Election of Grace:
The Scripture speaks (1) of the election of individuals to office or to honour and privilege, e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Saul, David, Solomon, were all chosen by God for the positions they held; so also were the apostles. (2) There is also an election of nations to special privileges, e.g., the Hebrews (Deu 7:6; Rom 9:4). (3) But in addition there is an election of individuals to eternal life (2Th 2:13; Eph 1:4; 1Pe 1:2; Jhn 13:18).
The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God (Eph 1:5,11; Mat 11:25,26; Jhn 15:16,19). God claims the right so to do (Rom 9:16,21).
It is not conditioned on faith or repentance, but is of soverign grace (Rom 11:4-6; Eph 1:3-6). All that pertain to salvation, the means (Eph 2:8; 2Th 2:13) as well as the end, are of God (Act 5:31; 2Ti 2:25; 1Cr 1:30; Eph 2:5,10). Faith and repentance and all other graces are the exercises of a regenerated soul; and regeneration is God's work, a "new creature."
Men are elected "to salvation," "to the adoption of sons," "to be holy and without blame before him in love" (2Th 2:13; Gal 4:4,5; Eph 1:4). The ultimate end of election is the praise of God's grace (Eph 1:6,12). (See PREDESTINATION.)
Predestination:
This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is found only in these six passages, Act 4:28; Rom 8:29, 30; 1Cr 2:7; Eph 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all events.
This doctrine of predestination or election is beset with many difficulties. It belongs to the "secret things" of God. But if we take the revealed word of God as our guide, we must accept this doctrine with all its mysteriousness, and settle all our questionings in the humble, devout acknowledgment, "Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight."
For the teaching of Scripture on this subject let the following passages be examined in addition to those referred to above; Gen 21:12; Exd 9:16; Exd 33:19; Deu 10:15; Deu 32:8; Jos 11:20; 1Sa 12:22; 2Ch 6:6; Psa 33:12; Psa 65:4; Psa 78:68; Psa 135:4; Isa 41:1-10; Jer 1:5; Mar 13:20; Luk 22:22; Jhn 6:37; Jhn 15:16; Jhn 17:2, 6, 9; Act 2:28; Act 3:18; Act 4:28; Act 13:48; Act 17:26; Rom 9:11, 18, 21; Rom 11:5; Eph 3:11; 1Th 1:4; 2Th 2:13; 2Ti 1:9; Tts 1:2; 1Pe 1:2. (See DECREES OF GOD; ELECTION.)
Hodge has well remarked that, "rightly understood, this doctrine (1) exalts the majesty and absolute sovereignty of God, while it illustrates the riches of his free grace and his just displeasure with sin. (2.) It enforces upon us the essential truth that salvation is entirely of grace. That no one can either complain if passed over, or boast himself if saved. (3.) It brings the inquirer to absolute self-despair and the cordial embrace of the free offer of Christ. (4.) In the case of the believer who has the witness in himself, this doctrine at once deepens his humility and elevates his confidence to the full assurance of hope" (Outlines).
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
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