The Profound Mystery of God's Election and Our Response

The Profound Mystery of God's Election and Our Response

Have you ever felt like your life was predetermined, set on a course you didn't choose? Or perhaps you've wondered why you ended up where you are, believing in what you believe? The concept of God's election - His choosing of us before the foundation of the world - is a profound mystery that challenges our understanding of free will and divine sovereignty.

Let's dive into this deep spiritual truth and its implications for our daily lives.

The Doctrine of Election

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." - Ephesians 1:4

This verse unveils a staggering truth: God chose us before He even created the world. It's not that we stumbled into faith by chance or that our decision to follow Christ was solely our own. Instead, God had already set His love upon us in eternity past.

But what does this mean for us practically?

1. Our salvation is secure: If God chose us before time began, our salvation doesn't depend on our performance or ability to maintain faith. It's rooted in His eternal decision.

2. We have a purpose: Being chosen by God means we're not accidents. We have a divine purpose that was established long before we were born.

3. Our identity is in Christ: Our worth and identity aren't determined by our accomplishments or failures, but by our position in Christ.

The Interplay of Election and Human Responsibility

While God's election is a comforting truth, it doesn't negate our responsibility to respond to His call. As the sermon pointed out, "God's election or predestination does not operate apart from or nullify man's responsibility to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior."

This paradox is at the heart of the Christian faith. We are chosen, yet we must choose. We are predestined, yet we must believe. It's a mystery that should humble us and drive us to worship rather than to fruitless debates.

Living in Light of Election

Understanding God's election should transform how we live:

1. Freedom from anxiety: If God chose us before the world began, surely He will take care of our daily needs. Jesus reminded us of this when He said, "Look at the lilies of the field... even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28-29).

2. Confidence in prayer: When we pray, we're not trying to convince a reluctant God to help us. We're coming before a loving Father who has already chosen to bless us "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

3. Humility: Recognizing that our salvation is entirely God's initiative should eliminate all boasting and self-righteousness.

4. Purpose-driven living: Knowing we're chosen for a purpose should motivate us to seek God's will and live for His glory.

The Power of Knowing Who You Are

One of the most powerful insights from this message is the importance of knowing our identity in Christ. As children of God, we are not just ordinary humans - we are infused with the very Spirit of God.

"If the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, that Spirit that raised Him from the dead will quicken, give life to your mortal body."

This truth should revolutionize how we see ourselves and how we face life's challenges. Just as Jesus knew exactly who He was and why He came to earth, we too need to be grounded in our identity and purpose.

Practical Application: Praying with Authority

Understanding our identity in Christ and God's election should transform how we pray. Instead of begging God to do something, we should:

1. Remember our position in Christ
2. Plead our case based on what God has said about our situation
3. Believe that what we've asked for has been given

This approach to prayer is rooted in faith and aligns with Jesus' teaching: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24).

The Challenge: Denying Self

While the doctrine of election is comforting, it comes with a challenge. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

This self-denial isn't about depriving ourselves of good things. Rather, it's about aligning our desires with God's desires. It's recognizing that everything we want - whether it's marriage, success, or fulfillment - God wants for us too, but in His way and His timing.

Conclusion: Resting in God's Settled Law

In the end, understanding God's election should lead us to a place of rest. Like the fleet of taxis in Ghana inscribed with "What is written is written," we can trust that God's word concerning us is settled.

Our current circumstances, future challenges, or past mistakes don't change what God has declared over us. We are chosen, blessed, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

As we navigate life's ups and downs, may we hold fast to these truths. May we live with the confidence of those who know they are eternally loved and chosen by God. And may we, in response to this overwhelming grace, live lives that reflect the glory of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.