Peter Barnes | John 6:37
SERMON NOTES
IRRESISTIBLE GRACE
Matt.22:1-14; John 1:1-14
1. There is a general call which can be resisted.
– Jesus taught that there were four soils, not one, nor even two (Matt.13:1-23).
– 1 Sam.8:6-7; Acts 7:51; Matt.23:37; see Matt.22:14.
2. God’s special call to the elect is irresistible.
(a) Psalm 65:4.
(b) Matthew 16:16-17.
(c) John 1:12-13.
(d) John 6:37, 44, 65.
(e) Acts 16:14.
John Piper: ‘Irresistible grace does not drag the unwilling into the kingdom, it makes the unwilling willing.’ C. S. Lewis on searching for God: ‘To me, as I then was, they might as well have talked about the mouse’s search for the cat.’
3. Compare the two views.
Augustine of Hippo: ‘The nature of the Divine goodness is not only to open to those who knock, but also to cause them to knock and ask.’ Compare that to this modern evangelist: ‘There is one area in your life that God will never touch – your will. He will never cause you to believe. That’s your job. Only you can do it.’
Faith comes from God: Luke 8:10; Acts 11:18; Phil.1:29; 2 Tim.2:25-26.
Jesus compares conversion to resurrection – John 5:21, 24-25 (in evangelism); John 5:28-29 (in the judgment).