Ashamed of the Gospel Chapter 8: "The Sovereignty of God in Salvation"

If you have ever had questions about the Sovereignty of God in Salvation this is the chapter for you.  MacArthur does a great job of summing up the biblical principles on the topic and applies it to the methodology of evangelism.  He points out that the pragmatic church in Spurgeon's day and in our day went off track because of a lack of understanding of this doctrine.  If one believes that salvation is a matter of human will and decision then the aim would be to manipulate the will of humans to make a decision for Christ causing their salvation.  If salvation is a work of God, which it is, then the aim is to employ God's methodology--the preaching of the gospel and depend on Him to do the work of salvation that only he can do!  MacArthur explains  1 Peter 1:1-4.   He shows that foreknowledge does not have to do with God knowing who would choose him and so choosing them or of him choosing someone based on the fact that he could look through the corridor of time and see that they were worthy.  Instead foreknowledge is a matter of God setting his love on someone before the foundation of the world and choosing to save them based on His love.  He also shows that God not only predestines salvation, but also sanctification.  Finally, he shows that a real understanding of God's sovereignty in salvation does not diminish human responsibility, but instead fuels evangelism and continues to hold men accountable for their decisions.  This chapter will be well worth your time to read!  Also, I would encourage every Christian to read "All of Grace" by C.H. Spurgeon.  

1 Peter 1:1–4 (NASB95)

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, 

To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

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