No 29

(Election)

“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Many persons question the doctrine of election and the fact that God “chooses” who He wants and say it is unfair. If someone looks to Christ and truly seeks Him, they will discover how election works. If they desire to ascertain their own election and do not realize that they are a lost, guilty sinner; there’s no hope. But if they go straightway to the cross of Christ, and tell Jesus so, and tell Him that they have read in the Bible that “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) Tell Him also that they have read “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Tim 1:15) If they look to Jesus and believe on him, they will make proof of their election directly for as sure as they believe, they are elect. If they will give themselves wholly up to Christ and trust Him, then they are one of God’s chosen ones. But if they stop and say “I want to know first whether I am elect or not” , they have understood nothing. They must go to Jesus and be ever so guilty; just as they are. They must leave all curious inquiry about election alone and go straight to Christ to hide in Him; then and only then shall they know their election.

The assurance of the Holy Spirit shall be given to them so that they shall say “I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him.” (2 Tim 1:12) Christ knows who is chosen or not; but one cannot find it out in any other way than by going to Him and trusting in Him; His answer will be “I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have drawn thee” (Jer 31:3) There will be no doubt about His having chosen someone when that someone has chosen Him.