The Sovereignty of God) Chapter Four - The Sovereignty Of God In Salvation
A.W. Pink passionately expounds on God's sovereign role in salvation, emphasizing that God's grace alone determines who is saved, not human merit or effort.
In this compelling sermon, A.W. Pink explores the profound doctrine of God's sovereignty in salvation. He carefully examines biblical truths that reveal how salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace, not dependent on human effort or worthiness. Pink challenges listeners to understand the mystery of divine election and the transformative power God exercises in the hearts of sinners. This message offers both theological depth and practical assurance for believers.
Text
"O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out" (Rom. 11:33).
"Salvation is of the LORD" (Jonah 2:9); but the Lord does not save all. Why not? He does save some; then if He saves some, why not others? Is it because they are too sinful and depraved? No; for the Apostle wrote, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" (1 Tim. 1:15). Therefore, if God saved the "chief" of sinners, none are excluded because of their depravity. Why then does not God save all? Is it because some are too stony-hearted to be won? No; because it is written, that God will "take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh" (Ezek. 11:19). Then is it because some are so stubborn, so intractable, so defiant that God is unable to woo them to Himself? Before we answer this question let us ask another; let us appeal to the experience of the Christian reader.
Friend, was there not a time when you walked in the counsel of the ungodly, stood in the way of sinners, sat in the seat of the scorners, and with them said, "We will not have this Man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14)? Was there not a time when you "would not come to Christ that you might have life" (John 5:40)? Yea, was there not a time when you mingled your voice with those who said unto God, "Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of Thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?" (Job 21:14, 15)? With shamed face you have to acknowledge there was. But how is it that all is now changed? What was it that brought you from haughty self-sufficiency to a humble suppliant; from one that was at enmity with God to one that is at peace with Him; from lawlessness to subjection; from hate to love? And as one \
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Mystery of God's Sovereign Salvation
- God's judgments and ways are unsearchable
- Salvation is entirely of the Lord
- Not all are saved despite God's power
-
II. Common Objections to God's Sovereignty in Salvation
- Is it human depravity that prevents salvation?
- Is it the hardness of the heart?
- Is God's inability to woo some the cause?
-
III. The Experience of the Believer as Evidence
- Believers once resisted Christ
- Transformation from enmity to peace
- God's sovereign work in changing hearts
-
IV. Theological Implications and Assurance
- God's grace is the sole cause of salvation
- Human effort does not determine salvation
- Believers can rest in God's sovereign will
Key Quotes
“Salvation is of the LORD; but the Lord does not save all.” — A.W. Pink
“God will 'take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh.'” — A.W. Pink
“How is it that all is now changed? What was it that brought you from haughty self-sufficiency to a humble suppliant?” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Trust fully in God's sovereign grace rather than your own efforts for salvation.
- Reflect on your own transformation as evidence of God's active work in your life.
- Rest in the assurance that God’s will in salvation is perfect and unchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God not save everyone if He is sovereign?
God's sovereignty means He chooses according to His will and purpose, not based on human merit or effort.
Is human sinfulness the reason some are not saved?
No, because even the chief of sinners can be saved by God's grace.
Can a person resist God's call to salvation?
Yes, but God sovereignly changes hearts, removing the stony heart and giving a heart of flesh.
How can believers be assured of their salvation?
Believers can trust in God's sovereign grace and the transformative work He performs in their hearts.
What role does human will play in salvation?
Human will is transformed by God’s sovereign grace, enabling acceptance of salvation.