The Free Agency of Man - Tuesday get_app
In the section entitled “God’s Purpose of Grace,” The Baptist Faith & Message continues,
“[Election] is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end.”
God’s sovereignty does not negate man’s responsibility, but instead includes and encompasses it. Many get caught up in trying to reconcile God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, but Spurgeon said it well when he commented, “I wouldn’t try. I never reconcile friends.” The Bible affirms both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, and so must we.
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- As you read these passages, be reminded of the human responsibility to receive Christ and believe in him.
Salvation is a work of God from beginning to end, yet he has ordained the means by which he will save his people. He uses people sharing the good news of Jesus to reach his people with the truth of the gospel and save them.
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- According to verse 13, who will be saved?
(everyone who called on the name of the Lord) - Who calls on the name of the Lord?
(v. 14a; those who believe) - Who is able to believe?
(v. 14b; those who have heard) - How do they hear?
(v. 14c; when someone preaches)
Close in prayer. Recognize the incredible truth that God has chosen to use the preaching of the good news by his people to bring about his desired end, the salvation of all of his people; and be comforted by the fact that even though we are responsible for our actions and choices, God’s sovereignty cannot be thwarted – he will save all who are his chosen people.