God Saves Us By Calling Us (Clip)
John Piper explains that God saves us by calling us through the gospel, which brings spiritual life, faith, and union with Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the divine calling and predestination of believers, highlighting how God's call brings individuals to faith and new life in Christ. The analogy of Lazarus being called forth from death to life is used to illustrate the miraculous nature of God's call in salvation, even for those who may not have been formally taught. Through the gospel, God's call creates life, sparks faith, and leads to justification through union with Christ.
Full Transcript
Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called, all of them he brought to faith. They came to faith. That's what the call does.
Lazarus, come forth! Dead live! That's the call of God. If you are a believer, that miracle happened to you. You may have never been taught, that's how you got saved.
That's how you got saved. God, through the gospel, called you, created life, faith happened, union with Christ justified.
Sermon Outline
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I
- God predestines and calls those He will save
- The call brings all who receive it to faith
- Faith results in union with Christ and justification
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II
- The call of God is life-giving, like Lazarus being raised
- Salvation is initiated by God's call through the gospel
- Believers experience a spiritual resurrection to new life
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III
- Many believers may not understand how the call works
- The gospel is the means by which God calls and creates faith
- Understanding the call deepens appreciation of salvation
Key Quotes
“Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called, all of them he brought to faith.” — John Piper
“Lazarus, come forth! Dead live! That's the call of God.” — John Piper
“God, through the gospel, called you, created life, faith happened, union with Christ justified.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Recognize that your faith is a result of God's calling through the gospel.
- Trust in the life-giving power of God's call to bring you to salvation.
- Share the gospel confidently knowing it is the means God uses to call others to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God calls us?
God's call is a divine invitation through the gospel that brings spiritual life and faith to those He has chosen.
How does faith relate to God's call?
Faith is the response created by God's call, resulting in union with Christ and justification.
Is the call of God the same as salvation?
Yes, the call is the means by which God brings people to salvation, giving them new life in Christ.
Why might some believers not understand how they were saved?
Many have not been taught that salvation begins with God's call which creates faith through the gospel.
What biblical example illustrates God's call?
Jesus calling Lazarus to come forth from the dead illustrates how God's call brings spiritual life.