The Goodness of God Displayed in our Salvation
James 1:18
How does James defend the goodness of God in v 18?
Why is God’s sovereignty in our salvation so offensive to some?
Who decides who is saved? God or man?
We are dead, and can’t choose. (Eph 2:4-5; Jer 13:23; Psalm 51:5)
God saves us. (John 15:16; 6:44; 1 John 4:10; John 1:12-13)
Why did God chose you?
Did he see your future faith?
Did he see some great potential in you?
Did he see something good in me?
God chose us, because he chose us.
Why is it so important to give God glory for his salvation?
How can I be sure of my salvation?
3 Grounds of assurance (WCF 18:2)
1. Divine trush of the promises of salvation (primary, objective)
2. Inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made
3. Testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our Spirits.
By the Word of Truth (Col 1:3-5; 2 Tim 2:15; Eph 1:13; Rom 10:17)
What were firstfruits? (Lev 23:9-11)
New Converts in a region were firstfruits (1 Cor 16:15; Rom 16:5)
First of a set, more to follow; (1 Cor 15:23)
Will God save: Both Jews and Gentiles?
A great multitude that no man can number?
The world? (John 3:16-17; 12:47; 1 John 2:2)
What does world mean?
The created order? (Romans 8:19-22)