Comments on: Sermon B: 7th S Epiph: Is. 43:24

By: Tom Baker

Tom Baker — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 03:10:00 +0000

The “B” in the header refers to the fact that many pastors use what is referred to as the 3-year lectionary series. Every three years the same readings are repeated including the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel. We are in Series 2 or Series B beginning in Advent 2005 throught Pentecost 2006 (roughly December through November). Thanks Eric for your question that many others probably have but did not ask.

By: Tom Baker

Tom Baker — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 03:08:00 +0000

To anonymous asking about “once saved always saved” the mis-application of the gospel promises that gives much of the evangelical church such assurance appears to be that God is sovereign. While the Bible is clear that God is in control of all things, that does not mean that God’s will cannot be broken by man. God’s will was that Adam and Eve would live eternally in the Garden of Eden. They broke that will. While we certainly can break the will of God, we cannot break His promises. And there is no promise in the Bible that would conclude “once saved, always saved.” If there is, point it out and I’m on my way to being a 5 point Calvinist.
As an aside, my radio program begins again next week Wednesday, March 1 on kfuo.org at 6:05 pm. I’ll have something to say about this subject even that night. Thanks for the comment.

By: Tom Baker

Tom Baker — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 03:03:00 +0000

Normally you would not consider Isaiah 43:24 to be so reassuring as unhingedsquare points out. When God says that we have bought no sweet cane with money or satisifed Him with the fat of our sacrifices, our first inclination is to imagine that we ought to start doing that in order to appease Him. But the next verse shows the true context of verse 24 in which God promises to blot out our transgressions and no longer remember our sins. The truth is now clear. God will forgive us because that is the only option since there is nothing we can do to appease His wrath.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 20:04:00 +0000

What does the “Sermon B” in the header mean?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 02:03:00 +0000

If in the Law there is no assurance of once saved always saved ( ie, no amt of our praise, prayer, time, or sacrifice can give us this assurance), then what mis-application of the gospel promises gives much of the evangelical church such assurance?

By: unhingedsquare†

unhingedsquare† — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 11:59:00 +0000

When I am terrified due to my sin Isaiah 43:24 is one of the most reassuring verses. In addition it is helpful when speaking to people who believe in grace + something is how one is saved.