Unconditional Election and Doctrine of Grace

May 24, 2024

Mindmap

Lecture on Unconditional Election and the Doctrine of Grace

Introduction

  • Ulysses S. Grant: Gained the nickname "Unconditional Surrender Grant" during his military career, implying no negotiated peace based on conditions.
  • Concept of Unconditional:
    • Acrostic TULIP: U stands for Unconditional Election, which is proposed to better be described as Sovereign Election.
    • TULIP represents Calvinist theological principles.

Definition of Unconditional Election

  • Misconceptions:
    • Does not mean God saves people regardless of faith (faith is a condition for justification).
    • Unconditional election pertains to the doctrine of election, separate but related to justification.
  • Question: On what basis does God elect to save certain people?
    • Conditional Election: God foresees who will accept the Gospel and elects those individuals based on their faith response.
    • Reformed View (Unconditional Election): Election is based solely on God’s sovereign decision, not foreseen human actions.

Biblical Basis: Romans Chapter 9

  • Romans 9:10-13: Uses the example of Rebecca, Isaac, Jacob, and Esau to illustrate that God's election is not based on human actions, but His sovereign choice.
  • Paul’s Point: God's election precedes human actions and is not based on them.
  • Response to Objections: Anticipates the question of God’s righteousness in election (Romans 9:14-18).
    • God’s right to have mercy and compassion as He wills.
    • Illustrates God’s justice: those who do not receive grace receive justice, not injustice.

Personal Struggle with the Doctrine

  • Initial Discomfort: The idea that God gives saving grace to some and not others seemed unfair initially.
  • Reformed Perspective: Realized objections to unfairness arise from misinterpreting election as conditional.
  • Theological Insight: Sovereign grace means God’s justice remains intact; salvation is not owed to anyone.
  • Paul’s Emphasis: Election doesn’t rest on human will or actions but on God’s mercy and grace.

Conclusion

  • Key Verse (Romans 9:16): Emphasizes that salvation is not dependent on human will or effort but on God’s mercy.
  • Implications: Election is based on God’s free will and not human merit.
  • Focus on Grace:
    • Accent on removing human merit and focusing on God’s grace and mercy.
    • Reaffirming that salvation is entirely of the Lord and emphasizes grace rather than human actions or conditions.