Irresistible Grace

I. What is it?

A. Calvinists believe and unregenerate person cannot voluntarily believe in God, but once God determines to save him, that same individual cannot overcome the power of God. He must be saved regardless of his desire.

B. This is why we hear Calvinists speak of the Spirit’s call and of God’s grace in saving sinners as being “efficacious,” “invincible,” or “irresistible.”

II. Texts used to prove this doctrine:

A. Calvinists believe man has no freewill of his own.

B. Since man is born totally depraved, he cannot even desire to do good.

1. Yet, if he is one of the unconditionally elect, when God calls him, he cannot do anything but obey.

C. Acts 16:14 God opened her heart to receive the word, then she heard end then she was saved.

1. But…Lydia began as a worshiper of God (16:13-14).

2. She responded and obeyed the Lord (13:15).

D. Romans 8:7

1. Answer: Read verses 1-8.

2. Note free agency of man in choosing to obey or disobey God.

3. God does not force anyone to accept or reject His will.

E. Eph. 2:8-10 - We are saved by the grace of Almighty God.

1. We accept this grace by our own faith, not because God forces us to accept it.

2. Salvation is not via direct operation of the Holy Spirit, but rather faith comes by obedience to the word of God!

III. The Bible says NOTHING about a special inward call on the elect sinner.

A. We are “called” by the gospel – 2 Thess. 2:14.

B. Those who have heard and learned come to Jesus – John 6:44-45.

C. We come to the Father as we are taught.

D. Every example of NT conversion recorded in Acts occurred as a result of the gospel being preached!

1. See Acts 8:5; 35; 9:6; 10:33; 16:32.

IV. One of the consequences of this is the doctrine of being saved by grace only.

A. While salvation is by grace, salvation is not by grace only!

1. If this were true, all men would be saved! Titus 2:11-14.

B. Not everyone will be saved. (Mt. 7:13-14)

Conclusion:

A. No person in the apostolic age ever received a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in order to make him a Christian.

1. All were saved by grace through faith in the same manner we can be saved today.

C. God wants none to perish but the choice is now ours to make.

D. Have you obeyed the gospel?



Irresistible Grace I. What is it? A. Calvinists believe and unregenerate person cannot voluntarily believe in God, but once God determines to save him, that same individual cannot overcome the power of God. He must be saved regardless of his desire. B. This is why we hear Calvinists speak of the Spirit’s call and of God’s grace in saving sinners as being “efficacious,” “invincible,” or “irresistible.” II. Texts used to prove this doctrine: A. Calvinists believe man has no freewill of his own. B. Since man is born totally depraved, he cannot even desire to do good. 1. Yet, if he is one of the unconditionally elect, when God calls him, he cannot do anything but obey. C. Acts 16:14 God opened her heart to receive the word, then she heard end then she was saved. 1. But…Lydia began as a worshiper of God (16:13-14). 2. She responded and obeyed the Lord (13:15). D. Romans 8:7 1. Answer: Read verses 1-8. 2. Note free agency of man in choosing to obey or disobey God. 3. God does not force anyone to accept or reject His will. E. Eph. 2:8-10 - We are saved by the grace of Almighty God. 1. We accept this grace by our own faith, not because God forces us to accept it. 2. Salvation is not via direct operation of the Holy Spirit, but rather faith comes by obedience to the word of God! III. The Bible says NOTHING about a special inward call on the elect sinner. A. We are “called” by the gospel – 2 Thess. 2:14. B. Those who have heard and learned come to Jesus – John 6:44-45. C. We come to the Father as we are taught. D. Every example of NT conversion recorded in Acts occurred as a result of the gospel being preached! 1. See Acts 8:5; 35; 9:6; 10:33; 16:32. IV. One of the consequences of this is the doctrine of being saved by grace only. A. While salvation is by grace, salvation is not by grace only! 1. If this were true, all men would be saved! Titus 2:11-14. B. Not everyone will be saved. (Mt. 7:13-14) Conclusion: A. No person in the apostolic age ever received a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in order to make him a Christian. 1. All were saved by grace through faith in the same manner we can be saved today. C. God wants none to perish but the choice is now ours to make. D. Have you obeyed the gospel?