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Romans 9:8-15
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we introduced this amazing doctrine of election. We defined election 1. As an act of God before creation in which He chooses some people to be saved. 2. Election is not on account of any foreseen merit in any person; 3. Election is only because of God’s good pleasure. We also indicated that the doctrine of election is presented in the NT as a means of consolation, adoration, and evangelization. This week we are looking at just a few of the ways or proofs that Scripture teaches the doctrine of election.
To begin, God Himself teaches the doctrine. In Ex.19:6 we read, “for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests a holy nation.” 2 Thess. 2:13 tells us, “…God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” Because God has chosen us to be redeemed, we are a chosen people, a Royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You are priceless because you are bought with the blood of Christ, and you belong to God forever!
A second truth is – those chosen receive God’s special attention and care. In Gen.18:19 we read, “for I have chosen Abraham to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice.” 1 Pet. 1:2 says in part, “… to those who are either lacked according to the foreknowledge of God the father.” In Scripture “to know or to be known by God” means that God has complete knowledge and understanding of each of us in every facet and detail of our life. It is this truth of this amazing doctrine that teaches, when your life is totally dedicated and submitted to God, He literally takes all the guesswork out of living the Christian life.
A third truth of the doctrine of election is that God’s choice is a matter of grace, or unmerited favor He made in eternity past. In Eph. 1:4, 5 we learn in part, “even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.” One writer says, “election or God’s choosing some to be saved is unconditional because it is not conditioned upon anything that God sees in us that makes us worthy of His choosing us.” That means God gives to us because He desires for us to experience a way of life that is better for us than we could conceive in our wildest imagination!
Another truth of the doctrine of election is that God has given His chosen to Christ to be His peculiar possession. From a Divine perspective when Christians are being called a “peculiar” possession for Christ, it means a “purchased possession.” In our throw-away world where even human life, in or out of the womb, means nothing to so many, the doctrine of election brings to the true man or woman of God reason, purpose, value, and honor that begins deep in the heart of an Almighty God and flows into the redeemed heart of a person chosen to receive God’s divine favor and honor.
One more truth is that God’s chosen are the recipients of a special call from God. Read Romans 8:28, 29. If you think about that, you begin to understand the enormity and infinite love God has demonstrated to us in this amazing doctrine of election.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
