The sermon "Storm Warning #93," delivered by various speakers, primarily addresses the Reformed doctrine of God's sovereignty in salvation. Key arguments emphasize that salvation is entirely the work of God, not contingent on human permission or acceptance. Scripture references such as John 1:12-13, Romans 8:32, and Isaiah 53:6 support the assertion that Christ's sovereign grace alone saves sinners and that God must accept us, not the other way around. This perspective underscores the importance of understanding grace not as a human decision but as a divine bestowal, offering assurance of eternal security to believers and calling the unconverted to recognize the urgency of accepting God's gift of salvation through Christ.
Key Quotes
“God moves in the lives of His children without human permission.”
“Men do not make Christ Lord. He is Lord. Your current opinion of him no more changes his Lordship over you than if you declared a boiling lava pit to be a sandbox.”
“Receiving implies that a gift has been bestowed upon you. The gift of God's grace in Christ is unmerited favor bestowed upon you.”
“Today is the day of salvation. Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ while he may be found, and seek him while he is near.”
The Bible teaches that God has complete sovereignty over salvation and that He acts without human permission.
The scriptures affirm that God is sovereign over the hearts and lives of individuals. For instance, in Romans 8:28-30, we see God's foreknowledge and predestination at work, confirming that He initiates and orchestrates salvation according to His divine will, not contingent upon man's decision. As seen in the encounter of Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), God intervenes in individuals' lives sovereignly, demonstrating His power in changing hearts and commissioning them for His purposes, without needing permission from humanity. This stands in contrast to the belief that humans must invite God into their lives, highlighting the absolute authority and control of God over all creation.
Romans 8:28-30, Acts 9:1-19
Christ's lordship is a divine truth, established by His resurrection and authority over all creation.
The lordship of Christ is undeniable and not dependent on human confession or belief. Philippians 2:9-11 clearly articulates that God has exalted Jesus and given Him the name above every name, asserting His authority over all things. The Bible does not support the notion that man can make Christ Lord, but rather affirms that He is Lord regardless of individual acknowledgment. Declarations of faith do not alter His sovereignty. Every knee shall bow before Him, illustrating that His lordship exists irrespective of human opinion or acceptance. This recognition of Christ's sovereign lordship is paramount for understanding His ability to save and govern all aspects of life.
Philippians 2:9-11
Receiving Christ means to accept a divine gift bestowed by God, not a decision made by man's will.
The distinction between receiving and accepting Christ is crucial in understanding true conversion. John 1:12-13 illustrates that those who receive Christ are granted the right to become children of God, indicating that this is an act of divine grace. Receiving implies that God extends His mercy and we are enabled to accept this gift by His power, highlighting the unmerited favor of God in salvation. Unlike accepting, which suggests human initiative, receiving signifies a response to God's gracious call, emphasizing that even our ability to believe is a gift from God. This theology upholds the truth that salvation is all of grace and solely from the will of God, as we are unable to earn or produce faith on our own.
John 1:12-13
It means that God predestined His elect to salvation long before creation based on His sovereign will and purpose.
Ephesians 1:4-5 emphasizes that God chose His people in Christ before the foundation of the world. This profound truth asserts that God's election is not based on foreseen faith or good works, but solely on His sovereign choice and grace. This predestination underscores the depth of God's love and intention for His elect, illustrating the security they have in their salvation. Romans 8:29 reinforces this teaching by stating that those whom God foreknew He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. Recognizing this helps believers understand their identity and assurance in Christ, as it reveals God’s steadfast commitment to save His chosen ones, independent of anything they could accomplish.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29
True peace is found in Christ amid trouble, rooted in His promises and presence.
Philippians 4:6-7 teaches that peace in Christ surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Him. During life's trials, the peace we find is not contingent upon our circumstances but is grounded in our relationship with Jesus. As we encounter afflictions, it's essential to remember that our joy and assurance come from Him, as testified in Romans 5:1-5, where believers are reminded that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. This hope is anchored in Christ, who is our ultimate source of comfort and strength. By resting in His promises, believers can experience profound peace, knowing that God is sovereign and works all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even amidst trials.
Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:28
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