The Historical Tracings of the Doctrines of Grace | Part 9

Key Scriptures

• Jonah 2:9 – “Salvation belongs to the Lord!”
• Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
• Ephesians 1:3–6 – “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world… to the praise of his glorious grace.”

When the Reformers stood against Rome, and when the pastors at Dort stood against Arminius, they were not arguing about abstract theology. They were defending the gospel itself.

And the same battle continues in our own day. The question that divided Augustine and Pelagius, Luther and Erasmus, Calvin and Arminius, remains the same question the church must answer now: Who saves—God or man?

Our generation, like theirs, is surrounded by a man-centered gospel. Churches speak of “decisions for Christ” rather than regeneration by the Spirit. The sinner is told that salvation begins when he reaches out to God, rather than when God raises him from the dead. Preaching has become motivational rather than theological, and grace has been reduced to an offer rather than a miracle.

But the doctrines of grace call the church back to biblical sanity—to the God-centered gospel that Scripture proclaims and that history has repeatedly vindicated.

The Doctrines of Grace Humble Man
Every false religion, at its core, exalts human ability. Even within evangelicalism, much of what passes for gospel preaching flatters man’s will and minimizes God’s sovereignty.

But the Bible will not allow such boasting. “What do you have that you did not receive?” Paul asks (1 Corinthians 4:7). The answer is—nothing. Salvation is not earned, achieved, or assisted by man. It is given, granted, and guaranteed by God.

When we grasp that truth, pride dies. Worship deepens. Gratitude blooms.

The doctrines of grace strip man of every reason to boast and leave him with only one confession: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory.” (Psalm 115:1)

The Doctrines of Grace Exalt God
At the center of these doctrines is not a system—it is a Savior.

• The Father’s sovereign election magnifies His mercy
• The Son’s definite atonement magnifies His love
• The Spirit’s effectual calling magnifies His power
• And the believer’s perseverance magnifies His faithfulness

Together, they reveal a salvation so complete that it can only end with doxology.

Romans 11:36 declares, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.”

When we understand that salvation is of the Lord, worship ceases to be casual. It becomes reverent, grateful, and joyful. The doctrines of grace are not merely walls that protect orthodoxy—they are windows that reveal the beauty of God.

The Doctrines of Grace Strengthen Assurance
If salvation depends on human will, then salvation can be lost as easily as it was gained. If grace can be resisted, it can also be forfeited.

But if salvation is rooted in the eternal decree of God, purchased by the blood of Christ, and sealed by the Spirit, then it is unshakably secure.

Philippians 1:6 gives every believer confidence: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”

This is not arrogance; it is assurance. It is not presumption; it is peace.

When we understand the perseverance of the saints, we realize that grace is not fragile—it is invincible.

The Doctrines of Grace Fuel Evangelism and Missions
Critics have often accused Calvinism of killing evangelism, but history proves the opposite.

The greatest missionaries in church history were men who believed in sovereign grace. William Carey, the father of modern missions, was a Calvinist. So was Adoniram Judson. So was Charles Spurgeon.

They understood that God’s sovereignty does not hinder missions—it guarantees its success. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me” (John 6:37). That promise is the foundation of missionary courage.

If God has chosen a people for Himself, then every evangelist preaches with confidence: the gospel will accomplish what God intends. We sow and water, but God gives the growth.

Far from producing apathy, the doctrines of grace produce endurance. They remind us that no labor in the Lord is ever in vain because salvation belongs to Him.

The Doctrines of Grace Anchor the Church in Truth
In every generation, the church is tempted to drift—toward humanism, pragmatism, and emotionalism. But these doctrines hold us fast.

They remind us that theology matters. Doctrine shapes devotion. Truth fuels worship.

When we preach that man is dead in sin, we preach with compassion rather than manipulation. When we proclaim that Christ died for His people, we preach with confidence rather than uncertainty. When we affirm that grace is irresistible, we pray with faith rather than fear.

In a world of shallow religion, these truths give the church depth, roots, and resilience. They are not relics of the past—they are pillars for the present.

The Doctrines of Grace Glorify Christ Alone
Ultimately, these doctrines lead us to one Person—Jesus Christ.

• He is the electing God who chose us
• He is the redeeming Savior who died for us
• He is the risen Lord who calls us
• He is the faithful Shepherd who keeps us

From first to last, salvation is His work. The doctrines of grace are simply the gospel viewed from the throne of heaven. They remind us that Jesus did not come to make salvation possible—He came to make salvation certain.

As R.C. Sproul said, “The issue is not whether salvation is by grace, but whether it is by grace alone.”

The Doctrines of Grace Give the Church Her Song
Every age of revival has rediscovered these truths, and every decline has begun with their neglect.

When the church forgets grace, she begins to boast. When she begins to boast, she loses her joy. But when grace is rediscovered, worship returns.

The doctrines of grace are not a theological system to debate; they are the melody of redemption sung by the redeemed.

The saints in heaven are not singing about free will; they are singing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12).

That is the end of all theology: to lead the heart to worship.

Closing Exhortation
The doctrines of grace are not optional—they are essential. They are not the ideas of men—they are the revelation of God.

They remind us that salvation is not a cooperative effort between God and man but a divine rescue of the helpless, the hostile, and the undeserving.

From the dust of Eden to the glory of eternity, the Bible tells one story: God saves sinners.

This is the gospel we must preach. This is the faith we must defend. This is the truth we must teach our children and our church.

As the Reformers, the Puritans, and the saints of old would all say:
Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be the glory.