Election (Conf. msg.)

Driving home: The doctrine of election comes to us in Scripture already embedded in at least two other very vital doctrines. Those doctrines, or tap-roots, of the doctrine of election are, first of all, on the one hand, the absolute s…

Martin uses the analogy of a 'sky hook' to explain that the doctrine of election does not exist in isolation but is deeply rooted in other biblical truths, emphasizing its interconnectedness.

The doctrine of election does not come down to us hung upon a sky hook. When I was in, when I was doing construction work one of our standard jokes was whenever there was a piece of equipment or a piece of building material that we didn't know what to do with we would say go hang it on the nearest sky hook. Well you children who are here you know there's no such thing as a sky hook. A hook that simply is embedded on the nearest cloud and on which you can hang anything you desire to hang.

8:52 - 9:23 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The doctrine of election comes to us in Scripture already embedded in at least two other very vital doctrines. Those doctrines, or tap-roots, of the doctrine of election are, first of all, on the one hand, the absolute s…

Martin quotes Scottish theologian Hugh Martin, who argues that isolating doctrines like atonement (or election) robs them of illustration and protection, making them harder to defend and giving advantage to enemies.

The doctrine of election is being practiced. And we must never give serious consideration to the doctrine of election without at least pointing in the direction of the setting in which the doctrine of election is being practiced. That doctrine comes to us. Hugh Martin the very perceptive and eloquent Scottish theologian of another generation.

9:59 - 10:07 Read in full sermon

The point: Study election if you desire to be humble, for it will make you humble under the influence of God's Spirit.

Martin recounts attending his 25th high school reunion, seeing the 'wrecked, shattered, scarred lives' of former classmates, which brought home the profound meaning of 1 Corinthians 4:7 ('Who makes you to differ?') and the humbling influence of God's grace in his own life.

I received news several years ago that my graduating class at Stamford High School in Stamford, Connecticut was going to have its 25th reunion. I graduated in 52 so that would make it what 77. That's ancient history for some of you kids here. You weren't even a twinkle in your pappy's eye back in 1952 or even 77 some of you.

47:26 - 47:52 Read in full sermon

The point: Study election if you desire to be humble, for it will make you humble under the influence of God's Spirit.

Martin quotes C.H. Spurgeon, who describes how the doctrine of election humbles him, making him feel 'less than nothing' and asking 'Why me?', emphasizing that true election produces humility.

you to differ who made you a measure of understanding that I hoped was deeper than I had ever before the mere pleasure of your own will you marked me out in Christ and gave me to him before the world the humbling influence of the doctrine of election writes I know nothing nothing again that is more humbling for us than this doctrine of election I have sometimes fallen prostrate before it when endeavoring to understand it I have been like I have soared toward the sun steady has been my eye and true my wing for a season but when I came near it and the one thought possessed me God has from the be...

50:38 - 52:07 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: The doctrine of election is an encouraging spur to faithful, God-centered evangelism, as seen in Jesus' words (John 6:37, 10:16) and Paul's ministry in Acts 18, knowing God has a…

Martin uses the example of Paul in Acts 18, facing difficulties in Corinth, where God encouraged him not with a 'new gimmick' or 'new program' but with the assurance, 'I have much people,' spurring Paul to continue preaching the old message with the old method.

that biblical principle is clearly demonstrated i'm fully aware of it but what i'm saying is this presume that because you have the right bloodlines you stand in the line of grace and i have known no doctrine like the doctrine of election cut the nerve of that kind of deluding presumption but then the third major implication of this doctrine is this it's an encouraging spur to faithful god-centered evangelism it is an encouraging spur to faithful god-centered evangelism you remember what jesus said all all that the father giveth me shall come all blessed words all that the father has given me ...

60:17 - 61:46 Read in full sermon