The Bible teaches that repentance is a gift from God and essential for salvation.
Repentance is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, as demonstrated in Matthew 4:17 where Jesus preached, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This signifies that true repentance is not merely a change of mind but a transformative act granted by God, whereby individuals turn away from sin and towards God. Scripture emphasizes that 'man cannot repent unless God grants him repentance' (Acts 11:18), highlighting that repentance and faith are gifts from God that work together in the process of salvation.
Matthew 4:17, Acts 11:18
We know God calls us to faith through the effective and irresistible call of the Holy Spirit.
The assurance of God's call to faith is rooted in the doctrine of the effective call, which emphasizes that when God calls His elect, they respond. This is illustrated in John 10:27 where Jesus says, 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.' The call of God is not dependent on human merit or action; rather, it is a sovereign act of God who calls according to His purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). The evidence of this call is seen in the believer’s response of faith and repentance, which are always accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 10:27, 2 Timothy 1:9
The sovereignty of grace assures Christians that their salvation is entirely the work of God.
Understanding the sovereignty of grace is essential for Christians as it emphasizes that salvation is a work of God alone, without reliance on human effort. This doctrine reassures believers that God’s grace is unmerited and sovereignly bestowed according to His will (Ephesians 1:4-5). It also encourages humility and gratitude, as Christians recognize that their faith and repentance are not their own accomplishments but gifts from God. As affirmed in Romans 9:16, 'It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy,' a statement that encapsulates the heart of the gospel message centered on grace.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:16
God's calling to ministry involves a specific, divine appointment and equipping by the Holy Spirit.
The calling to ministry is not a human initiative but a divine appointment where God selects and equips individuals for His work, as seen in Matthew 4:19, where Jesus calls His disciples to be 'fishers of men.' This effective calling is marked by the individual’s willingness to leave behind their former life and follow Christ. It emphasizes that ministry is fundamentally a work of God, not based on human qualifications or aspirations. Paul highlights this in 2 Timothy 1:9, affirming that God calls according to His purpose and grace. Those called are to depend on God's strength and wisdom, seeking to glorify Him in their service.
Matthew 4:19, 2 Timothy 1:9
One can be sure they are chosen by God by their faith in Christ.
Assurance of being chosen by God is intrinsically linked to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible reassures believers that those who genuinely believe in Christ are recipients of God’s election. As stated in 2 Peter 1:10, 'Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.' This passage reinforces that faith is both a response to God's call and an affirmation of His choosing. Additionally, the transformative nature of faith leads to a life characterized by good works, demonstrating the reality of God’s work in one's heart.
2 Peter 1:10
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