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Episode Notes:
Main Theme:
- God’s sovereign choice is taught clearly in Scripture.
- Common objections arise — both about God's fairness and human free will.
Key Objections Addressed:
- Is God unjust?
- Paul’s emphatic answer: Certainly not! (v.14)
- God’s mercy is a sovereign gift, not a human right.
- What about human free will?
- Paul reminds us: We are creatures, not the Creator. (v.20)
- Like clay in a potter’s hands — God has authority over His creation.
Biblical Examples:
- Moses (Exodus 33:19):
- God's mercy is given according to His will, not human effort.
- Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16):
- Pharaoh hardened his own heart, then God judicially confirmed it.
- Through Pharaoh’s resistance, God's power and name were proclaimed.
Key Doctrinal Points:
- Salvation depends on God’s mercy (v.16), not human will or striving.
- God has the right to both show mercy and harden hearts (v.18).
- God's sovereignty and human responsibility coexist, even if mysterious.
Supporting Scriptures:
- Ephesians 1:
- “Good pleasure of His will” (v.5)
- “Mystery of His will” (v.9)
- “Counsel of His will” (v.11)
Reflection:
- Wrestling with the doctrine of election is normal.
- A pivotal moment: acceptance of God's sovereign choice while reading Acts 13:48 — "As many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
- Deciding to let Scripture speak for itself and trust God's wisdom.
Conclusion:
- God’s sovereignty is not injustice—it is righteousness.
- Even when His ways are mysterious, God's will is rooted in wisdom, justice, and love.
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History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com
The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).
https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com
The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906
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