Election: Of Mere Grace (Dickson)

This afternoon for my studies in Ephesians 1:4-6 I turned to the Reformation Commentary on Scripture - volume 10, which has Ephesians in it. There are some great comments on Ephesians in this resource. Here are some great reflections on Ephesians 1:4-6 by David Dickson. (Dickson was a notable Scottish theologian who died in 1663). …

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 …

“His Mercy Preceded Them” (Augustine on Election)

 The quote below is an outstanding section of Augustine's "Treatise on the Predestination of the Saints."  This selection is a little longer than I usually post and it isn't the easiest thing in the world to read, but I'd encourage you to work through it.  I'm sure you can handle it - it's for sure …

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 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 …