Reformed doctrine of predestination - Boettner - V - Chapter 11 commenced

Required reading
Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example).  Begin Chapter 11 by reading the first four points (1.Statement of Doctrine; 2. Proof from Scripture; 3. Proof from Reason; 4. Faith and good works are the fruits and proof, not the basis of election).

My summary
Now we begin a fairly lengthy chapter on unconditional election.

Firstly Boettner states what is unconditional election by quoting from the Westminster confession.

Secondly Boettner teaches that the doctrine is proven by Scripture.  He finds four elections in Scripture:
(i) individual salvation;
(ii) national knowledge of true religion;
(iii) the environment into which an individual is placed (e.g. nation, poverty, Christian parents etc);
(iv) individual vocation.

Thirdly we are shown that unconditional election is logical, particularly if one accepts 'Total inability (depravity)'.

Fourthly Boettner looks at how faith and good works are the fruits of election, not the conditions of it.  Here he also considers the foreknowledge argument that Arminians propose: God elected those he foreknew would turn to him.  Boettner demonstrates that this would remove God's sovereignty.

What grabbed me
I thought it was an interesting point that God elects nations to receive his blessing: 'Apart from this election of individuals to life, there has been what we may call a national election, or a divine predestination of nations and communities to a knowledge of true religion and to the external privileges of the Gospel. God undoubtedly does choose some nations to receive much greater spiritual and temporal blessings than others. This form of election has been well illustrated in the Jewish nation, in certain European nations and communities, and in America. The contrast is very striking when we compare these with other nations such as China, Japan, India, etc.'

I just hope and pray that God has elected my community here in Australia to receive a knowledge of true religion.

Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 11 by reading the fifth point (5. Reprobation).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.