Current Sermon Series

Pastor Doug preached Chapters 1 thru 8 from February of 2019 to March 2020. Now, he will simply pick up where he left off.

As we restart these studies, we will face the somewhat challenging sections found in Chapters 9 thru 11. One of the first doctrines we will consider is the doctrine of election which begins in Chapter 9, verse 6. Question #20 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, “Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?” And here is answer provided – “God, having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.”

The main question to consider as we begin these studies is a simple query – “Does the Bible teach this doctrine?” And the next question is certainly related to the first. If we answer this main question with a “Yes,” then we must also ask – “WHAT DOES the Bible teach about this doctrine?” Romans Chapters 9 thru 11 is a great place in Scripture to read and hear this oftentimes controversial doctrine as expounded by the Apostle Paul. He (like his Lord) teaches this doctrine clearly and convincingly.

Often, when studying Bible doctrine, we will wrestle with verses of Scripture, and indeed, this is a good exercise. But let me also recommend picking up a Trinity Hymnal and meditating upon the hymns found in the sections “Salvation by Grace” and “Election.” These hymns will underscore the grace and mercy of God demonstrated toward his people when he “chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:3-4); and these hymns will also lead you into worship and praise to God for his “everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). Here’s an example of one of these great hymns (#466):

“I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew he moved my soul to seek him, seeking me; it was not I that found, O Savior true; no, I was found of thee.

Thou didst reach forth thy hand and mine enfold; I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea – ’twas not so much that I on thee took hold, as thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but O the whole of love is but my answer, Lord, to thee; for thou wert long beforehand with my soul, always thou lovedst me.”

This anonymous hymn-writer wonderfully sums up the doctrine of election from Scripture and aids us in bowing down in worship of the one who “first loved us” (1 John 4:10). Come and explore with us this comforting and uplifting doctrine from God’s Word.