“… the canon is a necessary artifact of the act of inspiration. The canon exists of necessity. Since God inspired some books but not all books, that means a canon exists de facto. God knows the canon infallibly because God knows his own actions infallibly. Since God has a purpose for the church to know the extent of His act of inspiration in providing to us the Scriptures, then God will expand the necessary effort to make sure that the church receives the blessing and gift he has given to us in Scripture, and that includes having a sufficient knowledge of the canon to accomplish His ends.” – Dr. James White
Theologians call it the doctrine of “irresistible grace.”
“…those whom he called he also justified…” (Rom 8:30)
In addition to the outward general call to salvation which is made to everyone who hears the gospel, the Holy Spirit extends to the elect a special inward call that inevitably brings them to salvation. The external call (which is made to all without distinction) can be, and often is, rejected; whereas the internal call (which is made only to the elect) cannot be rejected. It always results in conversion. By means of this special effectual call, the Spirit irresistibly draws sinners to Christ. He is not limited in His work of applying salvation by man’s will, nor is He dependent upon man’s cooperation for success. The Spirit graciously causes the elect sinner to cooperate, to believe, to repent, to come freely and willingly to Christ. (Matt 22:14; 23:37-39; John 1:12-13; 3:1-8; 3:16; 6:44; Rom 8:28-30; Eph 2:1-6)
While every true child of God may not be able to articulate this in words, he intuitively knows that we love Him only because He first loved us.
Here is Keith Green appearing on the 700 Club many years ago. Enjoy!
An author writes with the hope of being read, and more than that, not so much by my words, but by His word, His truth and His measureless grace as it is unfolded in the pages. May it be something of a tool in His hands for this purpose, for His glory.
ENDORSEMENTS:
“It is a privilege to have received your book, ‘Twelve What Abouts.’ The title is great as are your ‘what abouts,’ and your responses. Thank you for your ministry in Christ’s kingdom and for the clear and thoughtful work that has gone into your book.” – Dr. R.C. Sproul, President, Ligonier Ministries
“Sometimes a single misapprehension or sticky question stands in the way of an honest believer’s examination of the doctrines of grace. John Samson answers those questions with a pastoral heart, yet with biblical fidelity.” – Dr. James White, Alpha and Omega Ministries
“After finishing a sermon from Ephesians 1, I was immediately confronted by three hostile young visitors who asked the question, ‘What about John 3:16?’; as if the Bible contradicted itself. This non-thinking, non-theological, feelings-oriented mindset is typical of today’s postmodern generation. Pastor Samson has given us a warm and simple (without being simplistic) introduction to the Doctrines of Grace, so this type of ignorance can be biblically combated. This book is a very helpful tool to give to a young Christian or to someone newly encountering the truths of free and sovereign grace. Distribute it widely.” – Rev. Earl M. Blackburn, Heritage Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana
“I want to commend, to all readers seeking an honest look into these matters, this very fine treatment in which Pastor John Samson carefully answers the most common objections to the biblical doctrine of divine election. John is one of the most passionate Christians I know, whose number one purpose is to make Christ known. This work on the doctrine of election is no exception. In it you will find that the purpose of election is to bring all glory to Jesus Christ in our salvation.” – John Hendryx, from the Foreword
The book is available in eBook and paperback at the links on the right hand side of the page, as well as at amazon.com in eBook here and in paperback here and barnesandnoble.com.
The paperback edition is also available in the United Kingdomhere for 10 pounds with free delivery (in the UK).
TABLE OF CONTENTS (168 pages)
Foreword by John Hendryx
A Word to the Reader
Chapter One: The Place to Start – Amazed by Common Grace
Chapter Two: The Wind Blows Where it Wishes
Chapter Three: A Surprising Journey
Chapter Four: What About the Love of God? (Part One)
Chapter Five: What About the Love of God? (Part Two)
Chapter Six: What About Free Will?
Chapter Seven: What About God’s Foreknowledge?
Chapter Eight: What About John 3:16?
Chapter Nine: What About 2 Peter 3:9?
Chapter Ten: What About 1 Timothy 2:4?
Chapter Eleven: What About Matthew 23:37
Chapter Twelve: What About 1 Timothy 4:10?
Chapter Thirteen: What About John 12:32?
Chapter Fourteen: What About Reprobation?
Chapter Fifteen: What About Lost Loved Ones?
Chapter Sixteen: What About Prayer and Evangelism?
Chapter Seventeen: Saving Faith
Chapter Eighteen: The Flaming Missiles of the Devil
Chapter Nineteen: Spiritual Dyslexia
Chapter Twenty: As the King’s Herald
Further Recommended Resources
“… the canon is a necessary artifact of the act of inspiration. The canon exists of necessity. Since God inspired some books but not all books, that means a canon exists de facto. God knows the canon infallibly because God knows his own actions infallibly. Since God has a purpose for the church to know the extent of His act of inspiration in providing to us the Scriptures, then God will expand the necessary effort to make sure that the church receives the blessing and gift he has given to us in Scripture, and that includes having a sufficient knowledge of the canon to accomplish His ends.” – Dr. James White
An author writes with the hope of being read, and more than that, not so much by my words, but by His word, His truth and His measureless grace as it is unfolded in the pages. May it be something of a tool in His hands for this purpose, for His glory.