OUTLINE:
Ac 10:34b [KJV]
“God is no respecter of persons”
The Effects of Humanism
Man is always trying to gain some advantage against God’s sovereignty, even if only slightly (at first). For example, he is predisposed to syncretism (mixing religions and secular schools of thought). This is catastrophic to God’s salvific plan.
Examples of Syncretism (w/ Humanism)
– “Everyone can do good; they just have to want to.”
– “Believing in God is the key to salvation (Jesus isn’t the only way).”
– “Intelligent Design” (traces of the Erasmus error here – e.g., “God sits back and watches”)
– “Suffering is always a result of personal sin.” (religious/legalistic viewpoint)
Exo 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
God’s Power, Not Man’s
Without God’s direct intervention, man will never believe the Gospel. This is precisely why those who remain dependent on their natural powers (even for salvation) remain unsaved (e.g., Mt 7:21-23).
Maintaining Godly Perspective
We aren’t qualified to criticize God’s salvific plan; we can only accept it. Erasmus made the error of evaluating God’s salvific plan through a humanistic lens, which resulted in perverted doctrines that were widely accepted and still haunt Christendom today!
1Pe 3:15
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
Mk 16:15-16
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
2Ti 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Mat 5:16
…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
2 Implications of Salvation
– There’s a need for salvation (Gen 2:17; Ps 19:1; 69:1-2; Ecc 7:20; Is 1:6; Jer 17:9; Mt 9:1-2; 14:25-30; Mk 7:20-23; Lk 19:10; Jn 8:44; Ac 8:30-31; 14:17; Ro 1:19-20; 2:14-16; 3:19; 5:12; 2Co 4:4; Eph 2:2,12; Jas 4:4; 1Jn 2:15-16; 3:10; 5:12; Jud 1:19)
– There’s a willing/able party that saves (Zech 9:9; Mt 8:2-3; Lk 1:68-69; 2:29-30; 3:5-6; Ac 4:12; Ro 1:16; Eph 3:20; 1Ti 2:3-4; 2Ti 1:12; Tit 2:11; Heb 2:18; 5:9; 7:25; 2Pe 3:9; Jud 1:24)
The Effects of the Fall
The Fall in the Garden was cataclysmic, violent, and permanent (as far as man’s abilities are concerned).
The Nature of Fallen Creatures
Because mankind is born with a dead, fallen nature, BY NATURE, he resorts to saving himself!
True evil is supposing human good is righteous.
True good can ONLY be performed by the grace of God.
True Evil
The fallen nature of man is evil in such a way that it asserts itself as independent from God. It even stakes a claim to independent, self-generating, self-willed nobility. As such, fallen man relies on self for salvation/deliverance. (e.g., Gen 3:7)
Who Do You Trust More?
If salvation were up to you, personally, how confident would you be in it??? Compare this to the Biblical truth that your salvation is up to GOD – how confident would you be in it then???
The Nature of Fallen Creatures
Because mankind is born with a dead, fallen nature, BY NATURE, he resorts to saving himself!
The Nature of Fallen Creatures
A fallen creature is wholly corrupt. Every “good” act is polluted by unrighteousness (e.g., ungodly thinking, motivation, perspective), which makes it unholy, precluding it from being truly good, acceptable, and pleasing to God. (ref: Col 1:9-12)
Fallen Man
A self-professing sovereign will never perceive the NEED to look anywhere else but to itself for salvation! This is an abomination to the TRUE Sovereign, namely God, man’s Creator.
God’s Holiness Demands Holiness
In order to fellowship with God, one:
1. Cannot be sinful
2. Must possess perfect righteousness