Unconditional Election
By Jack Kettler 2012
Is election to salvation caused by an act of man or the free act of God? Does God elect
after seeing man's faith, repentance, or willingness? If God elects, after man contributes
something, is this a works form of salvation?
In the eternal counsel of God, with man's fall into sin in view, God appointed certain
people to be saved. In this act or decree, God was totally free in deciding to show grace
and mercy to some sinners, while passing other sinners by. Human works were not in view,
or the cause of God's election. Because of man's proclivity to sin resulting from the
fall, God is under no obligation to save anyone. Thus, God has determined those who will
be saved by nothing seen in their works including foreseen faith. Scripture clearly puts
the basis of God's election entirely outside man's attempts to be worthy.
Let's be clear, unconditional election means that man does not meet conditions in order to
be elected to salvation. God does not look forward in time, and on the basis of some
foreseen work on the part of man, elect him to salvation. If this were so, it could be
said the God elects men after seeing them do something. God then would be responding to
man's action. Salvation or election would be a debt that God owed to man, and in order to
obtain salvation, man would have to do his part.
The following Scriptural passages provide the rationale for affirming God's unconditional
election:
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even tomorrow the LORD will show
who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to
come near unto him. Numbers 16:5 (underlining emphasis mine)
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a
special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The
LORD did not set his love upon you, nor
choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of
all people: Deuteronomy 7:6,7
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed
unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I Kings 19:18
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he
may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy
holy temple. Psalms 65:4
O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. Psalms 105:6
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness
from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. Psalms 110:3
The Preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:1
LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in
us. Isaiah 26:12
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will
not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy
name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. Isaiah 45:4
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to
direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was
chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be
turned; for thou art the LORD my God. Surely after that I was turned, I
repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even
confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Jeremiah 31:18,19
In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought
for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.
Jeremiah 50:20
Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned: renew our days as of
old. Lamentation 5:21
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:
and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an
heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes,
and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:26,27
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and
wonders; insomuch that, if it were
possible, they deceive the very elect....And he shall send his angels with a great
sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one
end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:24,31
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for
the elect's sake, whom he hath
chosen, he hath shortened the days. Mark 13:20
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he
bear long with them? Luke 18:7
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God. John 1:13
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will no wise
cast out....And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up
again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which
seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at
the last day....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....And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me,
except it were given unto him of my Father. John 6:37,39,40,44,65
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scriptures may be
fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. John 13:18
Ye have not chosen me, But I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go
and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of
the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as
thou hast given him. John 17:2
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they
are thine. John 17:9
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall
call. Acts 2:39
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on
the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? Acts 11:17
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord:
and as many as were ordained to
eternal life believed. Acts 13:48
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which
worshipped God, heard us: whose
heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Acts 16:14
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples
to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through
grace: Acts 18:27
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.... Who shall lay anything to
the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Romans 8:29,33
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to
election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her,
The elder shall serve the younger. Romans 9:11,12
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.
Romans 9:23
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I
was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. Romans 10:20
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of
grace. Romans 11:5
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and
the rest were blinded. Romans 11:7
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....In whom also have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Ephesians
1:4,5,11
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God
hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base
things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which
are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1
Corinthians 1:27-29
For God, who commanded the light
to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also
to suffer for his sake; Philippians 1:29
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. I Thessalonians 1:4
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus
Christ. I Thessalonians 5:9
But we are bound to give thanks always 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.
II Thessalonians 2:13
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that
thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by
partiality. I Timothy 5:21
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the
world began. II Timothy 1:9
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. II Timothy 2:10
Paul, A servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's
elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Titus 1:1
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of
firstfruits of his creatures James 1:18
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. I Peter 1:2
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
darkness into his marvellous light. I Peter 2:9
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth
Marcus my son. I Peter 5:13
The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit,
and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were
not written in the book of life from the foundations of the world, when they behold
the beast that was, and in not and yet is. Revelation 17:8
In closing, salvation by grace is the unmerited favor of God. The underlining portions of
the above Scriptures, highlight the emphasis on God's electing action. The doctrine of
unconditional election makes the point that God's favor is unearned by man. It is solely
God's free choice to elect or not elect, not ours. The cause of election is God's good pleasure. Salvation is determined by
God's will, not man's will. This excludes all human works and prevents boasting. God's
electing grace demonstrates the fact that salvation is not the result of human action of
any kind, it all of grace.
A Testimony in Harmony with Unconditional Election:
I confess by the grace of God the truth of what the apostle Paul teaches in l Corinthians
15:1-4. In another place he declares the following concerning man's condition: “As it
is written, There is none righteous, no, not one...that every mouth may be stopped, and
all the world may become guilty before God” Romans 3:10,19. This was my condition.
Paul goes on to say: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23. I had earned the wages of death. God
in his mercy gave me the gift of eternal life. The only thing that I earned and deserved
was death. Eternal life came as a gift. One thing I am certain of and that is this: there
was and is absolutely nothing in me that caused God to give me this gift. Jesus Christ
gets all the glory and praise.
I attempt to do as the writer of Hebrews sets forth: “Looking unto Jesus the author
and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2. I look to Jesus by giving him the glory. God
gave me the gift of faith. I am saved by grace and even my faith is a gift. Ephesians 2:8
says: “and that not of yourselves”. What is not of yourselves? Faith! Did I
choose Christ and exercise faith? Yes, but why? Who gets the glory? Christ? Or me? Why did
I choose to believe? Ephesians 1: 4,5 supplies us the answer. “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.” Was this salvation in
my hands to choose or reject? If this were the case, then could I not glory in and of
myself? How can that be so? Because I would have done something others had not done. The
following verse tells us that the predestination is: “according to the good pleasure
of his will.” “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth,
but of God that showeth mercy” Romans 9:16.
The doctrine of election more than any other teaching of scripture takes salvation out of
man's hands and places it in God's control. Men do not like God's control. The cause of
God's choosing is found in Him. If we insist that we played a part in God's choice, then
human merit is brought into the picture. Salvation then becomes synergistic rather than
monergistic. Biblical salvation is monergistic. Christ alone, by his complete and finished
work saved me. Within a synergistic scheme, salvation becomes a cooperative effort. My
work takes away from the work of Christ. How? I made a contribution. I played a part in my
salvation. If I was not willing, then God could not save me. A synergistic scheme of
salvation not only steals Christ's glory, it limits God's power. God can only do what I
allow him to do within this type of system. Again, I confess by the grace of God that:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” Titus 3:5.
This is the close of my testimony. “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ
for ever. Amen”. Romans 16:27. heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:28,29).
Unconditional Election: "What Does it Mean?" (James White)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3wDat16yvk
The Westminster Confession states the doctrine of Election:
Chapter III
Of God's Eternal Decree
I. God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely,
and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass;[1] yet so, as thereby neither is God the
author of sin,[2] nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty
or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.[3]
II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions;[4]
yet has He not decreed anything because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would
come to pass upon such conditions.[5]
III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels[6] are
predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.[7]
IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated, and foreordained, are particularly and
unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either
increased or diminished.[8]
V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto
life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and
immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, has chosen, in
Christ, unto everlasting glory,[9] out of His mere free grace and love, without any
foresight of faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing
in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving Him thereunto;[10] and all to the praise
of His glorious grace.[11]
VI. As God has appointed the elect unto glory, so has He, by the eternal and most free
purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto.[12] Wherefore, they who are
elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ,[13] are effectually called unto
faith in Christ by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted,
sanctified,[14] and kept by His power, through faith, unto salvation.[15] Neither are any
other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved,
but the elect only.[16]
VII. The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of His own
will, whereby He extends or withholds mercy, as He pleases, for the glory of His sovereign
power over His creatures, to pass by; and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their
sin, to the praise of His glorious justice.[17]
VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special
prudence and care,[18] that men, attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and
yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be
assured of their eternal election.[19] So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise,
reverence, and admiration of God;[20] and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation
to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.[21]
Footnotes:
[1] EPH 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.
ROM 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! HEB 6:17 Wherein God,
willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel,
confirmed it by an oath. ROM 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will
have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 18 Therefore hath
he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
[2] JAM 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning. 1JO 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him,
and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
[3] ACT 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye
have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. MAT 17:12 But I say unto you,
That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they
listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. ACT 4:27 For of a truth against
thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the
Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy
hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. JOH 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest
have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that
delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. PRO 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but
the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
[4] ACT 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 1SA 23:11
Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant
hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He
will come down. 12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the
hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up. MAT 11:21 Woe unto thee,
Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had
been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 23
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if
the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have
remained until this day.
[5] ROM 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil,
that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that
calleth;) 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 16 So then it is
not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 18
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
[6] 1TI 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels,
that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by
partiality. MAT 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me,
ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
[7] ROM 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured
with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might
make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared
unto glory. EPH 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ
to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of
his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. PRO 16:4 The Lord hath made
all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
[8] 2TI 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from
iniquity. JOH 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the
scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against
me.
[9] EPH 1:4 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: 9 Having made known unto us the
mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose
of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own wilL. ROM 8:30 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. 2TI 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with
an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 1TH 5:9 For God hath not
appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus ChrisT.
[10] ROM 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil,
that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that
calleth;) 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 16 So then it is
not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. EPH 1:4
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. 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of
his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.
[11]EPH. 1:6,12.
[12] 1PE 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. EPH 1:4 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: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,
according to the good pleasure of his will. 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.
2TH 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.
[13] 1TH 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord
Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together
with him. TIT 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[14] ROM 8:30 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. EPH 1:5 Having
predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to
the good pleasure of his will. 2TH 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.
[15] 1PE 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time.
[16] JOH 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast
given me; for they are thine. ROM 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. JOH 6:64 But
there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were
that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you,
that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 10:26 But ye
believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 8:47 He that is of God
heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 1JO 2:19 They
went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt
have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were
not all of us.
[17] MAT 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. ROM 9:17
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up,
that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the
earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he
hardeneth. 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel
unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to
make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to
destruction. 2TI 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,
The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of
silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. JUD 4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this
condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying
the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 1PE 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock
of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they
were appointed.
[18] ROM 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing
formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 11:33 O the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and
his ways past finding out! DEU 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but
those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may
do all the words of this law.
[19] 2PE 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
[20] EPH 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in
the beloved. ROM 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
[21] ROM 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the
election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more
work. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 2PE 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for
if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. ROM 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge
of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. LUK 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not,
that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written
in heaven.
In closing, consider the great Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon thoughts:
Join with me in prayer at this moment, I entreat you. Join with me while I put words into
your mouths, and speak them on your behalf: “Lord, I am guilty, I deserve thy wrath.
Lord, I cannot save myself. Lord, I would have a new heart and a right spirit, but what
can I do? Lord, I can do nothing, come and work in me to will and to do thy good pleasure.
Thou alone hast power, I know,
To save a wretch like me;
To whom, or whither should I go
If I should run from thee?
But I now do from my very soul call upon thy name. Trembling, yet believing, I cast myself
wholly upon thee, O Lord. I trust the blood and righteousness of thy dear Son...Lord, save
me tonight, for Jesus' sake.” (From Iain Murray, The Forgotten Spurgeon [Edinburgh:
Banner of Truth Trust, 1973], pp. 101f.)
“But,” say others, “God elected them on the foresight of their faith.”
Now, God gives faith, therefore he could not have elected them on account of faith, which
he foresaw. There shall be twenty beggars in the street, and I determine to give one of
them a shilling; but will any one say that I determined to give that one a shilling, that
I elected him to have the shilling, because I foresaw that he would have it? That
would be talking nonsense. In like manner to say that God elected men because he foresaw
they would have faith, which is salvation in the germ, would be too absurd for us to
listen to for a moment. – C. H. Spurgeon On Doctrines of Grace 41,42.317
Some, who know no better, harp upon the foreknowledge of our repentance and faith, and say
that, “Election is according to the foreknowledge of God;” a very scriptural
statement, but they make a very unscriptural interpretation of it. Advancing by slow
degrees, they next assert that God foreknew the faith and the good works of his people.
Undoubtedly true, since he foreknew everything; but then comes their groundless inference,
namely, that therefore the Lord chose his people because he foreknew them to be believers.
It is undoubtedly true that foreknown excellencies are not the causes of election, since I
have shown you that the Lord foreknew all our sin: and surely if there were enough virtue
in our faith and goodness to constrain him to choose us, there would have been enough
demerit in our bad works to have constrained him to reject us; so that if you make
foreknowledge to operate in one way, you must also take it in the other, and you will soon
perceive that it could not have been from anything good or bad in us that we were chosen,
but according to the purpose of his own will, as it is written, “I will have mercy
upon whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have
compassion.” - C. H. Spurgeon on Doctrines of Grace 779.621
The above two quotes are from: http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/02/c_h_spurgeon_quotes_on_the_doc.php
Mr. Kettler is an ordained Presbyterian Elder and the
owner of http://www.Undergroundnotes.com
where his theological, philosophical and political articles can be read. He has worked in
corporate America for over 30 years and is now realizing his dreams as a successful home
business entrepreneur.
