Why has God chosen some men to salvation?
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| English: Icon of Jesus Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
It is a telling sign that in a day when people clamor for “freedom of choice,” our society is willing to grant such freedom to any man or woman who demands it, but not to God. We can choose, but for some reason God cannot. What an indictment against a rebellious people! Of course, the theological dogma that denies God His sovereign grace has been around much longer than modern individualism. Still, the doctrine of God’s sovereignty in salvation has been around even longer, reaching back into the history of Scripture. There we find in the unfolding plan of man’s redemption the decisive actions of our sovereign Lord.
In the days of Abraham when paganism ran its destructive course through the city of Ur, God called a single man to follow Him and in doing so, a nation was given birth. From that point on, we see, as has been the case since the beginning, the divine initiative setting history in motion and determining the destinies of men. Isaac was chosen; Ishmael was not. Jacob was given the inheritance, while Esau was left with nothing. Later, David, with whom God made His royal covenant, was chosen from among his stronger brothers to lead a nation, while others who were of greater standing in more noble families were refused such honor.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus choosing who would be His disciples. We read of Him opening the eyes of some, but leaving others to their blindness. And here, we read Jesus’ own testimony of the authority of His own choice: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” Notice the goal of that divine appointment: that we should “bear fruit.” Jesus does not choose His followers so they can live as the world. He plucks them out of the fire to live godly lives, to bear fruit, to obey His commands, to love as Christ has loved, faithfully and sacrificially.
Of this we can always be sure, that if Christ has chosen us, has regenerated our dead hearts by His Spirit, then we will be sanctified. God predestined us “to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). And the fruit that we bear will be lasting fruit as we grow in love and holiness until the day we are glorified.
Read Romans 8:28–9:29. How do these passages bring more light to Jesus’ words in John 15:16? Why has God chosen some men to salvation? Can we trust that His choice is the best one? How does election make certain the salvation of those God has chosen? Praise God today for His sovereignty over our hearts.
