Comments on: God’s Call to Salvation, Part 1

By: Keith Howard

Keith Howard — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:03:42 +0000

We know there is God; the Bible acknowledges that only fools deny it (Ps. 14:1). We know that all we are and have come from God’s hand; “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). When we stop to think about it, we even know that God sent Jesus to save us by giving his life in our place. But do we acknowledge this? We do not–unless God awakens our consciences and turns us from our manifest ingratitude.
That is what you must allow God to do for you–if you have not turned from sin previously. You must allow him to turn you to faith in your older brother, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has loved and continues to love you perfectly. An Expositional Commentary, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1987)

By: Brant Gordon

Brant Gordon — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:10:10 +0000

I agree with Ryrie’s three circles of common grace. These circles are clearly seen through Scripture. It is also important to note that these circles do not include saving grace, as common and effective calls are different in their effectiveness and direction.

By: Jana Rockensock

Jana Rockensock — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 05:03:27 +0000

I am most certainly not an expert in this area, and I really do not think anyone can be. There is so much controversy over the irrestable grace of God. When I read this post I find myself feeling very confused, but I do know that God can NOT fail and if there were resistable grace doesn’t that make God a failure? Just a thought.

By: Stephen Lackey

Stephen Lackey — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 03:28:31 +0000

We cannot fully understand irresistable grace and how it plays into free will. However we do know that God cannot fail! When the Holy Spirit chooses to enter a person that individual cannot say “oh sorry i dont want you HS.” We are finite and God is Infinite. We cannot fully know.

By: Matthew McNeil

Matthew McNeil — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:07:36 +0000

I like Ryrie’s input. At this point in my understanding of this doctrine, I too would place the conviction of sin under common grace. This can be seen in the innate sense of right and wrong that every right-minded person has. Whether saved or unsaved, taking something that doesn’t belong to you is wrong, and you don’t need the Word to tell you that. However, as Ryrie states, this understanding is not sufficient to save; it only convicts, causing the lost person to seek salvation, usually in the forms of works until they hear the Gospel.

By: Matthew McNeil

Matthew McNeil — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:51:56 +0000

I’m with you. When I first watched the video, it was like he was saying that God just play’s with the “elect” for a while, and when He has had his fun, He says, “Okay, now you’re mine.” Grace cannot be irresistible if man is to still have free agency.

By: Michael Russell

Michael Russell — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:48:46 +0000

Catlin,
I too was at first excited by Piper’s view of irresistable grace until I began to think it over some. Then I began to wonder though if Piper was implying that since God’s grace was irresistible, would that then also mean that God imposes His will upon men. If so, would that not cancel the ability of men to chose or reject God? The Holy Spirit is indeed used of God to draw all men unto Himself (common grace, I think) but men still have freedom to reject. Just a thought.

By: Rebecca Fryar

Rebecca Fryar — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:45:00 +0000

I really liked the way Dr. White explained both the general and effective call. I especially liked his explanation of Matthew 22:14. Many are called (all people, everywhere), but few are actually saved. This is by their own choice. I don’t understand, however, why God would not make Himself irresistible to everyone. I understand His power to do this, for He is omnipotent, yet why would He not choose to make Himself irresistible to all people? I suppose this is another one of those mysteries that we will never understand on this side of eternity.

By: Brandon Craver

Brandon Craver — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:50:17 +0000

Thank God that He is a loving God. He loved me so much that He sent His son to take my place on the cross. He took death away from me. That is a truly loving Father that He did that not just for me but FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THIS EARTH!

By: Charles Sprigg

Charles Sprigg — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:49:11 +0000

I have to say that I am thankul too! It is true that man does use the abilities that God has given them to serve themselves. and it’s not just those that are unsaved. but thank God that the grace of God is still going strong today!