The Historical Tracings of the Doctrines of Grace

In this opening message of our six-week study, The Doctrines of Grace: God Saves Sinners, Pastor Cole traces the historical and biblical development of the doctrines of grace — from the early church to the Reformation and the Synod of Dort.

This lesson asks one central question: Who saves—God or man? Scripture’s answer has never changed: “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). From Augustine’s defense against Pelagius to Luther’s rediscovery of justification by faith, from Calvin’s clarity on divine sovereignty to Dort’s stand against Arminianism, every generation of the church has been called to contend for this same gospel — the gospel of sovereign grace.

The doctrines of grace are not a theological novelty; they are the heartbeat of Scripture. They remind us that man is not morally neutral but spiritually dead, that grace is not an offer but a miracle, and that salvation is not a partnership between God and man but the sovereign work of God alone.

This sermon calls the church to return to the God-centered gospel of Scripture — a gospel that humbles man, exalts Christ, and fuels worship. As we begin this series, we stand with the Reformers and with every faithful generation that has confessed: from Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be glory forever.

Join us for this foundational message as we rediscover the doctrines that preserved the Reformation and continue to preserve the gospel today.