The sermon titled "To The Elect Strangers" by Paul Mahan centers on the doctrine of divine election as elucidated in 1 Peter 1. Mahan emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the election of individuals for salvation, asserting that this calling is not based on any merit of the elect but solely on God's irresistible grace and sovereign choice. The preacher discusses Peter's acknowledgment of God's foreknowledge and predestination in relation to individual believers’ identities as "elect strangers" scattered in a world that does not recognize them. Key Scripture references include 1 Peter 1:1-2 and Hebrews 11, illustrating the biblical concept of pilgrims and strangers in relation to the chosen people of God. The sermon concludes with a practical call for believers to find confidence and assurance in their identity as elect, highlighting the joy and reverence that accompany the realization of being chosen and kept by God's power.
Key Quotes
“God elected them... They were strangers to the covenant of promise. Strangers to the truth. Strangers to the knowledge of God and Christ.”
“Do you want to? I'll turn for you... That's a ridiculous question. Abraham, I was an idolater. I was 75 years old. Jacob, I was running. But God grabbed me.”
“You don’t believe because you decided to. You believe because God decided for you to.”
“Salvation is something received, not accepted. Received. Something given, not accepted. Received.”
The Bible teaches that election is based on God's sovereign choice, not on human merit or decision.
In Scripture, election refers to God's choice of certain individuals for salvation, rooted in His sovereign will and love. Peter opens his first letter addressing the 'elect,' emphasizing that their status comes from God's foreknowledge and grace (1 Peter 1:2). This understanding is supported by passages like Ephesians 1:4-5, where Paul writes that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, establishing that election is not based on our actions but is rather a divine gift, underscoring God’s mercy and sovereignty.
1 Peter 1:2, Ephesians 1:4-5
The Bible teaches that election is God's sovereign choice of certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, as seen in passages like Ephesians 1:4-5.
Election, according to Scripture, refers to God's sovereign decision to choose certain individuals for salvation, which highlights His grace and mercy. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, 'He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.' This shows that God's election is based not on any foreseen merit or action on our part, but solely on His divine will and purpose. The elect are described as those whom God has 'foreknown' and set apart for His glory and to receive faith, as demonstrated in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, where Paul affirms that God has chosen them 'through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.' Thus, election underscores the richness of God's grace and the assurance of salvation for those He calls.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29-30, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Scripture consistently affirms that salvation is by God's grace alone, highlighting His sovereignty in the process.
The sovereignty of God in salvation is firmly rooted in biblical teaching, as seen in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that we are saved by grace through faith and that this is not from ourselves but is a gift of God. This underscores the idea that salvation is a work of God, not dependent on human effort. Furthermore, Romans 8:29-30 outlines God's plan of predestination, calling, justification, and glorification, demonstrating His control over the entire salvation process. These truths confirm that God's sovereignty is indeed a fundamental aspect of our faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:29-30
God's grace is sovereign as it operates according to His unchangeable will, as seen in Romans 9:15-16 which states that it depends not on human desire or effort but on God's mercy.
The sovereignty of God's grace is evident throughout Scripture, particularly in Romans 9, where Paul discusses God's choice of individuals based on His merciful will rather than any merit of their own. Romans 9:15-16 emphasizes that God has mercy on whom He chooses, and it does not depend on human will or exertion. This teaches us that our salvation is not a result of our works or decisions, but rather is entirely founded on God's sovereign purpose. This doctrine offers profound comfort to believers, assuring them that their salvation rests in God's hands and His unchanging nature, which eliminates all sources of uncertainty or doubt regarding their standing before Him.
Romans 9:15-16, 2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 2:8-9
Being elect assures Christians of God's purpose and plan for their salvation, providing hope and security.
The concept of being elect is crucial for Christians as it highlights God's intentional act of choosing to save a specific group of people. This assurance emphasizes that our salvation does not depend on our fluctuating feelings or actions but rests in the unwavering love and purpose of God. Knowing that we are part of God's elect community grants believers the confidence to face trials and hardships, as their identity is secured in Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7). Moreover, this understanding inspires gratitude and worship, as the elect recognize the sheer magnitude of God's mercy and grace toward them despite their unworthiness.
1 Peter 1:6-7, Ephesians 1:3-6
The concept of being elect assures Christians of their security in salvation and emphasizes God's initiative in their spiritual journey, helping to foster gratitude and assurance.
Understanding the concept of election is vital for Christians as it affirms their security in salvation and reinforces the truth that it is God who initiates and completes the work of redemption. In 1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter addresses believers as 'elect according to the foreknowledge of God,' highlighting that their identity is rooted in God's choice. This assurance leads to a profound sense of gratitude, as believers realize they have done nothing to earn their status; instead, God, in His grace, chose them. Furthermore, this understanding brings comfort amid trials and tribulations, reminding believers that they are part of a divine plan that God orchestrates for His glory. The doctrine of election ultimately calls Christians to worship and honor the God who has graciously saved them.
1 Peter 1:1-2, Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:30
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