This chapter talks about the Irresistible Grace ("I" in TULIP) and how God liberates us for the first time to have free will outside of the sinful boundaries in order to "accept" Christ and follow his ways.
"The Spirit overwhelms us with his love and grace, liberating us to freely embrace what we had before just as freely rejected, and he does so through the Word of the gospel (special revelation/saving grace)."
It's easy to think that this is a "forced" response to his elect but it really is not. It's more of a natural response we finally could have after seeing the most beautiful work being applied to you personally. It's like a natural response of wanting to spend all the time in the world when you meet the most amazing person in your life. Nobody "forces" you to act that way but it just happens naturally b/c the person is irresistible to stay away from. So not only do we have the ability to act for the first time but excited to act upon it too!
Thought some of these chapters were starting to repeat many of the concepts. However, Horton touches upon the concept of a person's will tied or determined by the person's nature/identity and how effectual calling will regenerate the person's heart (born again). This allows them to have the ability to follow God's truth in this life (sanctification) until one day we will fully be perfect (glorification) like Christ. New identity > new ability & will > new lifestyle/action
Chapter ends with our role in terms of evangelism. It's easy to think that since God is sovereign, he will do his thing. After all, who are we to think that we can do God's work better than him. True statement but the beauty is that he chooses to use us as means of accomplishing his kingdom work and purpose! Not only was grace shown in our election (unconditional - nothing we have or done) but it continues to be demonstrated within our sanctified lifestyle and service unto him.
I remembered when my son was very little and he wanted to help vacuum the living room. So I let him be part of my work. Now did he do a better job than I did? Absolutely not. In fact, I had to redo everything he did b/c he missed many sections on the carpet. However, seeing how happy he was that he got to partake in my chore brought so much joy to my heart. Similarly, God finds joy and delight when he utilizes us for his kingdom work!
This chapter talks about the Irresistible Grace ("I" in TULIP) and how God liberates us for the first time to have free will outside of the sinful boundaries in order to "accept" Christ and follow his ways.
"The Spirit overwhelms us with his love and grace, liberating us to freely embrace what we had before just as freely rejected, and he does so through the Word of the gospel (special revelation/saving grace)."
It's easy to think that this is a "forced" response to his elect but it really is not. It's more of a natural response we finally could have after seeing the most beautiful work being applied to you personally. It's like a natural response of wanting to spend all the time in the world when you meet the most amazing person in your life. Nobody "forces" you to act that way but it just happens naturally b/c the person is irresistible to stay away from. So not only do we have the ability to act for the first time but excited to act upon it too!
Thought some of these chapters were starting to repeat many of the concepts. However, Horton touches upon the concept of a person's will tied or determined by the person's nature/identity and how effectual calling will regenerate the person's heart (born again). This allows them to have the ability to follow God's truth in this life (sanctification) until one day we will fully be perfect (glorification) like Christ. New identity > new ability & will > new lifestyle/action
Chapter ends with our role in terms of evangelism. It's easy to think that since God is sovereign, he will do his thing. After all, who are we to think that we can do God's work better than him. True statement but the beauty is that he chooses to use us as means of accomplishing his kingdom work and purpose! Not only was grace shown in our election (unconditional - nothing we have or done) but it continues to be demonstrated within our sanctified lifestyle and service unto him.
I remembered when my son was very little and he wanted to help vacuum the living room. So I let him be part of my work. Now did he do a better job than I did? Absolutely not. In fact, I had to redo everything he did b/c he missed many sections on the carpet. However, seeing how happy he was that he got to partake in my chore brought so much joy to my heart. Similarly, God finds joy and delight when he utilizes us for his kingdom work!