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Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's invitation, known as klesis in the New Testament, signifies a divine calling from Heaven to embrace the offerings of His salvation. This invitation is essential, as Jesus Himself declared that no one can come to Him for forgiveness unless God draws them, emphasizing that this applies to everyone on earth. Despite this, some believe they can choose to obey God through their own will at a time of their choosing, disregarding the necessity of God's sovereign call. However, the human will is not sovereign; it is merely an instrument of choice within each person, dependent on influences and unable to act independently of God's drawing power. Only God Himself holds sovereignty over all, and it is through His invitation and the gift of a new heart that a person is influenced to choose a life of virtue and piety over sinful indulgence. Without this divine calling, the natural heart, inclined toward sin, will not come to Him for life.

The Sovereignty of God: Part Seven

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's invitation to us is a specific and purposeful summons, separating us from those He is not calling at this time. Just as a parent calls a particular child for a distinct reason, God, in His sovereignty, predetermines whom He desires to understand His way. By His Spirit, He supernaturally disposes our minds through His summons, beginning to reveal Himself and His path to us. Our calling is completely within the will of the sovereign God, who appoints those He chooses to receive this invitation. God must predispose us to respond, for we are so deceived and distracted that we would never find Him on our own. His invitation is not a general call to everyone, but a deliberate act of grace, selecting us not because of any inherent quality or merit, but solely by His influence and agency. As with Israel, whom He chose and led to the Promised Land through His mighty acts, we reach this spiritual journey only through His sovereign grace. This invitation carries responsibilities, as we must take what God has given and carry it to its logical conclusion. His grace does not end with the initial call; He provides both the motivation and power to accomplish His will for us. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, called out of darkness into His marvelous light, not by our own doing, but because He has made us the special objects of His love and mercy.

Parable of the Marriage Feast

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

God's invitation, as illustrated in the Parable of the Marriage Feast, reveals the profound mercy and justice in His character. He offers a spiritual banquet to the called, a glorious feast that includes pardon of sin, favor with Him, peace of conscience, exceedingly great promises, access to His throne, and the power of the Holy Spirit, symbolizing fellowship, excellence, abundance, and happiness. The first invitation was extended to ancient Israel as part of His plan of salvation, yet they could not remain focused on Him. Despite calls through the prophets, they slipped into willful ignorance, returning the invitation unopened, treating it with indifference and despising it due to preoccupation with worldly interests. The second invitation was more precise and urgent, with everything ready for the marriage celebration. However, the king's kindness was met with contemptuous ridicule as indifference turned to scorn. The invitees prioritized business interests over obligations to the king, and some displayed murderous hostility toward His servants. God's prophets were ridiculed, attacked, and abused, and since Christ's death, His servants have faced similar cruelty. This disrespectful refusal, escalating to the sin of murder, resulted in unexpected judgment. The third invitation extended divine mercy to the Gentiles alongside the Israelites, showing no partiality as He calls both the good and the bad from this world. Yet, acceptance hinges on repentance and change, as human goodness alone cannot earn an invitation; it comes only through the blood of Christ. Proper wedding garments are essential for the guests, representing righteousness, sincerity, repentance, humility, and obedience. These garments, provided by the king, replace street clothes symbolizing pride, rebellion, and sinfulness. Beautiful clothing indicates spiritual character developed through submission to God, embodying a Christ-covered life and character consistent with His way of life. Refusal to wear the provided attire signifies rebellion against the king's authority, leading to judgment for those who defy His order.

Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

God's calling and predestination can be confusing, especially the verse that 'many are called, but few are chosen'. Why does God not just choose everyone?

The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.

Where Do We Fit?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The church exists because of what God has purposed and done, not because anything we have done. When pride exists within us, God can do nothing with us.

Without Me, Nothing! (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The miraculous catch of 153 fish seems to be an anticlimactic ending after Thomas' worship, but the incident is symbolic of Christ's rule over the Church.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.

Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Unity has to come from the inside out, with God raising a leader which His people, having their minds opened by His Spirit, will voluntarily submit to.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

When God gives a responsibility, He gives all the tools to carry it out and the freedom to decide how to do it. He wants to see how we do with what He gives.

Four Warnings (Part One): Enter By the Narrow Gate

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We are admonished to seek the narrow, difficult gate rather than the wide gate and the broad, well-traveled easy way, representing Satan's reprobate teachings.

Parable of the Great Supper

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In the Parable of the Great Supper, Jesus exposes and corrects the ignorance of those who, in their pride, misjudge their true moral condition.