Is God really sovereign over all things — even salvation? Scripture teaches that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, and that includes his plan of salvation. His grace is 100 percent effective in those he has chosen. This irresistible grace overcomes all that stands in its way by granting faith and repentance, giving a new heart, and making us eager and willing to follow Jesus.
Related Sermon: Amazing Grace, part 4
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think some people have a problem thinking about God’s sovereignty extending to even include salvation? How does what we learned earlier about total depravity affect your thinking?
- Read Ephesians 2:8 and 2 Timothy 2:25. How does Paul describe the way humans come to faith and repentance?
- Read Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Jeremiah 32:39-40. How does the hard heart of a human change and become willing to follow God?
- Read John 6:44. What does John mean when he says that God “draws” us to Jesus? How do the other uses of this word in the Bible help you understand what he is really saying?
- In the order of salvation, which comes first — being born again or coming to faith? Why do Reformed Christians choose the order they do?
- Pray, asking God to overcome the hardness of people’s hearts. Bring three people before God in prayer today, and ask him for boldness in proclaiming the gospel to them.