Grace that cannot be thwarted—this foundational truth unlocks a life of genuine spiritual freedom. Diving deep into what theologians call "accomplishing grace," this episode explores how God's sovereign work in salvation transforms not just our eternal destiny but our daily Christian experience.

Through the lens of passages like Ezekiel 36, John 6, and Romans 8, we discover that salvation isn't a collaborative effort between God and humans. Rather, it's entirely God's work from start to finish. He doesn't merely invite or entice us to salvation—He transforms our very hearts, replacing stone with flesh and giving us new desires that naturally respond to Him.

Perhaps most comforting is the Romans 8 "golden chain of salvation," revealing that everyone God foreknew, He also predestined, called, justified, and even considers already glorified. Though we struggle with sin and don't feel glorified in our daily lives, our future glory is so certain that God speaks of it as accomplished fact.

This isn't just theological hairsplitting—it radically changes how we live. When we realize our salvation never depended on our performance, we're freed from obligation-driven Christianity. Instead, we serve from grateful hearts, knowing that even our spiritual growth is empowered by the same grace that saved us. The pressure to perform disappears, replaced by the confidence that what God begins, He always finishes.

Ready to exchange anxiety for assurance? Listen now and discover how God's accomplishing grace can transform your spiritual journey from one of fearful striving to joyful, grateful service.

The concept of radical corruption challenges our cultural narrative of self-sufficiency and innate goodness. This powerful teaching explores the uncomfortable yet transformative truth about our spiritual condition apart from Christ – we aren't merely sick or struggling, but spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins.

Through a careful examination of Ephesians 2:1-5, we unpack both total depravity (sin's corruption of every aspect of our being) and total inability (our complete helplessness to save ourselves). These doctrines aren't new or trendy – they represent historic Christianity dating back through figures like Charles Spurgeon and the Reformers to the apostles themselves.

The reality of our radical corruption explains why we naturally follow "the course of this world" and why our hearts consistently deceive us. As Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?" We distinguish between free agency (making choices according to our desires) and true free will (which sin has corrupted), helping us understand why Jesus said we must be "born again."

Far from leading to despair, understanding our radical corruption actually produces profound gratitude. When we grasp that we were dead – not just drowning – in our sin, the amazing grace of God shines brighter than ever. Those two powerful words in Ephesians 2:4, "But God," become the most beautiful phrase in Scripture. He saved us not because we were lovable or because we took the first step, but because He is "rich in mercy" and loved us with a "great love."

This teaching reminds us that church isn't a social club for the well-behaved but a hospital for the spiritually sick. We all come to the cross on the same level – as children of wrath made alive by grace alone. Let this reality deepen your worship, strengthen your resistance to temptation, and fill you with gratitude for the God who saved you when you could not save yourself.

Have you ever wondered who really makes the choice in salvation—you or God? This question lies at the heart of one of Christianity's most profound mysteries: the doctrine of election.

We begin our journey through the doctrines of grace by exploring God's sovereignty in salvation. Rather than viewing this as an abstract theological concept, we discover how God's choice of us "before the foundation of the world" transforms our understanding of grace, purpose, and identity.

Through a careful examination of Ephesians 1 and Romans 9, we confront the uncomfortable yet liberating truth that salvation originates not in human decision but in divine love. This isn't cold, arbitrary selection, but adoption planned "in love" before time began.

Many struggle with this doctrine, feeling it undermines human choice or questions God's justice. Paul anticipated these objections, responding not with philosophical arguments but by reorienting our perspective: "Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?" Like Job, we're reminded that the Creator's ways transcend our limited understanding.

The beauty of election lies in its revelation of God's character. He "lavished" grace upon us, made us "co-heirs" with Christ, and predetermined our inheritance. Our salvation isn't primarily about us—it's about His glory being displayed through undeserved mercy.

While it's normal to wrestle with these truths, they ultimately lead not to frustration but to worship. Our security rests not on our fickle choices but on God's eternal, unchanging love. As my young children recite in their catechism: God made us "for His own glory"—and remarkably, what glorifies Him also brings us our greatest good.

Join us as we explore how God's sovereignty in salvation should warm our souls rather than trouble our minds, reminding us that we are chosen, loved, and secure in ways we could never accomplish on our own.