THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
Memory Verse: I Pet. 1:2
I. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION DECLARED
A. The Freeness Of Salvation and God’s Electing Grace.
Election is probably one of the most misunderstood doctrines of the Word of God. It has been misrepresented by its friends and foes. Many who fear this doctrine are afraid that it will exclude some from going to heaven and will be the cause of some going to hell. Election will cause no one to go to hell, but it will be the cause of all those who go to heaven. Election means to choose, or pick out. It is used of:
(1) Christ being chosen of God;
(2) of elect angels; and
(3) of believing Jews and Gentiles. The word, choose or chosen, is sometimes translated from the same Greek word as elect or election. All people should go to hell, and all would go if it were not for God’s electing grace!!!
1. The saved are called the elect. (a)-1 I Thess. 1:4; (a)-2 Col. 3:12; (a)-4 Titus 1:1
2. God’s foreknowledge and election.(a)-3 I Pet. 1:2; (a)-5 Rom. 8:29-30. Some people have the mistaken notion that God only knows what will happen in the future, and then predestinates or chooses to let it happen. This would destroy the meaning of election and predestination. It should be obvious to all that God did predestinate something he foreknow, not something that He had no knowledge of at all. See Acts 2:23.
3. God’s order in election seems to be foreknowledge, election (choosing), predestination, etc. Salvation is entirely of Grace and not because of something good that God saw in us.(a)-3 I Pet. 1:2; (a)-5 Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:4-14
4. God does the electing or choosing. John 15:16
B. The Freeness Of Salvation And The Invitation.
God’s election does not restrict our preaching or our invitation to all sinners.
1. The heavy laden may come. (b)-1 Matt.11:28
2. The thirsty may come. (b)-2 Isa.55:1; Rev. 22:17
3. The poor, with nothing to pay may come. (b)-2 Isa. 55:1
4. Whosoever will may come. (b)-2 Rev.22:17
5. All those who believe and call by faith, may come. Rom. 10:9-17. Read all of John 6:37.
C. The Freeness Of Salvation & and The Call For Repentance And Faith.
1. All men are commanded to repent.Acts 17:30
2. Repentance declared to be essential.Isa. 55:6,7, Acts 2:38: 3:19
3. Repentance and faith go together.Acts 20:21
II. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION DECLINED.
A. The Freeness Of Salvation & Man’s Depravity.
1. It is not God that restrains sinners from salvation. See all Scriptures under (d).
2. It is man’s depravity and his rejection of salvation through Christ that prevents his salvation. (d)-6 John 5:40
B. While Salvation Is Free, Man’s Rejection Of Christ Leaves Him Condemned And Lost. (e)-1 John 3:18; (e)-2 John 3:36