Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. - Ephesians 1:4-6

Did you know that the Bible teaches the doctrine of election? In the verses quoted above, the Apostle Paul teaches the church at Ephesus about one of the most comforting Biblical principles. It is also one of the most misunderstood portions of the Bible to modern Christianity. If we have a clear understanding of this precious doctrine if will assist us in better understanding the strength and glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It will also influence our daily activities and life choices. It is my desire to explore the intended meaning of this and other verses relation to the election. I also want to address some of the misconceptions about this teaching.

The Apostle Paul states that God’s people were chosen before the world was spoken into existence. This is an incredible statement! What were we chosen for? Simply stated, we were chosen to enjoy unbroken fellowship with him in Heaven some day. We also enjoy the timely blessings of God as we obey his commandments in this world. Please notice that He chose us. We did not choose Him. According to scripture, we had not the ability because of sin. Paul describes the human condition in Romans 3. He writes in Romans 3:11 that, “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Because of the results of sin we are unprofitable servants at best. We had not the ability to seek him, but he sought us. Deuteronomy 32:10 refers to the time when God found Jacob in a waste howling wilderness. We find ourselves in a similar situation spiritually. If not for the electing grace of God we would all be condemned because of our sinful natures.

In Romans 8:1 Paul declares that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Who are those that are in Christ Jesus that walk after the Spirit? They are the ones chosen in him from the foundation of the world. In verse 29-30, Paul writes, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Predestinate means that one’s destination was determined beforehand. Paul is teaching that God chose a particular people to be his children and enjoy the blessings of Heaven. We were predestinated before the world ever existed; before any man inhabited this earth. This fact alone takes human works out of the equation of eternal salvation. Those that were predestinated are called irresistibly be the Spirit of God. They are found just (or righteous) because of the blood of Christ and will one day be glorified in Heaven.

The above mentioned verses are only a few dealing with the topic of election. It is comforting to know that salvation is not dependant on men but God. We are surrounded by instability in this world, but the foundations of God stand strong. As God’s children we were chosen before the world ever was. Salvation was secured when Jesus entered into the world, lived a sinless life, and shed his precious blood for our sins. Jesus Christ is given the title of, “author and finisher of our faith” in Hebrews 12:2. We were condemned because of our sinful condition, but Jesus bore our punishment (the wrath of God) on the cross of Calvary. He did all that was necessary to save the people that were chosen by God. A clear understanding of this precious Biblical truth should cause us to rejoice in the Lord and foster a desire to serve the Lord who saved poor wretches like us! I am reminded of the classic hymn penned by John Newton, Amazing Grace.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

God’s grace is indeed awe inspiring. When we understand God’s wonderful plan of salvation and Jesus’ amazing sacrifice, then we can serve him acceptably. I hope to address some of the misconceptions and objections to the doctrine of election next week. It is my prayer that God will bless you as you consider this important Biblical principle.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

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Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church

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