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1999-03-09 - E: Election
The Holy Alphabet Series
Ephesians 1:4,5 just as He chose us in Him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.
In love he predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself,
according to the kind intention of His will. NASB
"Election, is the eternal and unchangeable decree of God, whereby of his
free Grace and mercy he hath made choice of some rather than others, to bestow
upon them eternal life and happiness, and that for the glory of his free
grace, Ephes. 1:4, Rom. 11:2,5,6, Ephes. 1:5." --Robert Port
This is not a popular topic in the church today. Election, Predestination,
God's Sovereign will in salvation, are all things that many today do not
like to hear about. The fact that some are saved from the wrath of God and
some are not seems unfair. Why some and not others? Why those and not these?
The will of God in saving some and not others (Romans 5:8,9) is too much
for some to take and so the teaching about election and predestination is
tossed away and called Calvinistic. When this is done, much of the Bible
has to be tossed away also. Anytime we toss out parts of the Bible because
we do not like what it says we are walking on dangerous and foolish ground.
The amazing thing about salvation is not that some are saved and others are
not, but rather it is amazing that any are saved at all. The mercy of God
is wonderful simply because mercy is extended. It is amazing that everyone
is not damned. It is amazing that any are saved.
The doctrine of Election can be viewed as a teaching that excludes some from
the kingdom of God. Some are not elected. Some will feel, experience, and
know personally the terrible wrath of God. This way of viewing salvation
is not helpful for many because they view it as unfair, arbitrary, or unjust.
Then this doctrine begins to make no sense because we know that God is just.
(Psalm 89:14)
How much more helpful to view the doctrine of Election from an inclusive
perspective. How wonderful that any are included in the gift of salvation.
How blessed it is that God saves anyone, who, if left alone in their sin
nature deserve his wrath.
The justice of God was satisfied by Christ on the cross. The just died for
the unjust (1 Peter 3:18) and the people for whom Christ died are now made
alive in Him (1 Corinthians 15:22, Ephesians 2:5) and given his righteousness
(Romans 6:10-13). The doctrine of Election, when viewed in this manner; that
it is remarkable that anyone is saved, is a doctrine that can bring a smile
to the face, joy to the heart, and peace to the soul of the follower of the
Lord Jesus Christ.
"Oh despise not election! Therein lies all your hope, that there is a remnant
who shall infallibly be saved." Thomas Goodwin
Soli Deo Gloria,
T-
brutefact@hotmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
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