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,
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