GOD CHOSE YOU

John 15:16 = “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit” Jesus makes the first move; the second is up to us.

Ephesians 2:8.9 = “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Matthew 22:14 = “Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

2 Thessalonians 2:13,14 = “brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (a) God’s choice springs from his love, is applied by His Spirit, & culminates in sharing Christ’s glory. Salvation is purposed in the eternal past, carried out in the present, & fulfilled in the eternal future. (b) Even though salvation is solely of God, it still requires the preaching of gospel truth & belief when heard.

Questions:

* Can we responsibly & respectfully handle the heated topic of divine initiative vs human responsibility?

* Why emphasize predestination? Why emphasise free will?

* How are you encouraged/assured by the knowledge that God chose you?