The Believer's Security (Remastered)

A Sermon on Romans 8.28-30 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book-of-romans/the-believers-security/ "The more certain I am that I am going to heaven and to see Christ and to glory, the more concerned I am about preparing myself to get there. And if the effect of these doctrines is to make you sit back in self satisfaction, you've never seen them... The higher the truth, the more it ought to humble us. The more glorious the truth, the more we ought to be amazed and astonished." - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Description The great doctrines of election, predestination, calling, and the final perseverance of the saints are offered in Scripture as comfort for the believer in times of trials and suffering. The apostle Paul is primarily interested in believers seeing how they are in God’s purpose of salvation. The Christian can fall from the pastoral function of these truths when they discuss the doctrines in an argumentative or philosophical manner. In this sermon on Romans 8.26–30 titled “The Believer’s Security,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones pauses from expounding the content of the doctrine of the wondrous, mysterious mind of God in salvation and instead is concerned with the Christian’s posture. It is not enough to be “right” on these doctrines. The attitude towards God and others in pondering these Calvinistic truths matters a great deal. If this topic produces anything except humility and reverence, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones, then these doctrines have not been understood as they ought. As one approaches the foot of this holy mountain – predestination, election, calling, and final assurance – the outcome should be holiness. If one’s interest in these doctrines is purely philosophical, they will not be turned toward holiness, but rather antinomianism will surely follow. Beware how one approaches these great doctrines of grace as posture changes everything. Sermon Breakdown * God has a definite plan and purpose with respect to salvation. This phrase "according to his purpose" is the key to understanding this passage. * This purpose was planned before the foundation of the world. It is not contingent or temporary. It has always been God's purpose. * This purpose is carried out by God himself, through the Son and the Holy Spirit. We must not forget the role of the Father. * The carrying out of this purpose is absolutely certain. This is proved through scripture and the character of God. If it failed, it would mean God failed. * This purpose is for the glory and praise of God. It displays his grace, wisdom, and kindness. * God's gifts and calling are without repentance. He will not go back on them. His purpose cannot be thwarted.