Resistance is Futile: Chosen by God

chosen-by-godChosen by God by R. C. Sproul

“I have grown to love [the doctrine of predestination]. It is most comforting. It underlines the extent to which God has gone on our behalf. It is a theology that begins and ends with grace. It begins and ends with doxology. We praise a God who lifted us from spiritual deadness and makes us walk in high places.”


Predestination. Foreknowledge. Election. Free Will. Reprobation. These are among some of the most controversial and misunderstood terms that come up in theological discussions amongst evangelical Christians, and they are the concepts that Dr. Sproul addresses in his most influential little book, Chosen by God. All of these concepts are linked very tightly to one truth that most if not all orthodox Christians claim to accept: the Sovereignty of God. This topic, though, can lead to another whole discussion, as the question is raised: Just how sovereign is God? This, in my opinion, is rather a pointless question, because if God is not completely sovereign in every area of life, both material and spiritual, then He’s not sovereign, period. And if He’s not sovereign, then He’s not God. But the next question becomes: Can or does God choose at times or in certain situations not to exercise His sovereign control? Continue reading “Resistance is Futile: Chosen by God”

Comfort in the Arms of an All-Sovereign God: Who’s Your Father?

Who’s Your Father?: Returning to the Love of the Biblical God by Robert Bernecker

WhosYourFather“What is neglected by most Christians today is the comforting, awe-inspiring truth of our God’s sovereignty, his great love for each of us, and the eminent trustworthiness of his eternal purpose, which includes each of us in infinite detail. This negligence robs us of our real joy and comfort in our Father who loves us, chooses us, redeems us, and perfects us.”
 
“A ‘god’ whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated, whose purpose is checkmated, possesses no title to Deity, and so far from being a fit object of worship, merits naught but contempt.” (A. W. Pink, The Attributes of God)


Last year I was contacted by the author of Who’s Your Father? Robert Bernecker, who asked me if I’d read and review his book, which he had recently published. He was kind enough to send me a copy and patient enough to wait for me to read it. Mr. Bernecker is not a theologian, pastor, or seminary professor, but merely a layman who came to an understanding of the sovereignty of God through his own personal, in-depth study of the Scriptures. His book is written for the lay Christian and is chock full of scriptures. Continue reading “Comfort in the Arms of an All-Sovereign God: Who’s Your Father?”