Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Confession: Canons of Dort, First Head of Doctrine, Article 6, 10
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 (Read from ESV)
Preacher: Rev. David Inks
Introduction
I. The Father (Whose will is the clincher?)
II. The Son (Whose merit?)
III. The Holy Spirit (Whose power?)
Conclusion
That some receive the gift of faith from God, and others do not receive it, proceeds from God’s eternal decree. For known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world (Acts 15:18A.V.). Who worketh all things after the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11). According to which decree He graciously softens the hearts of the elect, however obstinate, and inclines them to believe; while He leaves the nonelect in His just judgment to their own wickedness and obduracy. And herein is especially displayed the profound, the merciful, and at the same time the righteous discrimination between men equally involved in ruin; or that decree of election and reprobation, revealed in the Word of God, which, though men of perverse, impure and unstable minds wrest it to their own destruction, yet to holy and pious souls affords unspeakable consolation.
The good pleasure of God is the sole cause of this gracious election, which doth not consist herein that out of all possible qualities and actions of men God has chosen some as a condition of salvation, but that He was pleased out of the common mass of sinners to adopt some certain persons as a peculiar people to Himself, as it is written, For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or bad, etc., it was said unto her (namely, to Rebekah), The elder shall serve the younger. Even as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (Rom. 9:11-13). And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48).
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Web Site – www.fresnourc.com
Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/fresnourc
YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc
iTunes – itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2
The 7 Letters Distilled Scripture: Revelation 2-3 Preacher: Rev. David Inks Sermon Outline: Introduction…
The Spirit of Glory Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 11 Scripture: Exodus 40:33-38, 1 Kings 8:10-11,…
Groaning with Gratitude Scripture: Romans 8:1, 8:18-39 Preacher: Rev. David Inks Sermon Outline: Introduction…
Whom I Love, I Reprove & Discipline Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22 Preacher: Rev. David Inks …
Who Do Men Say that I am? Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 10 Scripture: John 1:1-3,…
The Keys to Heaven Scripture: Isaiah 22:15-25, Revelation 3:7-13 Preacher: Rev. David Inks Sermon…