Chosen by God (1986)

Synopsis

Predestination is a debated topic. Yet the Bible is clear about the doctrine of election and its importance to our perspectives on God and man, and the nature of their contributions to salvation. Dr. Sproul shows how election is entirely compatible with human freedom, dignity, and responsibility.

First Air Date: 1986-01-01

Last Air Date: 1986-02-05

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Created By: R.C. Sproul

Top Cast

R.C. Sproul as N/A

Seasons

None (1985)

Many people reject Reformed theology or Calvinism because they believe it teaches that God drags people kicking and screaming into the church against their will. This, however, is a gross distortion of the biblical doctrine of election, which is grounded in God’s love for His people. In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul carefully explains the meaning of God’s sovereignty in the work of redemption and shows how it relates to the will of man

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Everyone Believes this Doctrine (1986-01-01)

Scripture very plainly uses the word “predestined” in reference to the salvation of God’s people. Most denominations and some of the greatest theologians have wrestled with this issue through the centuries and have carefully formulated statements regarding this controversial topic. What do you believe about predestination? In this message, Dr. Sproul introduces us to the doctrine of predestination and explains that “Everyone Believes This Doctrine.”
Ep. 2: God's Sovereignty (1986-01-08)

As King of all creation, God exercises His sovereignty throughout the world. But how sovereign is sovereign? Are there realms in the created universe where God does not govern? Does God have the ability to save everyone? If He does, then why didn't He? Dr. Sproul considers these questions in this message as he teaches us about the relationship between human freedom and "God’s Sovereignty."
Ep. 3: What is Free Will? (1986-01-15)

If God predestines people to salvation, then what about free will? Doesn't the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination override human free will? What about choice? Considering the doctrine of divine election in this message, Dr. Sproul discusses some of the fundamentally wrong assumptions people have when they think of free will.
Ep. 4: Man's Radical Fallenness (1986-01-22)

How far did man fall in the Garden? How has sin penetrated into our souls? What did Jesus teach about man's fallenness? While we may question some of the greatest teachers in the History of the Church about this topic, we must always look to the Lord Himself for truth as found in Scripture. In this message entitled "Man's Radical Fallenness," Dr. Sproul considers Jesus' own words regarding man's ability or lack thereof to achieve salvation.
Ep. 5: Does God Create Unbelief? (1986-01-29)

If God alone is responsible for the salvation of the elect, does that mean He creates unbelief in those He didn’t elect? Examining this question in this message entitled “Did God Create Unbelief?” Dr. Sproul clearly establishes that God is not the author of sin and does not create unbelief.
Ep. 6: The Divine Initiative (1986-02-05)

If God has already predestined all those who will be saved, what is the purpose of evangelism? Dr. Sproul answers this common question as he teaches us the proper response the church ought to have to “The Divine Initiative.”