Last lesson, we studied the scope of God's call - To what is God calling us? God is calling us to:
- Salvation - Deliverance from sin's penalty and power, from the world the flesh, and the devil.
- Sanctification - Transformation into the image of God's Son, to be holy people - a working force in the world for God's kingdom.
- Glorification - Deliverance from a sinful environment: A new body, a new heaven, and a new earth.
In this lesson we want to consider the essence of God's call - What is the nature of this call? How can we respond properly and know that we are partakers of this call? (See Hebrews 3:1)
Before we examine our Scripture reading, perhaps we should consider five things that were highlighted in the days of the Reformation. They are called "The Five Solas." These Latin phrases capture the essence of God's call and our response to His call.
Sola Scriptura ("Scripture Alone") - ("Scriptura" = "Scrip-tura")
The Bible is our only authority and source for all that pertains to life and godliness.
Sola Gratia ("Grace Alone") - ("Gratia" = "Grah'-tee-ah" or "Grah'-she-ah")
Salvation is entirely a work of God - His Grace, not a joint effort of God and man.
Sola Fide ("Faith Alone") - ("Fide" = "Fee'-day")
Salvation is by faith only (Not faith plus works, but faith that works - Martin Luther).
Solo Christus ("Christ Alone") - ("Solo - Chris-tus")
Salvation is only by and through Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself to us only through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria ("To the Glory of God Alone") - ("So'-lee - Day'-Oh - Gloria")
To God only is the Glory. All honor, all praise / thanks, all credit goes to God. Salvation is of the Lord.
Now for a highlight of our Scripture reading (I Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5)
"… See your calling…"
(I Corinthians 1:26)
I Corinthians 1:18-23 - The Gospel is the power of God that saves people.
We are not able to be saved from our sins by the power of logic, or by the demonstration of miracles / supernatural power. The Gospel contradicts man's natural wisdom and his dependance on his natural senses.
I Corinthians 1:24-29 - By God grace, we experience His wisdom and power when we are called.
The call / the new birth is the work of God. It is not based on our qualities, status, accomplishments, or good intentions. God's call confounds / confuses man's natural wisdom and expectations. The end result will be God's glory and man's humility.
I Corinthians 1:30-31 - God's grace, through Christ, allows us to stand righteous before Him.
Through Christ, we have God's wisdom and righteousness. Through Christ, we are being sanctified - changed / set apart for God's use. Christ has redeemed us - bought us back from the penalty and power of sin. This all points to the honor and glory of God - not ourselves.
I Corinthians 2:1-5 - The Gospel is powerful because of the work of God's Spirit.
Man is used for the work of preaching, teaching, testimony, and example. But the power is not from the person who is doing these things - not their wisdom, knowledge, speaking skills, or efforts. It is the Spirit of Christ within them. It is the Spirit of God who is doing the powerful work of reaching the inner man. God's Spirit was not directly mentioned in "The Five Solas." But God's Spirit is necessarily implied in all of them. The Spirit of God speaks through Scripture, invisibly ministers grace, creates faith, reveals Christ, and focuses attention to the glory of God.
Consider and meditate on these wonderful passages:
- Jeremiah 9:23-24
- Jonah 2:8-9
- John 6:37-63; 14:1-27
- Romans 8:1-39; 11:33-36
- Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:1-10
(Note "quickened" / "made alive" [Ephesians 2:5] = The Spirit's work of regeneration)
- Titus 3:3-7
- I Peter 1:2-5
- Isaiah 45:20-25 cp. Philippians 2:1-11
- Revelation 4:8-11; 5:9-14
- I Corinthians 15:24-28.
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