Because Christ Says So (part 4)

Yesterday, we saw what Christ taught in regards to the doctrine known as limited atonement.

Today, we'll be taking a look at what is commonly known as irresistable grace.

I - Irresistable Grace

This doctrine often gets flack, as the scriptures does seem to show people resisting God's grace.

So since that's the case, how can God's grace be called irresistable?

The doctrine is stated in this way - all those whom God has elected to salvation, will be saved.

Although this doctrine is mainly in the realm of soteriology, it is undergirded by a number of important doctrines that have to do with the very nature of God.

Let's see what Christ taught in regards to this doctrine.

1. John 6:37 (ESV)  All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

- Here, we see Jesus making a statement concerning the hidden things of God.

Although what's said here also touches on limited atonement, we should also note its application to irresistable grace.

All those that the Father gives to Christ, will come to Him.

For Jesus to make this statement, there can't be any case when a person given to Him, will not come to Him.

If that was the case, then this statement is false - and Jesus becomes a false teacher by default.

2. John 10:1-5 (ESV)  Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

- Here, we see Christ actually teaching that the calling of His sheep - or in other words, the drawing of the Father to Christ, is effectual.

Why? Because these are His people. His sheep.

Although His sheep is intermingled with others, when the owner of the sheep calls them, the recognise His voice and come.

3. John 10:16 (ESV)  And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

- Jesus repeats the sentiment, but applies it to a group of other sheep that He has.

He's going to bring both flocks together.

How does He think this will happen? His theology is that they will listen to His voice.

So His call is effectual.

4. John 6:43-45 (ESV)  Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’

Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—"

- Here, we see Jesus teaching the effectiveness of the call.

Everyone who is drawn by the Father, will come to Christ without fail.

Jesus' theology even causes Him to interpret old testament scripture to reflect this truth.

While it is true that the scriptures does show the resisting of God's grace, Christ clearly identifies two different aspects of the gospel call.

This is summed up in the last statement made by Christ at the end of the parable of the wedding feast...

Matthew 22:14 (ESV)  For many are called, but few are chosen.”

This is the doctrine of the effectual call of salvation, also known as, irresistable grace... according to Christ