“So, then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Romans 9:16).
In the final analysis, the Doctrine of Election must address the question, “On what basis does election take place?”
Is election based on the determinative free will of man?
Is election based on a synergism of human free will and God’s grace?
Is election based on God that shows mercy?
To ask the question against the revelation of Romans 9:16 is to answer the question. God must show mercy.
Does God show the same amount of grace and mercy to every person alike? No. “God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will he hardeneth” (Rom. 9:18).
In contrast to the clear statement of Scripture, Arminians say that in the final analysis, the basis of election, the determinative factor is the human will. “Salvation depends on your free will,” they say. “Salvation depends on your free choice!”, they assert. “God looks down the corridors of time, and comes into knowledge of your final decision, and on the basis of your decision, you, fallen son of Adam, He elects you because you have decided for Him; you have elected for God to save you.” “The decision is yours.”
More than one evangelist has said, that on the matter of election, “God has voted for you. Satan has voted against you. You cast the deciding vote.” “Will you vote to go to heaven?” Or, “Will you vote to go to hell?”
Let the Word of God go forth to the ends of the earth to the unconverted. If you have to cast the deciding vote regarding your salvation, you are destined to hell!
The unconverted will not vote against its nature. The ungodly will not change its nature. The person born of the flesh will not please God by believing in Jesus. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Every son of Adam is destined for hell by their own choice as surely as night follows day, and day follows night. The unregenerate, in their own strength, will never vote for God. Never.
Yes, there is an election. But, only one person votes, and that is God. Sinner, God must decide to give saving mercy to you for if He does not, you are doomed. Look now, you who are uncoverted. Look at Calvary, and tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
~An African American Spiritual, c. 1899
If you do not tremble at the Cross, if you do not tremble over the fact that your sins have crucified the Lord of Glory, if you do not tremble at the doctrine of election, then know this. You are destined for hell unless God converts you in His mercy and grace.
If you do come to Calvary and tremble, and repent, then rejoice because, “From the foundation of the world God cast His ballet with your name on it, if it so be you are in Christ.” ~ R. C Sproul
Salvation depends, not on him that wills it, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy to whom He will show mercy (Romans 9:16).
Do not assume you are beyond the reach of God’s saving mercy. Ask the Lord to forgive you of sin and save you now, if you feel your need of Jesus.
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.
View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies;
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?
Lo! th’ incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.
Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
~Thomas Hart
It is my prayer that, in the doctrine of election, you see the sweetness of God’s mercy, and the power of His love.
