Teaching Outline for Chapter 3: Of God's Decree

Introduction

A. Context of the Doctrine

Recap of chapter 2

B. Purpose of the Chapter

To affirm that God is the ultimate cause of all things while upholding human responsibility and the reality of secondary causes.

Objective: To explain God’s sovereign decree, its scope, purpose, and implications for salvation and human responsibility.

II. Key Sections and Teachings

A. Paragraph 1: The Nature and Scope of God’s Decree

Point: God has decreed all things that come to pass, unchangeably and infallibly. Scripture: Ephesians 1:11, Acts 2:23, Proverbs 16:33

Explanation: Nothing happens by chance; God’s decree is comprehensive (extends to all events) yet does not violate human free agency or make God the author of sin.

Application: Assures believers of God’s control over history and personal circumstances.

B. Paragraph 2: The Basis of God’s Decree

Point: God’s decree is according to His own wise and holy counsel, not influenced by anything outside Himself. Scripture: Romans 9:15-18, Ephesians 1:4-5

Explanation: God’s will is free, eternal, and independent of human actions or foresight of faith.

Application: Encourages humility and trust in God’s perfect will.

C. Paragraph 3: The Decree of Predestination (Election and Reprobation)

Point: God has predestined some to eternal life (election) and left others to face justice for their sin (reprobation). Scripture: Romans 8:29-30, Romans 9:22-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Explanation: Election is God’s gracious choice to save some out of His mercy.

Reprobation is God’s just decision to pass over others, leaving them in their sin.

Application: Highlights God’s mercy in salvation and justice in judgment.

D. Paragraph 4: The Certainty of the Decree

Point: The number of the elect and reprobate is fixed and unalterable. Scripture: John 10:26-29, 2 Timothy 2:19

Explanation: God’s decree is not contingent or subject to change; it is definite and purposeful.

Application: Provides comfort in the security of salvation for the elect.

E. Paragraph 5: The Purpose of Election

Point: God’s election is for His glory and the praise of His grace, not based on foreseen merit. Scripture: Ephesians 1:6, Romans 11:33-36

Explanation: Salvation is entirely of grace, excluding human boasting.

Application: Calls for worship and gratitude for God’s unmerited favor.

F. Paragraph 6: The Means of Executing the Decree

Point: God uses means (e.g., preaching, providence) to accomplish His decree of salvation. Scripture: Romans 10:14-17, Acts 13:48

Explanation: While the end is certain, God ordains the means by which the elect are saved.

Application: Urges believers to share the gospel as God’s appointed means.

G. Paragraph 7: The Mystery and Response to the Decree

Point: The doctrine of God’s decree is to be handled with humility and reverence, not speculation. Scripture: Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 11:33

Explanation: It’s a mystery beyond full human comprehension; we trust God’s goodness and justice.

Application: Encourages faith over curiosity and submission to God’s revealed will.

III. Practical Implications

A. Comfort for Believers: God’s decree ensures that all things work for the good of the elect (Romans 8:28).

B. Evangelistic Zeal: The use of means in God’s decree motivates sharing the gospel.

C. Humility: Recognizing God’s sovereignty removes pride in salvation.

V. Conclusion

Recap: God’s decree is eternal, sovereign, purposeful, and glorifies Him in both mercy and justice.

Call to Action: Trust in God’s plan, proclaim the gospel, and worship Him for His sovereign grace.