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The Bible and Election

 I have been teaching Scripture for almost 50 years now, and probably the two most difficult theological issues to understand - correctly - is what I posted last time concerning the Trinity, and today the doctrine of Election.  When Christians begin to realize that Salvation is a work of God's grace and mercy apart from any works on their part, they often become confused about what this means both personally and others.  One of the chief concerns is "if Election is completely God's will or choice, how do I know if I am elected by God?"  The question itself gives me insight into their heart - to want to know with assurance that they are saved!  I will allow Pastor Charles Spurgeon to fill in the details:

Know Your Election

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.  (I Thessalonians 1:4)

Many persons want to know their election before they look to Christ, but that is not possible; it is only to be discovered by “looking to Jesus.”1 If you desire to ascertain your own election, after the following manner shall you assure your heart before God.

Do you feel yourself to be a lost, guilty sinner? Go straight to the cross of Christ, and tell Jesus so, and tell Him that you have read in the Bible, “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”2 Tell Him that He has said, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”3 Look to Jesus and believe on Him, and you shall make proof of your election directly, for as surely as you believe, you are elect.

If you will give yourself wholly up to Christ and trust Him, then you are one of God‘s chosen ones; but if you stop and say, “I want to know first whether I am elect,” you do not know what you are asking. Go to Jesus, just as you are, in all your guilt. Leave all curious inquiry about election alone. Go straight to Christ, and hide in His wounds, and you shall know your election. The assurance of the Holy Spirit shall be given to you, so that you shall be able to say, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”4

Christ was at the everlasting council—He can tell you whether you were chosen or not; but you cannot find it out in any other way. Go and put your trust in Him, and His answer will be, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”5 There will be no doubt about His having chosen you when you have chosen Him.

Sons we are through God’s election, who in Jesus Christ believe.

1) Hebrews 12:2

2) John 6:37

3) 1 Timothy 1:15

4) 2 Timothy 1:12

5) Jeremiah 31:3

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