Key Takeaways
1. Predestination: God's Plan Before Time
What predestination means, in its most elementary form, is that our final destination, heaven or hell, is decided by God not only before we get there, but before we are even born.
God's eternal decision. Predestination is the concept that God, before the creation of the world, determined the eternal destiny of individuals, choosing some for salvation and others not. This decision is not based on anything we do or will do, but on God's own sovereign will and purpose. It's a plan set in motion before we even exist.
Not a cosmic lottery. Predestination isn't a random selection process. It's a deliberate act of God's will, rooted in his perfect knowledge and wisdom. It's not about God picking names out of a hat, but about his eternal plan for his creation.
- It's a plan that encompasses all of history.
- It's a plan that is not subject to change.
- It's a plan that is ultimately for God's glory.
Understanding the "pre." The "pre" in predestination refers to time, specifically to God's actions before creation. It highlights that our destiny is not a result of our choices alone, but also of God's prior decision. This doesn't negate our choices, but places them within the context of God's overarching plan.
2. Sovereignty: God's Absolute Authority
If there is any part of creation outside of God's sovereignty then God is simply not sovereign.
God's supreme rule. Divine sovereignty means that God has absolute authority and power over all things. He is the ultimate ruler of the universe, and nothing happens without his permission or decree. This includes both the grand events of history and the smallest details of our lives.
Authority and power. God's sovereignty encompasses both his authority to command and his power to carry out his will. He is not merely a figurehead, but the active and all-powerful ruler of all creation.
- All other authority is derived from him.
- All power is subordinate to his.
- Even evil is subject to his ultimate control.
Not a cosmic dictator. God's sovereignty is not arbitrary or tyrannical. It is exercised in perfect wisdom, righteousness, and love. He is not a capricious ruler, but a benevolent king who always acts in accordance with his perfect character.
3. Free Will: Choice Within God's Design
Our choices are determined by our desires. They remain our choices because they are motivated by our own desires.
Choice and desire. Free will, in the biblical sense, is not the ability to choose neutrally, but the ability to choose according to our desires. We always choose what we want most at any given moment. Our choices are self-determined, not coerced by external forces.
Not a neutral will. The idea of a neutral will, where we choose without any prior inclination, is both irrational and unbiblical. We always act according to our strongest desire at the moment of decision.
- Our choices are not random.
- Our choices are not meaningless.
- Our choices are always motivated.
Freedom within limits. Our freedom is not absolute autonomy. It is freedom within the limits of God's sovereignty. We are free to choose what we want, but our desires are shaped by our nature, which is either fallen or redeemed. God's sovereignty does not negate our freedom, but rather defines its boundaries.
4. The Fall: Humanity's Shared Ruin
Original sin refers to a sin nature out of which particular sinful acts flow.
Adam's representative sin. The Fall refers to the historical event in which Adam, as the representative of all humanity, disobeyed God, plunging the entire human race into sin and death. This is not just a story, but a historical reality with profound consequences.
Original sin. Original sin is not the first sin, but the condition of moral corruption that we inherit from Adam. It's a sin nature that affects every aspect of our being, making us inclined to evil and incapable of pleasing God on our own.
- It's a condition, not just an act.
- It's a universal problem.
- It's the root of our sinful behavior.
Consequences of the Fall. The Fall had devastating consequences for all of creation, not just humanity. It brought about spiritual death, physical death, and a broken relationship with God. It also subjected the entire world to futility and decay.
5. Spiritual Death: The Need for Rebirth
Before a person will ever choose Jesus, he must first be born again.
More than just sickness. Spiritual death is not merely a state of being sick or wounded, but a state of being completely lifeless in relation to God. It means we are incapable of responding to God or choosing him on our own. We are not just ill, we are dead.
Regeneration precedes faith. Regeneration, or being born again, is a work of God in which he imparts new spiritual life to our souls. This is not something we can do for ourselves, but a gift of God's grace.
- It's a supernatural act.
- It's a necessary condition for salvation.
- It's the beginning of new life in Christ.
God's initiative. Regeneration is a monergistic work, meaning it is solely the work of God. We do not cooperate with God in this process, but are passive recipients of his grace. It is God who initiates the process of salvation, not us.
6. Foreknowledge: Not the Basis of Election
The text does not teach that God chose Jacob on the basis of Jacob's choice.
God's prior awareness. God's foreknowledge is his perfect awareness of all things, past, present, and future. He knows everything that will happen, including our choices. However, this knowledge is not the basis for his election.
Not a passive observer. God's foreknowledge is not merely passive observation. It is active and intentional. He knows not only what we will do, but also what he will do in response to our actions.
- He knows who will believe.
- He knows who will reject him.
- He knows all things perfectly.
Election is not based on foreseen faith. God's election is not based on his foreknowledge of who will choose him. Rather, it is based on his own sovereign will and purpose. He chooses us not because of what we will do, but because of who he is.
7. Double Predestination: Mercy and Justice
God is never, never, never obligated to be merciful to sinners.
Two sides of the coin. Double predestination acknowledges that God not only chooses some for salvation (election), but also chooses not to save others (reprobation). This is not a popular concept, but it is a necessary implication of God's sovereignty.
Not equal ultimacy. Double predestination does not mean that God actively works evil in the hearts of the reprobate. Rather, he passes them over, leaving them to the consequences of their own sin.
- God actively saves the elect.
- God passively allows the reprobate to perish.
- God is not the author of sin.
Mercy and justice. God's actions are always just and righteous. He is not obligated to save anyone, but he chooses to show mercy to some. Those who are not chosen receive justice, which is what they deserve. No one receives injustice.
8. Assurance: Knowing You Are Saved
The faith by which we are saved is a gift.
More than just hope. Assurance of salvation is the confident knowledge that we are in a right relationship with God. It's not just a hope or a wish, but a firm conviction based on God's promises and the evidence of his work in our lives.
Grounds for assurance:
- Trust in God's promises.
- Inward evidence of grace.
- Outward evidence of changed behavior.
- The witness of the Holy Spirit.
Not arrogance, but humility. True assurance is not based on our own merit, but on God's grace. It leads to humility, not pride. It is a gift of God, not a boast of our own righteousness.
9. Perseverance: God's Grip on Believers
If you have it, you never lose it; if you lose it, you never had it.
God's preservation. Perseverance of the saints means that those who are truly saved will never lose their salvation. This is not because of our own strength, but because of God's power to keep us. It's not about our grip on God, but his grip on us.
Not a license to sin. Perseverance is not a license to sin, but a call to holiness. It is a promise that God will complete the work he has begun in us, not a guarantee that we will never struggle with sin.
- We are kept by God's power.
- We are called to be diligent in our faith.
- We are not immune to temptation.
Eternal security. The doctrine of perseverance provides us with the assurance that our salvation is secure in Christ. It is not based on our performance, but on God's faithfulness. It is a promise that we will never be separated from his love.
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FAQ
What's "Chosen By God" about?
- Overview of Predestination: "Chosen By God" by R.C. Sproul explores the doctrine of predestination, a theological concept that deals with God's sovereignty in determining the eternal destinies of individuals.
- Biblical Foundation: The book examines scriptural passages that discuss predestination, such as those in Romans and Ephesians, to provide a biblical basis for the doctrine.
- Addressing Misconceptions: Sproul aims to clarify common misunderstandings about predestination, such as its association with fatalism or the idea that it negates human free will.
- Theological Implications: The book delves into the implications of predestination for understanding God's nature, human responsibility, and the assurance of salvation.
Why should I read "Chosen By God"?
- Deepens Understanding: It provides a thorough examination of a complex and often misunderstood doctrine, enhancing your theological knowledge.
- Clarifies Misconceptions: The book addresses and corrects common misconceptions about predestination, helping readers to see it in a new light.
- Strengthens Faith: By exploring God's sovereignty and grace, the book can strengthen your faith and provide comfort in the assurance of salvation.
- Engages with Scripture: Sproul's work is deeply rooted in biblical texts, offering a scriptural perspective on predestination that is both informative and thought-provoking.
What are the key takeaways of "Chosen By God"?
- God's Sovereignty: The book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all creation, including the salvation of individuals, which is determined by His will.
- Human Responsibility: Despite God's sovereignty, humans are still responsible for their actions and decisions, which are made freely according to their desires.
- Assurance of Salvation: Sproul discusses the assurance of salvation, arguing that those who are truly elect will persevere in faith through God's preserving grace.
- Misunderstandings of Predestination: The book clarifies that predestination is not about God arbitrarily choosing some for salvation and others for damnation, but about His gracious and just nature.
What are the best quotes from "Chosen By God" and what do they mean?
- "God's sovereignty is not a threat to our freedom but the foundation of it." This quote highlights the idea that God's control over the universe does not negate human freedom but rather establishes it within His divine plan.
- "We are not saved because we are good; we are saved because God is good." This emphasizes the grace of God in salvation, underscoring that it is not human merit but divine goodness that saves.
- "The doctrine of predestination is not a doctrine of despair but of hope." Sproul argues that understanding predestination should lead to comfort and assurance, not fear or hopelessness.
- "God's grace is not merely offered; it is effectual." This quote points to the Reformed view that God's grace effectively brings about the salvation of the elect, rather than merely making it possible.
How does R.C. Sproul define predestination in "Chosen By God"?
- God's Eternal Decision: Predestination is defined as God's eternal decision regarding the eternal destinies of individuals, made before they are born.
- Not Based on Foreseen Actions: Sproul argues that God's choice is not based on foreseen human actions or decisions but solely on His sovereign will.
- Includes Election and Reprobation: The doctrine encompasses both the election of some to salvation and the passing over of others, known as reprobation.
- Rooted in Scripture: The definition is supported by biblical passages, particularly those in Romans and Ephesians, which discuss God's sovereign choice.
What is the relationship between predestination and free will in "Chosen By God"?
- Free Will Defined: Sproul defines free will as the ability to make choices according to one's desires, which are influenced by one's nature.
- Moral Inability: Due to original sin, humans have a moral inability to choose God without divine intervention, as their desires are corrupted.
- Regeneration Precedes Faith: The book argues that God must first regenerate a person's heart, giving them a new desire for Christ, before they can freely choose Him.
- No Contradiction: Sproul contends that predestination and free will are not contradictory, as God's sovereign choice ensures that the elect will freely choose Him.
How does "Chosen By God" address the concept of assurance of salvation?
- Grounded in God's Promises: Assurance of salvation is grounded in the promises of God and the work of Christ, not in human effort or merit.
- Inward and Outward Evidence: True assurance comes from both the inward witness of the Holy Spirit and the outward evidence of a transformed life.
- Perseverance of the Saints: The book teaches that those who are truly elect will persevere in faith, as God preserves them through His grace.
- Avoiding False Assurance: Sproul warns against false assurance based on misunderstandings of salvation, emphasizing the need for a correct understanding of faith and grace.
What is the role of evangelism according to "Chosen By God"?
- Divine Command: Evangelism is a duty commanded by God, and believers are called to share the gospel with others as part of their obedience to Him.
- Means to an End: God uses evangelism as a means to bring the elect to faith, aligning human efforts with His sovereign plan.
- Privilege and Joy: Evangelism is not only a duty but also a privilege, allowing believers to participate in God's redemptive work and experience the joy of seeing others come to faith.
- Not in Conflict with Predestination: The book argues that predestination does not negate the need for evangelism but rather ensures its success according to God's purposes.
How does "Chosen By God" explain the concept of double predestination?
- Positive and Negative Decrees: Double predestination involves God's positive decree to elect some to salvation and His negative decree to pass over others, leaving them in their sin.
- Not Equal Ultimacy: Sproul distinguishes between God's active intervention in the elect and His passive allowance of the reprobate to follow their sinful desires.
- Biblical Basis: The concept is supported by scriptural passages, such as Romans 9, which discuss God's sovereign choice in election and reprobation.
- God's Justice and Mercy: The doctrine highlights both God's justice in punishing sin and His mercy in saving the elect, emphasizing His righteous character.
What is the significance of God's sovereignty in "Chosen By God"?
- Ultimate Authority: God's sovereignty means that He has ultimate authority and control over all creation, including the salvation of individuals.
- Comfort and Assurance: Understanding God's sovereignty provides comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their salvation is secure in His hands.
- Not a Threat to Freedom: Sproul argues that God's sovereignty is not a threat to human freedom but rather the foundation of it, as it ensures the fulfillment of His purposes.
- Central to Predestination: The doctrine of predestination is rooted in God's sovereign will, highlighting His power and grace in the salvation of the elect.
How does "Chosen By God" address common objections to predestination?
- Misunderstandings Clarified: Sproul addresses common objections, such as the idea that predestination negates free will or makes God unjust, by clarifying the biblical teaching on these issues.
- Not Fatalism: The book distinguishes predestination from fatalism, emphasizing that it is based on God's righteous and loving character, not on impersonal forces.
- Human Responsibility: Despite God's sovereign choice, humans are still responsible for their actions and decisions, which are made freely according to their desires.
- Biblical Consistency: Sproul argues that predestination is consistent with the overall teaching of Scripture, providing a coherent understanding of God's plan for salvation.
What is the role of grace in "Chosen By God"?
- Effectual Grace: The book emphasizes that God's grace is effectual, meaning it effectively brings about the salvation of the elect, rather than merely making it possible.
- Irresistible Grace: Sproul discusses the concept of irresistible grace, arguing that when God regenerates a person's heart, they will inevitably come to faith in Christ.
- Grace and Free Will: Grace does not violate human free will but rather transforms it, enabling individuals to freely choose Christ according to their new desires.
- Central to Salvation: Grace is central to the doctrine of predestination, highlighting God's initiative and power in saving sinners who are unable to save themselves.
Review Summary
Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul is a widely acclaimed book on Reformed theology, particularly predestination. Readers praise Sproul's clear explanations of complex theological concepts, his logical arguments, and his use of Scripture. Many find the book life-changing, deepening their understanding of God's sovereignty and grace. While some struggle with the implications of Calvinism, most appreciate Sproul's pastoral tone and willingness to address difficult questions. The book is considered an excellent introduction to Reformed theology, even for those who ultimately disagree with its conclusions.
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