Topical Bible: Salvation is of the Appointment of God

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The doctrine that salvation is of the appointment of God is a central tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing God's sovereign will and purpose in the redemption of humanity. This concept underscores the belief that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, has predetermined the means and recipients of salvation, independent of human merit or effort.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous passages that highlight the divine appointment in the process of salvation. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage underscores the idea that God's choice and predestination are rooted in His love and sovereign will.

Romans 8:29-30 further elaborates on this theme: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." Here, the apostle Paul outlines a sequence of divine actions—foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification—demonstrating God's comprehensive plan for salvation.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

While the appointment of salvation is attributed to God's sovereign will, Scripture also affirms human responsibility in responding to God's call. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency, where God's enabling grace empowers believers to pursue holiness and obedience.

Election and Grace

The concept of election is closely tied to the appointment of salvation. In 2 Timothy 1:9 , Paul writes, "He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began." This verse highlights that salvation is not based on human works but is a result of God's gracious purpose and eternal plan.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the doctrine of salvation by divine appointment is the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator and redeemer. John 6:37 records Jesus saying, "Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away." This assurance reflects the certainty of salvation for those whom the Father has given to the Son, emphasizing the security and permanence of God's salvific plan.

The Assurance of Salvation

Believers find assurance in the knowledge that their salvation is rooted in God's unchanging purpose. Romans 11:29 declares, "For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable." This assurance is a source of comfort and confidence for Christians, knowing that their salvation is not contingent upon their own efforts but rests securely in the faithful and unchanging nature of God.

Conclusion

The doctrine that salvation is of the appointment of God highlights the majesty and mystery of divine grace. It calls believers to a deeper trust in God's sovereign will and a humble acknowledgment of His unmerited favor. Through the lens of Scripture, this doctrine invites Christians to marvel at the depth of God's love and the certainty of His redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Vocation of Men to Salvation
... to vocation itself by which we are called to salvation, contains also whatsoever
is necessary, through the appointment of God, for obtaining salvation or life ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 16 on the vocation.htm

The Glory of the Cross.
... those that do not believe, but to the believing it is salvation and life ... He was
conceived in the womb of Mary, according to the appointment of God, of the ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the ephesians/chapter xviii the glory of the.htm

On the Cause of Sin Universally
... wrath, ability, and most free power, in the salvation of some ... since this kind of
necessity is injected through the appointment of God." (Calvin's Institutes ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on the cause of sin.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... secondary is that which is indeed according to the appointment of God, but by ... Internal
tradition is always and absolutely necessary to the salvation of men. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 3 on the sufficiency.htm

Whether it is Lawful for a Man to Refuse Absolutely an Appointment ...
... of government in direct opposition to the appointment of his ... since it belongs to
the love of God that a ... It is not in itself necessary for salvation to accept ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 10.htm

The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God.
... that God has provided for the salvation of the ... to the carrying on of which God has
appointed ... infinitely greater importance of that appointment of Christianity ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter iii the sufferings of.htm

On Religion in a Stricter Sense
... likewise to be varied, as, through the appointment of God ... It was the pleasure of
God so to administer this ... as to have the attainment of salvation, without the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xi on religion in.htm

The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
... The salvation, of which He is the Author, though free to us, must cost ... morning and
evening, according to the law of Moses, were of God's appointment; but this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvi the lamb of.htm

The Knowledge of God to be Obtained from the Scripture. The Plan ...
... For though God is seen not with the eyes but with the mind ... it will be well that by
the appointment of adorable ... What more could have been done for our salvation? ...
/.../chapter 7 name knowledge of.htm

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, [2080] through the
mediatorial offices of the Son of God; [2081] who by the appointment of the ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm