Rev. David Holwick
Ledgewood Baptist Church (Bible study)
September 11, 1997
PREDESTINATION
I. Doctrine of Election.
A. It proceeds from God's love. Deut 4:37
B. It required obedience. Exod 19:4-6, 20:2-17
C. It became specialized.
1) Certain tribes received special roles. Num 16:5
D. It did not guarantee salvation for everyone in group.
1) Some see all humans as chosen by God, but only those
who respond are saved. Rom 3:24
2) In other words, groups are elect, but not individuals.
3) But notice destiny of Judas in John 17:12.
II. Predestination in salvation.
A. It is eternal - before creation. Eph 1:4,9; 2 Tim 1:9
B. It depends on God's sovereignty. Rom 9:15-16; cf Exod 33:19
1) Jesus taught this. Matt 11:26-27
C. It is gracious - not by works. Rom 11:5; Rom 9:16
D. It cannot be changed. Rom 9:11
1) The elect must be saved. Matt 24:22
E. It is based on Christ's work. Eph 1:4; Rom 8:29?
III. Obligations of predestination.
A. We are to make our election sure. 2 Pet 1:10
1) God elects; we answer call. Rom 8:28-30; 2 Tim 1:9
B. The assurance of salvation should evoke gratitude and
humility. Eph 1:6,12,14
C. The certainty of election gives believers a sense of
security. Rom 8:33-39
IV. Predestination in daily life?
A. God can guide our steps, help us with decisions.
B. No place for fatalism - "My actions don't matter anyway."
1) "Whosoever will" can come to Christ. John 3:16,36
2) Our actions reveal our spiritual destiny. Matt 24:45-51
C. Are wives, jobs, etc, pre-ordained?
