Men love their free will. But, upon examination, the Doctrine of Free will – what does it do? “It magnifies man into God. It declares God’s purposes a nullity, since they cannot be carried out unless men are willing. It makes God’s will a waiting servant to the will of man, and the whole covenant of grace dependent on human action. Denying election on the ground of injustice, it holds God to be a debtor to sinners.” –Charles Spurgeon
Despite tremendous hostility to the Biblical doctrine of predestination and election, the truth prevails. The truth must prevail if the foundation of the Christian faith is to stand, for the Church must know what it believes, and why.
The idea has come that the Doctrine of Election must be important, for by this doctrine the people of God can be recognized. Paul explains. Paul remembered how the people at Thessalonica performed, without ceasing, works of faith, and engaged in labors of love, while having patience and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Based on his observation of those in the Church, Paul was able to say that he knew they were the elect of God, and to give thanks. “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God” (1 Thess. 1:2-4).
Again, the Doctrine of Election must be an important gospel truth, because it is mentioned so often in Scripture. A chain reference should be made in the Bible of every Christian linking one verse to the next, which sets forth the great Biblical teaching that God has a people of HIS own choosing. A good place to begin would be with the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:22. Continue to link the following verses together by writing at the end of each verse, the next reference. From Matthew 24:22 turn to Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:20; Mark 13:27; Romans 8:33; Romans 9:11; Romans 11:5-7; Romans 11:28; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1; and end with 1 Peter 1:1-2.
As you create your Biblical chain reference, keep in mind that the purpose of election is the certain salvation of the soul, while manifesting the glory of Christ. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
As you create your Biblical chain reference, examine yourself to make certain you are among the elect of God. Every professing believer is to make their election sure. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 2:10).
Third, the Doctrine of Election must be an important Biblical truth, because there is so much hostility to it. Local pastors seek to silence anyone who dares to say that God has an elect people of His own choosing.
There is deep hatred in the heart against those who promote free grace over free will. The idea of a predestined and elect people, rooted in the sovereignty of God, violates the determined attempt of the human heart to be autonomous, the captain of one’s own soul, the master of one’s own fate. The Natural Man believes, and is encouraged to believe, his eternal salvation is rooted in himself. “You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be” (Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich).
The gospel says, “Think that, and be damned.” The destiny of the Natural Man is predetermined. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:15). An alarming call goes out to the Natural Man to flee from the wrath to come. But who will flee? Those whom God has foreknown in an intimate way, those whom He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, those whom has called with irresistible cords, those whom He has justified.
The Doctrine of Election must be important, for it cost Jesus His life. If there had been no elect people, Jesus would not have had to die. Jesus was not going to die so that individuals might potentially be saved. No, no. Jesus died with divine certainty. He SHALL save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). The angel virtually shouted the gospel truth. He SHALL SAVE. Jesus did not die the death of all deaths for a possibility, but because of a divine certainty. “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:1).
For many, the Doctrine of Election is too difficult to study, it is too controversial, and too emotional a subject to teach and preach. Nevertheless, it is an important doctrine. It must be, or Satan would not be spending so much time and effort trying to discredit God’s Word, sow discord in the Church, and silence those who love the truth.
“I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why he should have looked upon me with special love.” –Charles Spurgeon
