Election

Election

You did not choose me but I chose you. John 15:16

Election is the most pride-crushing doctrine. It is the most humiliating truth there is that you had absolutely nothing to do with your salvation.

  1. It’s the most God exulting doctrine
    The very fact that our will acted was as result of His moving
  2. It is a joy producing doctrine
    Our only hope is to be elect. That is the supreme joy! I’d have no hope if God in His sovereign mercy had not chosen me – what a joyous heart!
  3. It is the most privilege-granting doctrine in salvation
    It grants to us all the spiritual blessings in the Heavenlys in Christ Jesus Ephesians 1:3 says. Incredible privileges out of election!
  4. It is the most holiness-promoting doctrine of the elements of salvation
    Out of absolute gratitude I should be compelled to a life of purity. Election should produce obedience.
  5. It is the most strength-giving of the elements of salvation
    If I am elect, I am secure. If you are elect, that seals your eternity. What a strengthening truth that is!

– John MacArthur from Chosen by God, Part 3b

Election is the most stripping doctrine in the world. I know nothing, nothing again that is more humbling than this doctrine of election. I have sometimes fallen prostrate before it when endeavouring to understand it but when I came near it and the one thought possessed me ‘God hath from the beginning chosen you unto salvation’ I was staggered by that mighty thought. And from a dizzy elevation down came my soul prostrate and broken to say Lord, I am nothing, I am less than nothing, why me, why me!
Nothing under the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit can make a Christian more holy than the thought that he is chosen. Shall I sin he says after God has chosen me? Shall I transgress after such love? Shall I go astray after so much loving kindness and tender mercy? Nay my God! Since thou has chosen me I will love thee, I will live to thee, I will give myself to thee to be thine forever, solemnly consecrating myself to Thy service.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon on election