Graça irresistível x resistível | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

Graça Irresistível versus Graça Resistível

Introdução à Pregação

• A pregação aborda a diferença entre a graça irresistível e a graça resistível, parte da série "Porque não sou arminiano".

• O texto base é Oséias 11:4, onde Deus fala sobre atrair seu povo com laços de amor.

Perspectivas Arminiana e Calvinista

• A perspectiva arminiana considera o homem como o fator determinante tanto na vida terrena quanto na salvação.

• Em contraste, a visão calvinista afirma que a graça de Deus é irresistível e que os eleitos serão levados até o fim por Deus.

A Aliança Eterna de Deus

• A pregação defende que Deus ama seu povo e nunca o abandonará devido à aliança eterna feita com Abraão.

• Paulo explica no Novo Testamento que aqueles que creem em Cristo são considerados descendentes de Abraão, formando o verdadeiro Israel.

O Papel do Arrependimento

• João Batista enfatiza que não é uma ligação natural com Abraão que define quem é israelita, mas sim o arrependimento e a fé.

• A resistência ao chamado de Deus é considerada pecado; no entanto, Deus pode quebrantar corações duros para levar as pessoas ao arrependimento.

Diferenças na Compreensão da Graça

• Na perspectiva arminiana, a graça pode ser rejeitada por homens com vontade livre; já na visão calvinista, ela é irresistível para os eleitos.

Understanding Divine Election and Human Resistance

The Nature of God's Choice

• The speaker discusses the concept of divine election, questioning how God could choose someone He knows will not persevere, emphasizing God's omniscience.

• It is argued that it would be illogical for an all-knowing God to select individuals destined to fail, likening this to choosing a poor athlete despite having access to the best players.

• The speaker asserts that God's choice is based on His love rather than any foreseen merit in individuals, referencing Ephesians about salvation being a gift from God.

General vs. Effective Calling

• A distinction is made between general calling (which everyone can resist) and effective calling (which cannot be resisted), highlighting that many are called but few are chosen.

• The chosen ones are described as those elected before the foundation of the world and granted faith by God, while others may resist His call.

Special Grace for the Elect

• The speaker acknowledges that while humans can resist God's general call, He provides special grace to the elect, enabling them to respond positively.

• An example from Acts illustrates how God opened Lydia's heart to accept Paul's message, demonstrating this special grace given only to the elect.

Biblical Examples of Resistance

• Reference is made to biblical figures like Jonah who resisted God's command but ultimately had their resistance overcome by divine power.

• Personal testimony is shared about overcoming initial resistance through God's intervention and special grace.

Contextual Understanding of Election

• Emphasis is placed on understanding scriptural context regarding election; Romans 9 discusses Jacob and Esau's selection before birth as a foundational example.

The Nature of Salvation and Human Choice

God's Unconditional Grace

• The speaker discusses the concept of sin, emphasizing that everyone has sinned and questioning whether God is obligated to save anyone, including a murderer.

• Despite humanity's rejection of salvation, God sends His Son to die for sinners and continues to send messengers to announce this opportunity for redemption.

• The speaker highlights the stubbornness of individuals who prefer their sinful choices over accepting salvation, raising questions about divine justice in light of human rejection.

The Role of Free Will

• A metaphor is used comparing the choice between washing (sinful behavior) and a banquet (salvation), illustrating how people often choose what they perceive as better despite God's invitation.

• The speaker explains that while many are called to salvation, only the elect are regenerated by God, enabling them to genuinely desire good over evil.

Transformation Through Regeneration

• An example is given about Lydia from Thyatira, whose heart was opened by God to accept Paul's message, demonstrating how regeneration leads to genuine change in desires.

• Personal testimony illustrates a transformation where prior sinful habits were discarded after conversion, highlighting the role of divine intervention in changing one's nature.

Understanding True Choices

• The speaker emphasizes that true freedom comes from being regenerated by God; individuals can now make better choices because their nature has been changed from "pigs" to "sheep."

• A reference is made to John Newton's hymn about spiritual blindness being lifted through Christ’s grace, reinforcing the idea that understanding comes from divine action.

Implications of Divine Grace

• John Piper's quote suggests that grace does not force unwilling hearts but changes their disposition towards God.

• Examples illustrate how people make poor choices based on corrupted understanding; those who reject Christ do so because they lack true insight into what is good.

Conclusion: Freedom in Christ vs. Bondage in Sin

• Disciples' response to Jesus shows they understood His words as life-giving; unlike others who left Him due to misunderstanding or preference for worldly things.

The Power of God in Transforming Lives

The Struggles of Parenting and Divine Intervention

• A narrative about a boy who continues to do wrong despite parental efforts, highlighting the emotional turmoil of adoptive parents when faced with difficult decisions.

• Emphasizes that while parents can guide their children, they lack the divine power to change their will; only God possesses this ability.

• Shares a story of a man who became self-reliant due to wealth and fame but faced despair when his child fell ill, realizing money could not save him.

• The man's humbling moment leads him to acknowledge God's sovereignty and his own limitations, prompting a return to faith.

• Discusses the concept of irresistible grace, where God has the power to soften hearts and draw individuals back to Him.

The Nature of Election and Salvation

• Reflects on how those chosen by God are assured they will not be abandoned; even if straying occurs, divine intervention will bring them back.

• Illustrates another father's attempt to connect with his child involved in drugs by joining him in his lifestyle, which ultimately led the child back home.

• Contrasts human limitations with God's infinite wisdom and power in restoring wayward souls through His Spirit's influence.

• Highlights God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including individual wills, ensuring that He will not leave His chosen ones behind.

Understanding Romans 9: The Assurance of God's Promises

• Introduces Paul's response to questions regarding the apparent failure of God's promises concerning Israel's salvation amidst unconverted Jews.

• Explains that true Israelites are defined by faith rather than mere lineage; not all descendants of Abraham are partakers in God's promise.

• Paul clarifies that while God is responsible for salvation, it does not imply failure on His part when some remain unconverted.

• Discusses how God’s laws are meant to be written on hearts leading believers towards obedience through faith.

• Concludes that despite challenges or temptations faced along the journey, nothing can separate believers from God's love as affirmed by Paul.

Final Thoughts on Perseverance

• Reiterates confidence among believers that they will reach their ultimate destination despite trials; emphasizes perseverance through faith against adversities.

What Did Jesus Say?

The Nature of True Believers

• Jesus mentioned that those who left were not truly part of the community, indicating a distinction between true believers and those who are not.

• A genuine believer may falter but will ultimately return to their faith, akin to the parable of the Prodigal Son.

• The story of the Prodigal Son illustrates that even when one strays and loses everything, there is always a path back to redemption.

• This concept emphasizes resilience in faith; true Christians may struggle but will find their way back to God.