Defense of God's Sovereign Calling-Romans 9:14-24

The beloved apostle Paul informs us that 'God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden" (Rom 9:18). Often critics of election have wrongly stated that it destroys the motivation for evangelism. Eighteenth-century New England pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, was an ardent teacher of the doctrines of sovereign election and predestination, yet never was he lacking in passionate evangelism from such texts. Notice his points of application in that sermon: 1. From this we learn how absolutely we are dependent on God in this great matter of the eternal salvation of our souls. 2. We should adore the absolute sovereignty of God with great humility. 3. If you are saved, you are to attribute it to sovereign grace alone and give all praise to God, who alone makes you differ from another. 4. Learn how much cause you have to admire the grace of God, which has stooped to save you. 5. We may make use of this doctrine to guard those who seek salvation from two opposing extremes--presumption and discouragement." As we continue to delve deeper into the doctrine of election and the sovereignty of God, along with justice and mercy working in salvation and reprobation, join us for this Sunday's study of "Defense of God's Sovereign Calling" (Romans 9:14-24).