TLDR;
This video explores how to gain true assurance of salvation by understanding the relationship between election and salvation. It critiques the prescient view of election, emphasizing that election precedes salvation and is rooted in God's grace, not human actions. The discussion covers the "golden chain" in Romans 8, highlighting foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification as a logical order of salvation. It stresses the importance of regeneration as evidence of being among the elect and the necessity of a sound doctrine of regeneration for assurance of salvation.
- Understanding the relationship between election and salvation is crucial for assurance.
- Election precedes salvation and is based on God's grace.
- Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is evidence of being among the elect.
Theology and Assurance of Salvation [0:00]
The discussion begins by emphasizing the importance of theology in gaining true assurance of salvation. It references Peter's charge to be diligent in making our election and calling sure, highlighting the close relationship between election and assurance. Understanding the biblical doctrine of election and salvation is crucial because these concepts are inseparably related. While election and salvation can be distinguished, they cannot be torn apart.
Critique of the Prescient View of Election [1:35]
The video critiques the prescient view of election, which posits that God elects those He foreknows will respond positively to the Gospel. This view is considered unbiblical because it places the deciding factor in human action rather than God's grace. According to the speaker, election is unto salvation, meaning that the saved are elect, and the clearest sign of being elect is being saved. Salvation flows from election, so assurance of salvation requires certainty about being among the elect.
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer and Preservation of the Elect [4:34]
The speaker references John 17, where Jesus prays for those the Father has given Him, emphasizing that these individuals are kept by the Son. This underscores that assurance should not be based on confidence in one's ability to persevere but on the preservation of the saints by God. The elect, given by the Father to the Son, are preserved by the Son, providing a foundation for assurance.
The Order of Salvation (Ordo Salutis) [7:31]
The discussion introduces the concept of ordo salutis, or the order of salvation, which refers to the sequence of events or actions involved in salvation. This order is logical rather than temporal, meaning that while certain aspects occur simultaneously (e.g., faith and justification), one logically precedes the other. For example, justification depends on faith, making faith a logical prerequisite for justification.
The Golden Chain in Romans 8 [10:17]
The video examines the "golden chain" in Romans 8:28-30, which outlines the order of salvation: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. The promise that all things work together for good is specifically for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This calling refers to the inner, effectual call of the Holy Spirit, which is received by all the elect.
Analyzing Foreknowledge and Predestination [12:32]
The speaker clarifies that God's foreknowledge, as mentioned in Romans 8, does not imply that predestination is based on God knowing in advance who will believe. Instead, foreknowledge precedes predestination because God elects specific individuals. The passage implies that all whom God foreknows in this specific sense are predestined, called, justified, and glorified. The critical point is that all who are called (internally) are justified, and all who are justified are glorified.
Calling and Regeneration [17:18]
The discussion emphasizes that the calling mentioned in Romans 8 refers to the internal call, which always leads to justification. To understand assurance, one must determine if they have been called. Referring to Ephesians 2, the speaker connects this calling to the work of the Holy Spirit in quickening or making alive those who were dead in trespasses and sins. This quickening refers to regeneration or rebirth, which is tied to the internal calling.
Regeneration as Evidence of Election [20:05]
The central question for seeking assurance is whether one is a regenerate person. If so, they are numbered among the elect, as the Holy Spirit's work will not occur in a soul without election. All who are elect will be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and all who are regenerate are among the elect. Therefore, certainty about regeneration leads to certainty about election and salvation. The speaker stresses the importance of understanding what regeneration truly is, as confusion on this doctrine hinders genuine assurance.