RUSSELL SANDERS
5-8-2025
IRRESISTIBLE GRACE

I do not accept all the doctrine of Calvinism, but there are some features of it that are intriguing for the particular element of truth found in it. One such intrigue involves the doctrine of irresistible grace of God.

This doctrine claims that God may choose a person to be born again. The person has been pre-destined to be saved, so God’s grace is imparted to them in such a powerful fashion that it overwhelms their will, and they accept salvation. It is a controversial doctrine, but there are some examples that appear to support it.

The idea is that although we have a free will to choose or to “not choose” God, His grace [favor] is sent upon us so strongly that we feel powerless to reject it. We feel compelled to accept salvation, almost feeling like we cannot resist it.

That seems to be the experience for Saul of Tarsus as he traveled along the road to Damascus in Syria. He was going there to persecute and imprison the “followers of the Way” [Jesus].

Jesus appeared to him in such a light that it literally blinded him. Jesus then spoke audibly to him from above. Saul then followed Jesus’ instructions to go to Damascus. He was ministered to by Ananias and was baptized as a new believer. It would appear as though he had no real choice in the matter. It was as if God had reached down and “snatched him up” for the greater purpose and destiny. It would also seem to have been impossible for Saul [later called Paul] to resist such an act of God. Some would call this an act of irresistible grace.

Others may claim that Saul still had a choice whether to accept God’s call from Jesus or to continue to “kick against the pricks,” but it seems like he had little choice but to follow God’s call.

If God calls you to Him, how truly can you resist? I am not speaking of a conviction of sin and a choice to respond, or not respond, to salvation. I am saying, what if God simply “selects” you? I feel like I was selected by Him.

I had just turned six years old and entered first grade. It was the fall of 1953. I came from an unchurched family. My 24-year-old mother had never been inside a church, not even for a wedding or funeral. She accepted an invitation by a friend to meet with a pastor and go to church. She accepted and we went.

I was taken to Sunday school, and as soon as I got there, I was almost immediately converted. I knew nothing about sin or salvation, but I was promptly saved. My six-year-old self was completely turned around. My mother’s little imp suddenly became her little “do no wrong” angel. From that moment on, I loved God and loved church, although I lacked any spiritual understanding. It felt like an “irresistible grace” event.

I know that God “selected” me. I seemed destined to love Him. And He has never “let go” of me. I did not seek Him; He sought me!