Romans 8:28-30 — The great doctrines of election, predestination, calling, and the final perseverance of the saints are offered in Scripture as comfort for the believer in times of trials and suffering. The apostle Paul is primarily interested in believers seeing how they are in God’s purpose of salvation. The Christian can fall from the pastoral function of these truths when they discuss the doctrines in an argumentative or philosophical manner. In this sermon on Romans 8:26–30 titled “The Believer’s Security,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones pauses from expounding the content of the doctrine of the wondrous, mysterious mind of God in salvation and instead is concerned with the Christian’s posture. It is not enough to be “right” on these doctrines. The attitude towards God and others in pondering these Calvinistic truths matters a great deal. If this topic produces anything except humility and reverence, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones, then these doctrines have not been understood as they ought. As one approaches the foot of this holy mountain – predestination, election, calling, and final assurance – the outcome should be holiness. If one’s interest in these doctrines is purely philosophical, they will not be turned toward holiness, but rather antinomianism will surely follow. Beware how one approaches these great doctrines of grace as posture changes everything.
