereignty of our God, who alone sheds His love abroad in our hearts. We walk this vale of tears and often don’t understand the path that He leads us along, I am of the same mind. I always return to Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I can, along with you Douglas, know from my own life of fulfilling the lusts of the flesh what I have been delivered from by His grace and mercy. I can, along with you, ask myself, ‘why have I been chosen as a guest to the wedding feast’ and why am I robed in the wedding garment, the pure righteousness of Christ? Why have my sins been forgiven by the perfect sacrifice and atonement of Christ Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God and why have I lost all my guilty stains? We know that it has nothing to do with us, only with the will of our God who has chosen a people for Himself before the foundation of the world, for His good pleasure. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord”.

I thank Him with you for your wife Anne who faithfully is your caregiver, I am a caregiver for my own ailing, housebound husband. It is the path chosen for each of us as well. You have been a blessing to me, especially in the constant reminders of the love of God to His own, amidst the frailty of our frames. I am reminded as well of the great Apostle Paul asking Jesus to remove the thorn from his side and Jesus said unto him:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Be encouraged that although your physical faculties are deteriorating we can rejoice and “be persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

I will remember you and Anne in my prayers when the Lord brings you to mind, I am thankful that our path has crossed. The Lord bless you Douglas.

Comments

0 / 2000 characters
Comments are moderated before appearing.

Be the first to comment!

Joshua

Joshua

Shall we play a game? Ask me about articles, sermons, or theology from our library. I can also help you navigate the site.