The Universal Call
April 26, 2010 @ 4:20 PM EST | Category:
Gospel Theology
I recently had a talk with someone I used to do evangelism with (no longer now for one of the reasons mentioned below) who believed that we as creatures dead in sin have a libertarian free will to choose Jesus and we have the faith within ourselves to believe, etc.
Of course, I don't believe so. Scripture teaches contrary to that.
One of his arguments was that if people can't choose Jesus by their own free will then what is the point in evangelism.
I found these verses recently and remember our conversation.
Matthew 11:25-28 - At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Red - In the proclamation of the truth to all people, God specifically chose to hide truth from some and reveal it to others (see previous verses 20-24). Why? Because it was pleasing to God to do so.
Green - Jesus says no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. John 17:3 says to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent is eternal life. So this is pretty plain that Jesus chooses who to reveal the Father to, resulting in salvation.
Blue - Here is the astonishing part. Immediately after Jesus speaks about no one knowing the Father except the Son and whom he chooses to reavel him to, without pausing, he give a universal invitation for all to come to him.
Orange - Notice the character of the person called. One who recognizes their heavy burden of trying to keep the law for righteousness. In other words, it is those who have a sense of their sin and guilt before God (which is God given).
Now, according to many, and my friend from the conversation mentioned above, Jesus has some really bad theology....or.....there is something being said here that many are missing.
It is the principle of the universal outward call of the gospel to all and the special call of the Holy Spirit making the Father know to all the elect. When those whom have been predestined to eternal life from the foundation of the world hear the gospel of their salvation, they come. No more, no less.
Don't miss this point people. Election is at the very core of the gospel. Without it you don't have a gospel at all.
