Doctrine

Love Before the Foundation of the World - Three Difficult Questions

VBC Albuquerque · Dec 3, 2023

Ephesians 1:4-6Romans 8:29-301 Peter 1:5Philippians 1:6Romans 9:14-181 Peter 1:3Ephesians 2:8-9John 2:27Matthew 5:45Deuteronomy 7:6-7Deuteronomy 32:101 Corinthians 1:27-28Hebrews 11:36-38Genesis 2:15-17Galatians 5:19-202 Corinthians 4:4Ephesians 1:17-18Joshua 24:15Matthew 11:28Romans 8:6-7Romans 6:19-20Romans 12:1-2Matthew 12:19-20Acts 1:82 Corinthians 5:14-15Romans 8:1-2Romans 10:13-15Isaiah 52:7-8Romans 1:16Ephesians 6:19Philemon 1:6

This sermon explores three fundamental theological questions about God's foreordination: whether God's selection is just, how human free will remains possible, and why we still need to witness if God has already chosen. Based on Ephesians 1:4-6 and Romans 8:29-30, the sermon affirms that God in His mercy chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.

The sermon begins by affirming Scripture from Ephesians 1:4-6 that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we might be holy and blameless before Him. This choice is not based on our works or worthiness, but on God's love and the grace He predetermined for us. The sermon poses three difficult questions many believers face: whether this selection is just, where human free will remains when God has predetermined all things, and why we still need to preach the Gospel if God has already chosen the elect.

Regarding the first question about justice, the sermon cites Romans 9:14-18 to affirm that God is not unjust because He is absolutely sovereign. His choice is based on mercy rather than human worthiness or effort. This is illustrated through biblical examples: God chose Israel as His holy people not because they were greater than other nations but because of His love (Deuteronomy 7:6-7), and He chose the foolish, weak, and despised things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). The grace of salvation is entirely a gift from God, not from human desire or works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Regarding the second question about free will, the sermon shows that while humans have the ability to choose, they are bound by their sinful nature. From Genesis 2:15-17, humans must choose between serving God or following the commands of the world. However, Romans 8:6-7 reveals that the carnal mind is hostile to God and lacks the capacity to obey His law. Humans need the Holy Spirit to illuminate their minds (Ephesians 1:17-18) so they can understand God's calling. Joshua 24:15 affirms the freedom to choose, but that choice must be based on illumination from God.

Regarding the third question about the necessity of witnessing, the sermon gives five reasons. First, we do not know who is chosen and who is not, so we must share the Gospel with everyone. Second, Jesus Christ gave an explicit command to His disciples to go and teach all nations (Matthew 12:19-20) and testify about Him (Acts 1:8). Third, the love of Christ compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15), for He died for all people. Fourth, being used by God to share the Gospel is a great honor (Romans 1:16). Fifth, sharing the Gospel not only helps others but also increases our own faith and transforms our lives.

The sermon concludes by affirming that God's predestination does not eliminate our responsibility to preach the Gospel. Romans 10:13-15 emphasizes that to be saved, people must call on the name of Christ, but to believe they must hear, and to hear someone must preach. Therefore, although God has chosen beforehand those who will be saved, we must still obey Him and share the Gospel with boldness and trust in God's power to save all who believe.