Your Election by God
The doctrine of election is not very popular in some circles of Christianity. If mentioned at all, it’s usually in a negative, critical way. Nevertheless, you can’t escape its presence. The Bible records too many examples of God’s choosing (e.g., Abraham, Jacob over Isaac, David, Peter, Andrew, James, John, Paul…). And there are too many clear references to it, including 1 Thessalonians 1:4 – “…knowing, beloved brethren, your election of God.”
One of the most frequent questions that arises concerning election is, “How can anyone know if they’re ‘elect’?” It’s a good question and one that has troubled souls for centuries. After all, if I’m not “elect” then I’m doomed!
Yet one need not be overly troubled.
In the first chapter of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul provides three simple pieces of evidence that give him confidence in their election. He summarizes the evidence in v. 3 and elaborates on it in the rest of the chapter.
The first evidence is a “work of faith,” which simply refers to the receiving of the Gospel. “Our Gospel did not come to you in word only,” Paul explains in v. 5, “but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.” In other words, as Paul shared the Gospel, the Holy Spirit so worked in their hearts that they truly believed it and put all their trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The second piece of evidence is their “labor of love.” As a result of what they had come to believe, the elect came to love far different things, and their lives showed that difference. They “became followers of us” (v. 6), voluntarily submitting to spiritual leadership and especially to the Lord. Their love for the Lord was demonstrated by a turning away from idolatry to serve Him alone (v. 9), even though that meant suffering persecution for their loyalty to Christ (v. 6). So clear was the change in their lives that they became examples to other believers as their testimony for Christ became known (vv. 7-8).
The third evidence of election has to do with one’s anticipation, their “patience of hope.”
Those who are “elect” continue patiently in the faith because they are looking to the future with anticipation. Specifically, Paul refers to their waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, who has already delivered them from the wrath that will come eventually. In other words, the elect look forward to the culmination of their salvation. In contrast, those who refuse Christ don’t know what to expect; they just nebulously hope for something better while fearing the worst.
I trust this brief chapter gives you clear, sufficient evidence of your election:
One of the most frequent questions that arises concerning election is, “How can anyone know if they’re ‘elect’?” It’s a good question and one that has troubled souls for centuries. After all, if I’m not “elect” then I’m doomed!
Yet one need not be overly troubled.
In the first chapter of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul provides three simple pieces of evidence that give him confidence in their election. He summarizes the evidence in v. 3 and elaborates on it in the rest of the chapter.
The first evidence is a “work of faith,” which simply refers to the receiving of the Gospel. “Our Gospel did not come to you in word only,” Paul explains in v. 5, “but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.” In other words, as Paul shared the Gospel, the Holy Spirit so worked in their hearts that they truly believed it and put all their trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The second piece of evidence is their “labor of love.” As a result of what they had come to believe, the elect came to love far different things, and their lives showed that difference. They “became followers of us” (v. 6), voluntarily submitting to spiritual leadership and especially to the Lord. Their love for the Lord was demonstrated by a turning away from idolatry to serve Him alone (v. 9), even though that meant suffering persecution for their loyalty to Christ (v. 6). So clear was the change in their lives that they became examples to other believers as their testimony for Christ became known (vv. 7-8).
The third evidence of election has to do with one’s anticipation, their “patience of hope.”
Those who are “elect” continue patiently in the faith because they are looking to the future with anticipation. Specifically, Paul refers to their waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, who has already delivered them from the wrath that will come eventually. In other words, the elect look forward to the culmination of their salvation. In contrast, those who refuse Christ don’t know what to expect; they just nebulously hope for something better while fearing the worst.
I trust this brief chapter gives you clear, sufficient evidence of your election:
- faith in Christ,
- life-transforming love for Christ,
- patient anticipation of Christ.
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