The Election Results Are In

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. beloved...: or, beloved of God, your election - 1 Thessalonians 1:4

    I never cease to be amazed (although I shouldn’t be) that so many make the mere knowledge of a system of doctrine to be their anchor of hope for eternal salvation. Nothing could be more deadly than holding the truth of God in unrighteousness, for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18). As is clearly revealed in our text, those who are chosen by God the Father, redeemed by God the Son, and regenerated by God the Spirit not only believe the truth, they also have a new heart, a new Spirit, and therefore a new life.

    The elect of God upon regeneration love Christ and believe all truth as is revealed in Him. The result of divine election in Christ is a new creature. They not only have a head for sound doctrine, they have a new heart for Christ. It is obvious when Calvinists,The Reformed, or anyone, argues, debates, and glories in points of doctrine, they are preaching themselves rather than Christ Jesus the Lord. It is amazing (although it shouldn’t be) how men love to amuse themselves with themselves, rather than simply and singularly preaching Christ and all truth in Him.

    My question is, Do we know Christ in vital union by his blessed Spirit, or have we learned some doctrine? Have we come to Christ by his efficacious grace, or have we come to the doctrines? Precept without the person is cold, hard, legal, dead and damning. The greatest evidence of being one of God’s elect is believing on Christ, falling in love with Christ, resting in Christ, joying and rejoicing in Christ, and as a result, commitment to his Gospel and his church.

    Yes, I believe the five points. They are the summation of the Gospel. However, the knowledge of them is not my salvation. Again, the result of divine election is that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (Jn 17:3).

    Conclusion: One may learn doctrine and yet may never know Christ. However, everyone that knows Christ believes and loves the truth.