We read in Romans 11.5 that our salvation is all of grace, and not of ourselves. It is simply called the election of grace. Because of the tragic results of the fall of man, it is only by the divine power of God that we are drawn to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44. Oh how those words of Jesus causes a holy hush to come over me.
Today’s devotional is a bit theological, but I pray you will find it a blessing and cause of rejoicing. Do you “feel” saved today? Have you ever doubted whether or not you prayed the right “sinner’s prayer?” The biblical doctrine of election is the cure for any and all anxiety that is the cause of all uncertainty and despair.
Paul said this to the saints in Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 1:4 “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. “The biblical doctrine of election is not only one that is shrouded with glorious mystery, it is also one that gives absolute certainty. In writing to the saints at Ephesus, Paul reminded them that they were “chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Ephesians 1:4
We see here, as we see in other places where election is referred to, one of the purposes of God choosing us. To be holy, and without blame (reproach). The doctrine of election is very, very practical. I am reminded of what Jesus said to the disciples in the upper room; “you have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit” John 15.16. Again, we see the practical purpose in our being followers of Christ. To go and be fruitful for His Name sake. Thus we see that this doctrine of election is never meant to be interpreted as something that causes us to be cold, smug and uncaring towards others; but inspire us to serve Christ out of love. A love for Him, and our neighbor as ourselves.
Romans 8:29 “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.” Why were we predestinated? To be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. It is not my intention for us to get caught up with all of these deep theological truths presented in this passage, but to remind us that the doctrine of election is a most certain calling to become more and more like Jesus Christ. Peter writes, 1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
Being conformed to the image of Jesus is that life-long process of sanctification, dear ones. This is what God is most certainly doing in our lives today. Sanctifying us by The Spirit. Using everything in our lives for that singular purpose. To conform us to the image of Jesus. To make us holy as He is holy. To bear fruit for the glory of His Name.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” Being chosen and giving of thanks are dynamic pillars of the Christian life. Beloved, the doctrine of election is never meant to be disturbing or fatalistic, but humbling and practical. We do not and cannot save ourselves. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of a God alone!
Let me leave you with a couple of things to ponder as your day unfolds.
- Luke 10:20 “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” No matter what today holds for you, nothing can change the fact that you are heaven bound. Glory to God!
- Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Be sensitive to those God ordained opportunities to glorify God.
Dear reader, God’s Word tells us to make our calling and election sure. Are you a follower of tradition, current religious or spiritual trends, or truth? 1Cor 1.18 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” Repent of your sin and call upon The Name of The Lord.
