OM DENNE EPISODE
Welcome to another episode of our virtual podcast! I’m Michael Mathis, your host, and today we’re digging into Ongoing Sovereignty Theology. It’s a framework where God’s sovereignty is active, playing out moment by moment, balancing His total control with real freedom for us as creatures. We’ve already had John Calvin on, and he seemed like he was mostly convinced of its truth.
Now, I’ve got three incredible guests to explore this tension anew: the Apostle Paul, whose letters shape Christian theology; Jacobus Arminius, the Dutch thinker who questioned strict predestination; and Dr. J. Vernon McGee, the plain-spoken Bible teacher from Thru the Bible. I want your real takes Paul from Scripture, Jacobus from your theology, Dr. McGee from your teaching as we wrestle with this. Let’s start with introductions and your first thoughts on what Ongoing Sovereignty might mean. Paul, you’re up.
The Apostle Paul
Grace to you and peace, Mike, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m Paul, an apostle called to proclaim the gospel. This Ongoing Sovereignty idea, as I hear it, suggests God rules all things His will is certain yet He works through time, and we respond. I wrote in Ephesians 1:11 that we’re “predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His will.” But I also said, “I strived to preach the gospel where Christ was not named” (Romans 15:20), and “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). God’s purpose holds, like the cross “by the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23) but I lived as if our choices matter. Maybe this view captures that tension.
Michael Mathis
Paul, that’s a powerful start God’s plan and our response woven together. Jacobus, I’m new to your ideas, but I know you challenged some heavy predestination views. What do you think of this concept?
Jacobus Arminius
Peace be with you, Mike. I’m Jacobus Arminius, a minister from Holland, seeking truth in God’s Word. Ongoing Sovereignty Theology feels familiar to me. I’ve long held that God is sovereign His power and knowledge are boundless but He doesn’t force our wills. In my Declaration, I argued that God foreknows all things, yet His grace offers freedom. Take 1 Timothy 2:4, “God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” I see His love in John 3:16, “Whoever believes in Him should not perish.” Salvation’s offered to all, not just a few decreed. This idea of God ruling in time, engaging us, not dictating every step it matches my heart. Grace can be resisted; faith is our part.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, that’s intriguing God’s sovereignty with room for us to choose. I’ll need to unpack terms like “resisted grace” as we go. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught the Bible to millions. What’s your first take?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Howdy, Mike! I’m J. Vernon McGee, just a fella who loves God’s Word. This Ongoing Sovereignty notion sounds like it’s wrestling with something I’ve preached on plenty God’s in charge, but we’re not robots. Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” That’s sovereignty. But James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God,” means we’ve got a role. I’ve said it before: God draws the map, but we walk the road. If this view means He’s running things while we decide to follow, it’s worth chewing on.
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, I love that God draws the map, we walk. So, Paul’s got purpose and participation, Jacobus leans on freedom with grace, and you bring a practical angle.
Let’s dive into this tension: how does God’s sovereignty coexist with our responsibility? I’m still working a few things out here, so bear with me. Paul, how do you see it in your writings?
The Apostle Paul
Mike, it’s the reality I preached. Romans 9:16 says, “It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” His will prevails. Yet in Philippians 2:12-13, I urged, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to, will and to work for His good pleasure.” God’s mercy saved me on the Damascus road (Acts 9), but I chose to “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14). The cross was God’s plan, yet men acted freely in it (Acts 2:23). His sovereignty unfolds, and we’re in it called to faith, not dragged.
Michael Mathis
Paul, that’s deep God’s will driving, but us pressing on. Jacobus, you mentioned grace we can resist. How does that fit with God being sovereign?
Jacobus Arminius
A fair question, Mike. I believe God’s sovereignty is so great He can grant us freedom without losing control. In my view, His foreknowledge sees all every choice we’ll make yet He doesn’t compel it. Hebrews 4:2 says the gospel “did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith in those who heard.” God’s grace comes to all Titus 2:11, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people” but we must receive it. I reject a decree that damns some before birth; it’s against His character. Ongoing Sovereignty could mean He reigns by offering, not enforcing, relationship in time.
Michael Mathis
Okay, Jacobus, I think I’m tracking “resistible grace” means we can say no, but God’s still in charge somehow. That’s new to me. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught both sides God’s control and our choice. How do you square it?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Mike, it’s like two rails on a train track God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility run side by side. Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,” shows He’s got the reins. But Revelation 22:17, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” means the door’s open. I’ve said, “God votes for you, Satan votes against you, and you cast the deciding vote.” Maybe this Ongoing Sovereignty says He’s moving history along, but we’ve got to step into His plan. It’s not Calvin’s tight grip or loose chaos it’s both truths held together.
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, those rails make sense two truths running together. Paul’s got God working in us as we work, Jacobus sees sovereignty giving us freedom, and you say it’s both. I’m starting to see how Ongoing Sovereignty might solve this God’s power unfolding in time, meeting our real choices.
We’ve started unpacking how God’s sovereignty works with our responsibility Paul blending God’s plan with our response, Jacobus emphasizing freedom through grace, and Dr. McGee seeing it as two rails on a track. I’m still wrapping my head around some of this, especially your terms, Jacobus, so bear with me. Here’s where I’m at now: Jacobus, it feels like your push against a decree that damns some before birth is a reaction to scriptural tensions. I don’t think you’re getting God’s decrees quite right. Damnation before birth isn’t God’s decree it’s sin’s consequence entering the world. The Bible shows God’s decrees are good, yet He preserves our autonomy, a vast but bounded freedom, for genuine relationships. This ties to my view: God’s in the present, seeing all possible good and evil we might do, intervening only for His decrees, prayer, or to work all things for the good of those who love Him, per Romans 8:28. How do you see this?
Jacobus Arminius
Mike, I’m grateful for your thoughtful push it lets me clarify what’s dear to my heart. You’re right that damnation isn’t God’s decree but sin’s fruit, and I’ve never said otherwise. Scripture’s clear: “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). My stand isn’t a reaction it’s a defense of God’s goodness. I reject the idea that He, before time, decrees some to eternal death without regard to faith, as that risks painting Him as sin’s author, which He isn’t: “God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one” (James 1:13).
You say God’s decrees are good I agree! Ephesians 1:5, “He predestined us for adoption… according to the purpose of His will,” is a decree of love. Your ‘vast but bounded autonomy’ fits my view: love demands freedom “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). I see His decrees with foreknowledge: “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:2). He knows who’ll believe, offering grace to all “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people” (Titus 2:11) and we respond.
Your lens God in the present, seeing possibilities, intervening for decrees or prayer intrigues me. It echoes my thought: His will unfolds in time, like the cross: “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times” (1 Peter 1:20). Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good,” shows He weaves our choices into His plan. I’m not far off salvation’s His gift, faith’s our part, sin’s the foe, not His decree. We’re near, Mike, if we both hold His sovereignty enables, not enforces, relationship.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, that’s a solid clarification sin’s the culprit, not God’s decree, and autonomy’s for love, not damnation. Your take on God in time with possibilities is clicking for me now. Paul, you’ve preached God’s mercy and man’s faith how does this land with you?
The Apostle Paul
Yes, Mike. Jacobus, your words stir me we’re not far apart on sin’s role: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). I’d say God’s decrees are His glory Ephesians 1:11, “Predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things.” Your freedom, Mike’s autonomy I see it: “Work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:12-13). My call was His mercy (Acts 9:15), yet I chose to obey.
God in the present? I wrote, “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), but His knowing spans “Those whom He foreknew He also predestined” (Romans 8:29). Possibilities? Maybe He knew I’d preach, yet I ran. Romans 8:28 fits He turns even evil to good for His called. Sovereignty’s His Romans 9:16, “It depends on God who has mercy” but faith’s real. We’re close: His decrees save, sin damns, we respond.
Michael Mathis
Paul, you’re making it very clear, God’s mercy drives, we step in. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught God’s plan and our part plainly where do you see this fitting?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Hey there, Mike! Jacobus and Paul are hittin’ the nail on the head sin’s the villain, not God. Romans 5:12, “Death spread to all ‘cause all sinned” that’s the root. God’s decrees? Good every time John 3:17, “God sent His Son… not to condemn the world, but to save it.” This autonomy business I’ve said, “God don’t make junk, but He don’t force nobody.” John 1:12, “To as many as received Him, He gave the right to become children of God.”
God in the now, seein’ all paths? Sounds right Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written… the days.” He knows what we’ll pick, works it for good (Romans 8:28). Prayer moves Him James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” We’re together God’s sovereign, we’re free, salvation’s His gift. No tension worth frettin’ over here!
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, your straight talk ties it together, sin’s the issue, and God’s good, we’re free to receive, I would add once we are born again. Jacobus clarifies decrees as love, Paul sees mercy meeting faith, and you keep it simple: God’s plan, we are responsible. This Ongoing Sovereignty of God in the present, decreeing good and giving autonomy for relationships, feels like it’s making sense to you all.
But I need to clarify something you said, Dr. McGee. You mentioned Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written… the days,” as God knowing what we’ll pick. I see it differently He knows everything we can choose, but we do the picking within the bounds of His decrees. And Jacobus, I’d add this: it is God’s decree that sin must be punished, and He’ll pour out His wrath eternally that’s why Jesus paid for sin on our behalf. We’re not saving people from Satan so much as from God’s wrath on mankind’s evil. Dr. McGee, let’s start with you how’s that sit?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Well, Mike, I reckon you’re keepin’ me on my toes! You’re right to nudge me on Psalm 139:16 I might’ve stretched it a bit. “In Your book were written… the days” don’t mean God’s pickin’ our every step like a puppet master. I’ve taught it’s His knowin’ all the possibilities Psalm 147:5, “His understanding is infinite.” He sees every trail we might take, and we choose, but He’s got the fences up His decrees, like you say. I’d still say He knows where we’ll land Romans 8:29, “Whom He foreknew, He also predestined” but your angle’s fair: we’re walkin’ the path.
On sin and wrath amen! John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” It’s God’s justice Romans 1:18, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness.” Satan’s a rascal, but Jesus saves us from God’s righteous judgment 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Your tweak’s spot on we’re in this together!
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, thanks for rolling with that God knowing possibilities, us choosing, and wrath as His justice, not Satan’s win. Jacobus, how do you take my point on God’s decree of punishment and Christ’s payment?
Jacobus Arminius
Mike. Your addition sharpens the picture I’m in hearty agreement that sin’s punishment is God’s decree. His justice demands it: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20), and Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death.” I’ve written that God’s wrath is real Romans 2:5, “Because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath.” That He’ll pour it out eternally? Revelation 14:10-11, “They will be tormented… forever and ever,” bears it out. My concern was never denying this it’s rejecting a decree that damns apart from sin’s guilt.
Christ’s payment? Central! “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). We’re saved from God’s wrath John 3:36, as Dr. McGee said not just Satan. Your view God in the present, knowing all we can do fits: He decrees justice, offers grace, and we respond. Autonomy’s for relationship, not escaping wrath unaided. We align salvation’s His, wrath’s His, Christ bridges it.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, that’s a clear yes God’s justice decreed, Christ’s rescue, all within our freedom. Paul, you’ve preached wrath and grace how’s this landing?
The Apostle Paul
Grace to you, Mike. You’re striking chords I’ve sung Romans 1:18, “The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness,” is God’s decree, righteous and sure. Sin damns “All have sinned and fall short” (Romans 3:23) not His will, but ours. His decree saves: “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We’re spared wrath “Since… we have been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God” (Romans 5:9).
Your present-God, possibilities view? I’d say He knows “Those whom He foreknew” (Romans 8:29) but autonomy’s real: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good,” weaves our picks into His plan. Wrath’s His, salvation’s His Christ’s cross proves it. We’re one here God’s sovereign, man’s free, Jesus saves.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, I need clarity your “Resistible Grace” concept, it feels like it mixes the universal call like “whosoever will” in Revelation 22:17 with the specific call we see in Romans 8 or Ephesians 1. Can you help me unpack this? How do you see these fitting together?
Jacobus Arminius
Sure, Mike. I’m glad to shed light it’s a fair question, and one I wrestled with in my day. Resistible Grace means God’s grace, offered for salvation, can be refused by human will. It’s not that grace lacks power God forbid but that He, in His sovereignty, grants us freedom to accept or reject it. Scripture shows this clearly.
The universal call? Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” That’s open to all John 3:16 too, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish.” I see this in Titus 2:11, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” God’s love extends wide 1 Timothy 2:4, “He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Now, the specific call Romans 8:30, “Those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified,” or Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” These speak of God’s elect, yes, but I don’t see them as separate from the universal offer. In my Declaration, I argued God’s foreknowledge harmonizes them: He knows who’ll believe 1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God.” The call goes to all, but the Spirit draws effectually only some John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” Yet, Acts 7:51 warns, “You always resist the Holy Spirit,” and Matthew 23:37 laments, “I would have gathered… and you were not willing.”
So, Resistible Grace ties them: the universal call invites all grace precedes, enabling faith but the specific call is God’s sovereign work in those who don’t resist. It’s not mixing; it’s one grace, offered freely, received or spurned. His sovereignty shines in offering, not forcing salvation’s His gift, our choice.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, I see your point of view, grace offered to all, resistible, but effective in the elect by foreknowledge. I suppose this would be a valid line of reason if God existed outside the present, but it concerns me. Paul, you wrote those verses in Romans and Ephesians, does this line up, or do you see it differently?
The Apostle Paul
Yes, Mike. Jacobus, I hear your zeal, Scripture’s alive in you. The specific call’s my heartbeat Romans 8:30, “Those whom He called He also justified,” and Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” That’s God’s mercy Romans 9:16, “It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who has mercy.” I was called, knocked flat on Damascus road (Acts 9:4) no resisting that! Yet, I preached universal hope “If you confess with your mouth… you will be saved” (Romans 10:9), and “God is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10).
Resistible? Acts 7:51 stings some do resist. But 1 Corinthians 1:24, “To those who are called… Christ the power of God,” says His call breaks through. Jacobus’ blend grace to all, effective in some touches truth, but I’d say the elect don’t refuse. Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” Sovereignty’s His grace saves, faith answers, not rejects.
Michael Mathis
Paul, you’re leaning hard on the call’s power elect don’t resist, but you nod to the wider offer. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught both God’s choice and man’s response how do you weigh Jacobus’ Resistible Grace here?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Howdy, Mike! Jacobus, you’re stirrin’ the pot, and I like it. Universal call? Sure John 3:16, “Whosoever believes,” and Revelation 22:17, “Whosoever will” that’s plain as day. Specific call? Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us,” and Romans 8:30 can’t argue that either. I’ve said, “God’s got His elect, but the invitation’s out to everybody.” Resistible Grace? Acts 7:51, “You resist the Holy Spirit” folks do turn away. Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor,” but some don’t come.
Here’s my take: God’s grace is big John 1:16, “From His fullness we’ve all received” but it lands where faith meets it. Romans 10:13, “Whosoever shall call,” fits Jacobus’ offer, but Paul’s right God’s call sticks with His own. I’d say it’s resistible for some, not for the elect John 6:37, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me.” It’s both God’s sovereign, we’re choosin’, and He knows who’s His.
Michael Mathis
I’m getting a handle on your terms, Jacobus. Now, let’s expand this: if God’s the “I AM,” with us in the present, what do you think about Christ’s ongoing ability to elect people to salvation today, based on His good pleasure and the prayers of the saints, now that all authority’s been given to Him (Matthew 28:18)? And the Father too He’s got no less authority than before, like Pharaoh giving Joseph power without losing his own. How’s this fit God’s sovereignty right now?
Jacobus Arminius
Wow, Mike. Your question stirs my soul it’s where God’s present reign shines. “I AM” from Exodus 3:14 roots Him in the now, and Christ’s authority “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18) means He’s active today. I see election as ongoing, tied to His good pleasure and our response. Ephesians 1:5, “He predestined us for adoption… according to the purpose of His will,” isn’t static it unfolds. John 10:16, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also,” suggests He’s still calling.
The saints’ prayers? Vital 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge that supplications… be made for all people… this is pleasing to God, who desires all people to be saved.” In my Declaration, I held that God’s grace works through means His Word, His Spirit, our intercession. Christ elects now, not just then John 15:16, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” The Father’s authority? Undiminished John 17:2, Christ has “authority over all flesh,” yet the Father draws (John 6:44). Like Pharaoh and Joseph, both rule God’s sovereignty flows through Christ, calling today, answering prayers, all by grace we can receive or resist.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, you’re painting Christ’s election as active now, with prayers in play Father and Son ruling together. Paul, you’ve preached Christ’s reign how do you see this?
The Apostle Paul
Mike. “I AM” echoes in my ears Christ’s “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) and His “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). His authority’s now Colossians 1:17, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Electing today? Yes Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,” sets the plan, but 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the day of salvation,” brings it present. I wrote, “He gave Himself for our sins to deliver us… according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:4) His good pleasure saves.
Prayers of the saints? I urged it Philippians 1:19, “Through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” Christ’s power Philippians 2:9-11, “God has highly exalted Him” works with the Father’s Romans 11:36, “From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” No less authority both reign, calling now. My gospel says the elect hear Romans 8:30, “Those whom He called, He justified” today, tomorrow, till He comes.
Michael Mathis
Paul, you’re all in Christ and the Father electing now, prayers moving it forward. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught God’s plan unfolding where do you land on this?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Hey, Mike! This “I AM” business is right up my alley God’s here, not stuck in yesterday. John 5:17, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” they’re at it today! Christ’s authority? Matthew 28:18, “All authority” He’s runnin’ the show. Electin’ folks now? You bet Acts 13:48, “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed,” but it’s happenin’ in real time. His good pleasure? Ephesians 1:9, “The mystery of His will, according to His purpose” He picks when He wants.
Saints prayin’? James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power” I’ve told folks, “Pray, and watch God move!” Father’s authority? Still full John 16:23, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.” Like Pharaoh and Joseph Genesis 41:40, “Only as regards the throne will I be greater” both rule. Sovereignty’s alive Christ calls, Father wills, we pray, salvation rolls on!
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, you’re tying it to today’s action Christ electing, prayers powering it, Father and Son in sync. Jacobus sees grace offered now, Paul the elect called presently, and you’re all about real-time salvation. This Ongoing Sovereignty God as “I AM,” Christ wielding authority, Father undiminished, both responding to prayers feels alive.
It’s coming together, but I want to clarify a couple points to keep us on the same page. Do we all agree that one must be elected by God to be saved? And once His election happens, is that person saved with no chance of being taken from God’s hand? Let’s sort this out. Jacobus, you’re up first where do you stand?
Jacobus Arminius
Well Mike. Your questions cut to the core, and I’ll answer plainly. Yes, I agree one must be elected by God to be saved Scripture ties salvation to His choice. Ephesians 1:4 says, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,” and 1 Peter 1:2 speaks of the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” In my Declaration, I’ve argued election flows from His foreknowledge He knows who’ll believe when grace draws them. John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him,” shows it’s His move first.
But the second part once elected, no chance of being lost? Here I diverge. I see salvation as secure only if we abide John 10:28, “No one will snatch them out of My hand,” is true, yet John 15:6 warns, “If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers.” Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of those “once enlightened” who fall away. Grace is resistible Acts 7:51, “You always resist the Holy Spirit.” God elects, but we must persevere His sovereignty offers, our faith holds. So, election’s sure, but I’d say there’s a chance to turn away, though rare and willful.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, you’re a yes on election, but a maybe on security abiding’s key. Paul, you’ve preached election and assurance how do you weigh in?
The Apostle Paul
Grace to you, Mike. Election’s bedrock Romans 8:33, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?” Salvation’s His choice Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,” and Romans 9:11, “God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls.” No one’s saved apart from His call Romans 8:30, “Those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified.”
Taken from His hand? No John 10:29, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” I wrote, “I am sure that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Once elected, saved Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” God’s sovereignty seals it faith proves it, not loses it. We’re firm here, Mike.
Michael Mathis
Paul, that’s a double yes election’s required, security’s locked. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught God’s grip where do you land?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Howdy, Mike! Election’s plain as daylight Acts 13:48, “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” You gotta be chosen Ephesians 2:8, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” No sidesteppin’ that John 15:16, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” God’s callin’ the shots.
No chance of losin’ it? Yep John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” Romans 11:29, “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” He don’t take it back. I’ve told folks, “Once you’re His, you’re His for keeps.” Hebrews 6:4-6? That’s a warnin’ to fakers, not a ticket out. Election’s God’s, salvation’s sure ain’t no slippin’ from His grip!
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, you’re all in election and security, no doubts. So, Jacobus says yes to election but leaves room for falling if we don’t abide; Paul and Dr. McGee say yes and no chance of loss God’s hand holds tight. My take’s leaning with Paul and Dr. McGee election’s a must, salvation’s secure but Jacobus, your abiding angle’s got me thinking. This Ongoing Sovereignty God electing now, Christ’s authority active might bridge us if we unpack it more.
That last round was helpful thanks, folks. We’ve got Jacobus saying election’s needed but resistible grace means you could fall, while Paul and Dr. McGee insist election locks in salvation, no slipping from God’s hand. Here’s where I’m landing: the real tension’s about time. If God’s outside the present, knowing history’s exact path like recent theology often assumes it’s tough to square Scripture with His character. Jacobus, it feels like your view builds on God calling everyone, resistible grace letting them refuse, and Him looking ahead to elect based on who won’t reject, keeping some free will. But if God, the “I AM,” exists only in the present, sovereignly electing Jews and Gentiles before creation (Ephesians 1:4), decreeing salvation through Christ (1 Peter 1:20), and securing our future hope while working every moment of history alongside truly autonomous people the tensions dissolve. God’s only good, and no one takes His elect from His hand (John 10:28). Jacobus, how do you see this time issue shaping your stance?
Jacobus Arminius
Yes, Mike. You’ve pinpointed a crux time does shift the lens. I’ve built my thought on God’s character 1 John 4:8, “God is love” and Scripture’s call to all: Titus 2:11, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,” and John 3:16, “Whoever believes.” Resistible grace flows from this Acts 7:51, “You always resist the Holy Spirit,” shows freedom. My election ties to foreknowledge 1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God” not a fixed path I see Him peering down, but His eternal knowing of who’ll respond. Romans 8:29, “Whom He foreknew He also predestined.”
Your “present only” view God as “I AM” (Exodus 3:14), electing before time yet working now intrigues me. If He knows all possibilities, not a set script, and calls alongside autonomy, it’s close to me. I’d still say grace can be spurned Matthew 23:37, “You were not willing” but election’s His: Ephesians 1:4. Security? John 10:28 comforts, yet John 15:6, “If anyone does not abide,” warns. If God’s good always James 1:17, “Every good gift is from above” and no one snatches His elect, we’re near. My tension’s from freedom; yours resolves it with present sovereignty. I’m pondering this shift.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, you’re open time’s tweaking your view, leaning closer to mine. Paul, you’ve preached election and God’s grip how does this time angle fit?
The Apostle Paul
Grace to you, Mike. “I AM” rings true Christ’s “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and God’s “I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Election’s eternal Ephesians 1:4, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” Jews and Gentiles, Romans 11:25, “A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Salvation’s decreed 1 Peter 1:20, “He was foreknown before the foundation” and secure: John 10:29, “No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
God in the present, knowing possibilities? I’d say He knows “Those whom He foreknew” (Romans 8:29) yet works now: “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Autonomy? “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31) real choice. Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good,” shows Him weaving history. Tensions dissolve? Yes He’s good, Psalm 136:1, “His steadfast love endures forever,” and sovereign Romans 9:16, “It depends on God.” No one’s lost His will holds, our faith proves it.
Michael Mathis
Paul, you’re all in present sovereignty, secure election, no tension. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught God’s plan through time where do you land?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Hey, Mike! This time twist’s makin’ sense. God’s “I AM” John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I am” He’s right here. Election’s His Acts 13:48, “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed” Jews and Gentiles, Romans 11:26, “All Israel will be saved.” Christ’s decree John 3:17, “To save the world” holds tight. Secure? John 10:28, “They shall never perish” that’s a promise!
Present, knowin’ all paths? Psalm 139:4, “Before a word is on my tongue, You know it” He sees every turn, we pick. I’ve said, “God’s got the reins, we’ve got the road.” Autonomy fits Revelation 22:17, “Whosoever will” but His hand’s firm Romans 11:29, “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” God’s good Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” and tensions? Gone if He’s workin’ it out now. I’m with ya He’s sovereign, we’re free, salvation’s sure!
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, you’re sold present God, sure salvation, tensions eased. Jacobus adjusts resistible grace to fit, Paul sees election unfolding now, and you tie it to God’s goodness. My view God in the present, electing sovereignly, no one lost seems to click: He’s good, His hand holds, autonomy’s for relationship.
If God’s election is ongoing and responsive to prayer, how does that shape our calling to make disciples in the Church, evangelism, and everyday life? Let’s unpack this. Paul, you lived this mission what’s your take?
The Apostle Paul
Mike. Our calling’s clear Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” If election’s ongoing, it’s my life’s pulse “I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named” (Romans 15:20). God works now “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) and prayer moves Him: “I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance” (Philippians 1:19). I begged, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1).
The Church? We build Ephesians 4:12, “To equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Evangelism? “How will they hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14) I ran to the lost. Everyday life? “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). God’s electing now, through us His sovereignty fuels our feet, His goodness our message. No one’s snatched John 10:28 but we labor, trusting He calls.
Michael Mathis
Paul, that’s fire election drives action, prayer powers it, all for disciples. Jacobus, how does this ongoing election shape our calling in your view?
Jacobus Arminius
Peace be with you, Mike. If election’s ongoing, responsive to prayer, it’s a clarion call Matthew 28:19-20, “Make disciples… teaching them to observe all.” I’ve held grace reaches all Titus 2:11, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people” and prayer joins it: “I urge that supplications… be made for all people… pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). In my Declaration, I saw the Church as God’s means His Word preached, His Spirit stirring.
Evangelism? “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16) we offer it wide. Everyday life? Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” God elects now John 15:16, “I chose you and appointed you” and we labor, not knowing who’ll respond, trusting His goodness 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” Security’s His gift; our task is to call, pray, teach.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, you’re all about the universal offer prayer and preaching fuel it, shaping life. Dr. McGee, you’ve taught practical faith how does this hit you?
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Hey, Mike! This is livin’ theology election happenin’ now changes everything. Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations” that’s our marchin’ orders. Prayer’s key James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” I’ve told folks, “Pray for the lost God’s listenin’!” Church? Ephesians 4:11-12, “Pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints” we’re trainin’ disciples.
Evangelism? Acts 1:8, “Ye shall be witnesses unto Me” get out there! Everyday life? 1 Peter 2:9, “A royal priesthood… that ye should show forth the praises of Him.” God’s electin’ today John 15:16, “He chose you” and we’re His voice. Secure? John 10:28, “They shall never perish” but we don’t sit; we work, ‘cause He’s good Psalm 100:5, “His mercy is everlasting.” It’s a call to live it out!
Michael Mathis
Here’s where I’m at: if this theology’s right, our actions in this short time on Earth echo in eternity. Our investments can change things forever. For the first time, I feel Paul’s urgency while holding 100% to God’s sovereignty in salvation it’s clicking. Let’s close with practical wisdom from each of you: how can we make the most significant impact with the time we’ve been given? Dr. McGee, you’ve got that down-to-earth take start us off.
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Howdy, Mike! You’re right this Ongoing Sovereignty lights a fire under us. Time’s short Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days.” Biggest impact? Live it plain and bold. Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.” Church? Teach the Word 2 Timothy 2:2, “Entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others.” I’ve said, “Get folks in the Book changed lives change lives.”
Evangelism? Tell ‘em Mark 16:15, “Preach the gospel to every creature.” Everyday? Be salt Matthew 5:13 folks see Jesus in you, they’ll ask. Invest? Give 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” support preachers, missions. God’s sovereign John 15:16, “He chose you” but we’re His hands. Eternity’s waitin’ make it count!
Michael Mathis
Dr. McGee, that’s practical gold live bold, teach, tell, give. Paul, you’ve lived that urgency what’s your wisdom?
The Apostle Paul
Grace to you, Mike. Your fire’s mine 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.” Time’s fleeting Ephesians 5:16, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Impact? Preach “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Church? Build Ephesians 4:16, “The whole body… builds itself up in love.” Equip saints souls last.
Evangelism? Run “I became all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Daily? Shine Philippians 2:15, “Blameless… in the midst of a crooked generation.” Invest? Prayer “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and give “I am well supplied, having received… your gifts” (Philippians 4:18). God’s sovereignty Romans 8:30, “Those He called, He justified” spurs us: eternity’s at stake, His hand holds, we work.
Michael Mathis
Paul, that’s urgency with purpose preach, build, shine, pray. Jacobus, you’ve tied grace to action what’s your practical advice?
Jacobus Arminius
Mike. Eternity echoing? It’s sobering Matthew 6:20, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Time’s brief Psalm 39:4, “Let me know how fleeting my life is.” Impact? Love “This is My commandment, that you love one another” (John 15:12). Church? Teach truth 1 Timothy 3:15, “The church… the pillar and buttress of the truth.” Equip believers faith grows souls.
Evangelism? Proclaim “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) to all, for God wills it (1 Timothy 2:4). Daily? Live godly 1 Peter 2:12, “They may see your good deeds and glorify God.” Invest? Pray “Supplications… for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1) and give “Do good… to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). Sovereignty’s His Ephesians 1:4 but our call’s now: grace offered, eternity shaped.
Michael Mathis
Jacobus, that’s rich love, teach, proclaim, pray. Dr. McGee gives us bold living and giving, Paul urgency and building, Jacobus love and truth. Ongoing Sovereignty God electing now, us acting means our time matters: Church grows, gospel spreads, lives reflect Him. I’m fired up Paul’s urgency, God’s sure hand (John 10:28) we invest, it echoes forever. Let’s close there thanks, all, for this wisdom. Listeners, go make it count!
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