Invisible Assets, Grace, Election, & Predestination
12-23-2025 Sermon: Invisible Assets, Grace, Election, and Predestination
Sermon Outline: Invisible Assets, the Grace Principle, Election, and Predestination (Chronological-Theological Synthesis)
Occasion and Setting
Opening acknowledgment of God’s providence in gathering (Christmas week; gratitude; avoiding distractions).
Corporate preparation: moment of silent confession to restore fellowship.
Exegetical note: Fellowship is restored by confession; not the indwelling but the filling/controlling ministry of the Spirit is in view (cf. later references to 1 John 1:9 in application).
Invocation and Purpose
Prayer of thanksgiving; recognition of God’s presence when two or more are gathered (cf. Matthew 18:20).
Objective: To review and systematize the doctrine of invisible assets for execution of the divine plan, emphasizing principles behind the biblical data; to integrate the grace principle and the primary assets of election and predestination with Old Testament case study and New Testament application.
1.
Old Testament Saints and Invisible Assets: Timeless Provision and Administration
Thesis
Old Testament saints possessed corresponding divine assets, appropriated by faith, analogous to New Testament believers’ assets, though not including indwelling Christ prior to the Incarnation.
Doctrinal point: Assets are provided by God; believers glorify God by utilizing them through faith.
Administration Distinctions
Exegetical note: The assets differ in administration before and after Pentecost (e.g., no indwelling of Christ pre-Church Age), yet God’s provision remains sufficient and tailored.
Application
The faith-use of divine assets is timeless; God provides so He may be glorified through vessels who avail themselves to His plan.
2. Definition and Nature of Invisible Assets
Doctrinal Definition
Invisible assets refer to the work God accomplished on behalf of the believer in eternity past, constituting both:
The blessings He has provided.
The assets required to please Him and to execute His plan.
Principle: God does not expect believers to operate by human talent or ability; He provides His power and assets for all phases of life—living, dying, eternity, growing in grace, and executing His plan.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Exegetical Notes:
“Workmanship” (poiēma): We are the product/result of God’s work, not ours.
“Created in Christ Jesus”: Union with Christ is the sphere and basis for production.
“For good works”: These are divine-good works that align with God’s purpose.
“Prepared beforehand”: God predesigned the plan and the works.
“Walk in them”: The verb “walk” is in the subjunctive mood, indicating potential contingent on volition; believers may or may not choose to walk in these prepared works.
Application: Non-legalistic Works
These are not man-made, external, legalistic performances; they are Spirit-enabled, Word-directed “good works” God Himself supplies.
Purpose: That all glory accrues to God, since He provides the plan, assets, and power.
Scripture: Matthew 5:13–14
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Theological Emphasis:
Believers function as salt and light when operating in God’s power and assets.
The resultant works manifest God’s glory, not human merit.
3. Case Study: Moses—Faith, Assets, and Availability
Biographical Overview
Raised in Pharaoh’s house; extraordinarily wealthy, powerful, and culturally advantaged (cf. Exodus narrative).
Doctrinal Emphasis
Moses forsook power, popularity, and wealth by faith, focusing on invisible divine assets; availability > natural ability.
God’s repeated assurance: “I will provide… I will be glorified through you.”
Exegetical Observation
Moses’ reluctance and speech concerns (cf. Exodus 3–4) illustrate grace-provision amid human insufficiency.
Application
Believers must forsake reliance on human assets and embrace divine provision; walk in what God provides to glorify Him.
4.
The Grace Principle Governing Salvation and the Christian Life
Doctrinal Principle
The Christian life is to be lived by the same grace principle through which we were saved. We begin with grace and must continue in grace.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Exegetical Notes:
“By grace… through faith”: The instrumental means of salvation excludes human merit.
“That not of yourselves… gift of God”: The entire salvation package (including the faith-response, as taught here) is God’s gracious provision, eliminating grounds for boasting.
“Not as a result of works”: Human works cannot attain salvation; likewise, they cannot attain or sustain invisible assets.
Continuity of Grace into the Walk
Salvation by grace necessitates sanctification by grace—the same divine power carries us from conversion through spiritual growth.
Christ’s Pattern of Power in His Humanity
Christ walked predominantly in His true humanity (while undiminished deity), setting the prototype for grace-dependent living.
Sources of Divine Power for the Believer
The Holy Spirit (indwelling, baptism, filling).
The Word of God.
Pneumatology Clarifications (as taught)
Indwelling: The Holy Spirit permanently indwells the believer at salvation (the Spirit resides in the believer).
Baptism of the Spirit: The Spirit identifies (unites) the believer with Christ—placing the believer into union with His body.
Filling of the Spirit: The Spirit’s controlling ministry over the soul, producing experiential fellowship and capacity for divine good.
Loss of fellowship occurs through personal sin; the remedy is confession (cf. application of 1 John 1:9, frequently utilized to restore fellowship).
Christ always maintained perfect fellowship with the Father; our walk aims to reflect that pattern through ongoing dependence.
Scripture: Colossians 2:6
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”
Exegetical Notes:
Keyword “so”: Greek houtōs, meaning “in this manner,” “in the same way.”
The manner of reception (by grace through faith, not works) becomes the manner of walking (sanctification by grace through faith, not works).
5. Attributes of God: The Source of Invisible Assets
Sovereignty
Definition: God’s supreme authority and rule over all, including His will to bless believers.
Pastoral emphasis: By sovereignty, God wills highest and best for the believer’s life.
Love
Definition: Divine love as the motivation behind God’s pre-designed plan for our lives.
Doctrinal note: Love drives provision; the plan is benevolent and purposeful.
Omniscience
Definition: God’s perfect knowledge; He provides perfect provisions for every problem, trial, and tragedy.
Doctrinal implication: Foreknowledge of our decisions does not coerce volition; it ensures tailored assets and provisions ahead of time.
Application
The believer’s confidence in assets rests on God’s sovereign will, loving motivation, and all-knowing provision.
6. Asset Taxonomy: Primary Assets and Levels
Statement
There are primary assets (common to all believers at salvation) and additional levels; two primary assets addressed: election and predestination.
Pastoral Direction
These assets are comprehensive and will be taught across sessions; knowledge is mandatory for function.
7.
Primary Asset 1: Election—Purpose Beyond Salvation
Definition
“Election is the expression of the sovereignty of God regarding His will and personal desire for the believer’s life.”
Doctrinal nuance: Election is more than salvation; it encompasses the believer’s fruit-bearing purpose.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4
“Knowing, brethren beloved by God, His election for you.”
Exegetical Point:
Knowledge of election is mandatory (not optional) for spiritual function.
Pastoral correction: Misconception—“election only equals salvation.” Truth—election includes salvation and mandates fruit-bearing.
Scripture: John 15:16
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain; so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.”
Exegesis:
Election includes salvation (the doorway), extends to fruit-bearing (purpose).
“In My name” = in His nature; functioning in Christ’s character.
Application:
Grace saves; grace appoints unto fruit. Election authorizes fruit-bearing, not passivity.
Scripture: Colossians 3:12–17 (Election in Practice—Exegesis by Verses)
Colossians 3:12
“So as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Exegetical notes:
“Chosen” = election; “heart” = the thinking center (right lobe/system of thought).
Command: Put on a grace-oriented mental framework comprised of virtue qualities.
Application:
This is the believer’s thought-system for glorifying God post-salvation.
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
Exegetical notes:
Function: Forbearance and forgiveness under grace orientation.
Grace orientation recognizes God did all the work in forgiveness; therefore, extend grace to others.
Application:
Forgive as forgiven; grace received becomes grace extended.
Colossians 3:14
“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
Exegetical notes:
“Love” = virtue love (unconditional; respects the dignity of others).
Result: Unity via virtue love; applies broadly in corporate function.
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Exegetical notes:
“Rule” = act as an umpire; peace governs the soul (thinking center).
Corporate calling: one body unity with gratitude.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Exegetical notes:
“Word of Christ” = Bible doctrine/the mind of Christ richly resident in the soul.
Results: Wisdom, instruction, mutual admonition, worship, and thankfulness.
Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
Exegetical notes:
“In the name” = in His nature/character.
Grace orientation: God does the work through the believer; God gets the glory.
Application:
If the believer attempts to do the work for salvation/spirituality, they glorify self; when God works through the believer, He is glorified.
Pastoral Application: Spirit-Filled Service
Motive test: Are you filled with the Spirit? Are you acting for the love of Christ?
Practice: Confession/cleansing before service; ask God to cleanse from unrighteousness and to work through you for His glory.
Clarification: Spirit-filling is not a feeling; it is a functional state where doctrine governs and the Spirit empowers.
8.
Primary Asset 2: Predestination—Provision for Execution
Definition
Predestination is God’s provision and the means to execute God’s pre-designed plan for the believer’s life.
Doctrinal relationship: Election = God’s will for highest and best; Predestination = the logistics and plan enabling that will to be executed.
Calvinism Contrast
Correction: Predestination does not mean God arbitrarily predestines some to salvation and others to damnation without regard for volition.
Attributes Integration
Omniscience: God foreknew every decision we would make (without violating volition).
Sovereignty: He designed a plan consistent with His will to bless.
Love: He tailored provisions benevolently for the believer’s life.
Pastoral clarity: God’s foreknowledge of positive volition toward doctrine results in a pre-designed plan fitted to those choices; volition remains intact.
Pipeline Analogy (Volitional Function)
Believer’s volition “opens the faucet” for divine assets to flow.
Without volitional alignment, the pipeline remains unused; with positive volition, assets flow and function.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:4
“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.”
Teaching note:
“Holy and blameless” often misunderstood as mere abstentions (e.g., cultural taboos). Biblical holiness relates to positional and progressive realities in Christ’s plan, not externalism.
Application:
God made you a new creation in Christ; predestination outlines how you walk in that positional holiness with blameless function.
9. Pastoral Applications and Exhortations
Volitional Responsibility
The subjunctive “walk” (Ephesians 2:10) highlights the believer’s daily volitional decisions to operate under grace and divine assets rather than human strength.
Avoiding Legalism
Reject external, man-made systems that appear religious but lack the Spirit’s power and the Word’s authority; embrace Spirit-enabled obedience that glorifies the Father.
Maintaining Fellowship
Practice immediate confession of known sin to restore the filling of the Spirit and resume grace operation in the plan of God (application of 1 John 1:9).
Visibility of Grace through Works
As salt and light (Matthew 5:13–14), believers manifest God’s glory when their works are the result of His power and assets, not self-effort.
Practice of Fruit-Bearing under Election and Predestination
Scripture recap: John 15:16; Colossians 3:12–17
Functional steps:
Put on the doctrinal thinking (right lobe) commanded in Colossians 3:12–17.
Operate under grace orientation: God provides solutions; God does the work; God gets the glory.
Serve “in His name” (nature), not for human optics; avoid self-glorification.
Motive assessment:
God searches the heart; ask Him to cleanse and use you.
Serve with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, virtue love, peace, and thankfulness.
Worship integration:
Let doctrine dwell richly; produce wisdom, mutual teaching, admonition, psalms/hymns/spiritual songs with thankfulness.
10. Summary of Scriptural Flow (in Order Used)
1. Ephesians 2:10 — Definition and divine preplanning of good works; subjunctive “walk.”
2. Matthew 5:13–14 — Believers as salt and light; works that glorify the Father.
3. Ephesians 2:8–9 — Grace principle for salvation; exclusion of human works; gift-character of salvation and faith.
4. Colossians 2:6 — Continuity: Walk in the same manner as reception (by grace through faith).
5. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 — Mandate to know election; election extends beyond salvation to fruit-bearing.
6. John 15:16 — Election’s appointment to fruit-bearing; prayer “in His name” as functioning in His nature.
7. Colossians 3:12 — Election in practice: put on virtue framework.
8. Colossians 3:13 — Grace-oriented forbearance and forgiveness.
9. Colossians 3:14 — Virtue love as the bond of unity.
10. Colossians 3:15 — Peace ruling as umpire; gratitude in corporate calling.
11. Colossians 3:16 — Word of Christ dwelling richly; wisdom, instruction, worship, thankfulness.
12. Colossians 3:17 — Doing all in His name; grace orientation—God works through the believer.
13. Ephesians 1:4 — Chosen in Him before the foundation of the world; goal of holiness and blamelessness.
11. Concluding Charge and Pastoral Prayer Emphasis
Reaffirmation
Invisible assets are God’s provision from eternity past; believers are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for predesigned divine-good production.
Resolution
Continue in the same grace by which we were saved—walking by the Spirit and the Word, eschewing legalism, maintaining fellowship, and glorifying the Father through His own power at work in us.
Prayer
Pray for the doctrine to be internalized as second nature by the Spirit’s power.
Ask for surrender to the Spirit and readiness: “Here I am, Lord.”
Thank God for Christ, for faithful teaching, and for celebrating Christ’s birth as Messiah and King of Kings.