TULIP GEMS

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”  (2 Peter 3:18)

A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:”   (Ephesians 2:1) 

Just as Lazarus was raised physically (see John chapter 11) by the mighty power of Christ, so each of the elect are raised from their deadness in sins by the new birth.  Lazarus was free to come to Christ -- except for one problem.  He was DEAD. 

Christ had to FIRST raise Lazarus from the dead. Only THEN could he come to Christ.  So it is with each of the elect.  We must be raised from the dead by spiritual birth BEFORE we are able to come to Christ. 

In each case there is an effectual, inward call (Irresistible Grace).  Had Christ just said, “Come forth” ALL would have come forth from their graves.  But he used ELECTION (selection).  He said, “LAZARUS, come forth”. 

And so it is with each of God's elect.  With the outward call of the Gospel, comes the inward, effectual call of God's Spirit.

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