The Sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in Regeneration (Murray)

 More than a few times in the New Testament John writes about being born of the Spirit or born of God (e.g. John 1:13, John 3:5-8, 1 John 2:29, 3:9, etc.).  We call this regeneration, a work of God's power and grace in giving spiritual life to someone who was dead in sin.  The Holy …

The Need for an Effectual Call (Hoekema)

 I really like these reflections by Anthony Hoekema on the effectual call of God.  Hoekema first gives an objection, then a clear answer and an illustration.  This post is a bit longer than my usual ones, but it's not too tough to read/follow - and it's comforting! A final objection which could be raised is …

Love So Infinite: Perseverance of the Saints (Hodge)

One of the many biblical proofs for the perseverance of the saints is the nature of God's sovereign love (see Romans 8:35ff).  Here's how Charles Hodge put it in a sermon on Romans 8:1: Moreover the greatness of the love of God is such as effectually to preserve the believer. As this love is sovereign …

The Nature or Properties of Election (Boston)

 When the Bible talks about election, "God's elect", or "the elect," what does this mean?  What is election?  Obviously in this context it's not people electing someone to office. Instead, it's God's electing someone to salvation in Christ (e.g. Mk 13:20, Rom 8:33; 1 Peter 1:1, etc.).  The apostle Paul explains election with some detail …

The Spirit Gives Life (Boston)

 I really like the way Thomas Boston explained how the Holy Spirit gives life (cf. John 6:63; 2 Cor. 3:6).  I've updated the language slightly: [Jesus said] “All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me.” (John  6:37) Now, this also belongs to the promise of the Spirit, who is therefore called the Spirit …