The Doctrine of Election
Jesus said, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). God’s providential sovereignty stands behind the challenging doctrine of election. Before God created the world, He chose those who would respond in faith.1 Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son….” However, God’s sovereignty in election does not negate each person’s responsibility to believe.2 God offers an invitation for all to believe. When God draws people through His Spirit, He works through their individual faith.3Sin has so ruined humanity that no one truly seeks God.4 Our fallen state renders us utterly unable to respond to the gospel in faith unless God first enables us.5 Consider salvation as a door. A bold invitation is emblazoned on the outside of the door: “Whoever will may come.” Those who take hold of God’s promise walk through the door by faith to see another bold sign inside the door: “All those the Father gives me will come to me.”
God’s ways are inconceivably bigger, higher, and more perfect than humans comprehend. We easily miss the harmony between the twin truths of divine election and human responsibility. We should not dismiss infinite truths we cannot fully understand. God’s choice in eternity past does not remove personal responsibility for unbelief in the present. The seriousness of rejecting Christ remains a sober warning.
God’s ways are inconceivably bigger, higher, and more perfect than humans comprehend. We easily miss the harmony between the twin truths of divine election and human responsibility. We should not dismiss infinite truths we cannot fully understand. God’s choice in eternity past does not remove personal responsibility for unbelief in the present. The seriousness of rejecting Christ remains a sober warning.
The wonder of salvation humbles and amazes us. God imparts life to dead hearts. Knowing this truth compels us to confidently share the gospel with others. Salvation, from start to finish, is God’s work. All glory belongs to God. However, the responsibility to turn to Christ for salvation is ours. Will you trust God who loves perfectly and always acts righteously?
1. Chosen before time: Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Human responsibility: Psalm 81:11-12; John 8:24
3. Call to faith: Matthew 11:25-30; John 6:37-40
4. Sin’s damage: Psalm 14:2-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-18
5. Drawn to faith: John 6:44
Resource: Bible Study Fellowship, People of Promise: Kingdom Divided, Lesson 9, The Gospel of John
1. Chosen before time: Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Human responsibility: Psalm 81:11-12; John 8:24
3. Call to faith: Matthew 11:25-30; John 6:37-40
4. Sin’s damage: Psalm 14:2-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-18
5. Drawn to faith: John 6:44
Resource: Bible Study Fellowship, People of Promise: Kingdom Divided, Lesson 9, The Gospel of John
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