Sovereign Selection of Some Sinners to Salvation

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(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Ephesians 1:4, "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight."

Sovereign Selection

The doctrine of election begins and ends with God. Before time began, before a star ever shone, the triune God set His heart upon a people whom He would make His own. This choosing was not prompted by anything outside of Himself. It was not based on foreseen faith, human merit, or moral potential--but upon His sovereign good pleasure alone. "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion," declares the Lord (Romans 9:15).

Election magnifies the absolute supremacy of God's will, and the sovereign liberty of His grace. He is the Potter--we are the clay. That He should choose ANY is astounding. That He should choose multitudes from every tribe, tongue, and nation is cause for eternal praise.

Of Some Sinners

God's electing love is not directed toward the righteous--for none are righteous; but toward undeserving, ill-deserving, Hell-deserving sinners. Not the noble, the wise, or the worthy--but the poor in spirit, the helpless, the ungodly. "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27). He chose the harlots, the tax collectors, the blasphemers, the rebels--and made them trophies of His grace!

The doctrine of election humbles man to the dust. It strips away all boasting, and casts the sinner entirely upon the mercy of God. That He would look upon vile rebels and say, "You are Mine!" is love beyond all comprehension. God's choice was not done with icy indifference--but with the warmth of eternal affection!

To Salvation

Election is not to privilege only--but to salvation. Those whom He chose, He also effectually calls, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies (Romans 8:30). His electing love is effectual--it secures every spiritual blessing in Christ. Election is not an abstract doctrine--it is the fountain of all redemptive grace. Jesus came to save His people from their sins. He laid down His life for His sheep. He loses none of those the Father has chosen and given to Him.

To be one of God's chosen people, is to be . . .
  eternally loved by the Father,
  effectually redeemed by Christ,
  indwelt by the Spirit,
  and destined for eternal glory.

What began in God's decree of election in eternity past, will culminate in the everlasting joy of the saints.

"In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves." Ephesians 1:5-6