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The Effects Of Embracing Election

October 19, 2014 Speaker: Ken Ramey Series: John

Topic: Election Passage: Ephesians 1:4

Sunday Service

Selected Scriptures

In contrast to the common concerns about the negative effects of the doctrine of election, there are FIVE BLESSINGS of embracing the doctrine of election.

1. IT CRUSHES OUR PRIDE
All of us have a tendency to try to take credit for the things we do. But salvation is one thing we have no control over and something for which we have no part to play. Only God is capable of extending salvation to man and only He is involved in the process, which remains a mystery to men. Moreover, to the logic of man, the doctrine of election makes no logical sense.

2. IT MAKES US SECURE
If our salvation was based on our own work(s), it would be as unstable and unreliable as we are. But God initiated the process of sanctification in us, and as such, it is as reliable and sure as He is. Our salvation is also based on the promise that it cannot be lost. To those who are granted salvation through God’s grace, He promises to bring to completion (i.e., through the sanctification process). Moreover, those who have been given the gift of salvation can never do anything to lose it.

3. IT LEADS US TO HOLINESS
Those who are chosen of God are called to be holy. (Ephesians 1:4). This means being conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. The doctrine of election is therefore central to the lives of Christians (Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 1:2, Titus 2:11). To live according to God’s desire that we be conformed to the image of His Son is glorifying to God the Father.

4. IT MOTIVATES US TO WITNESS
The doctrine of election, when understood rightly, should motivate us to witness. It is important that we remind ourselves that we should not be deterred by the prospect that we may be witnessing to someone who is not among the elect. We have no way of knowing who is among the elect, and our responsibility as witnesses is to be glorifying to the Lord by obeying His command to witness to all. We are to trust God and leave someone’s salvation to the Lord.

5. IT STIMULATES US TO PRAISE
When the wonder of salvation grips us, it stirs us to praise. God’s amazing love and grace should cause us to change the way we think. It should raise us above the mere knowledge of doctrine and prompt us to great devotion, reverence and thanks to God.

Thank God for loving you and choosing you. Ask Him to grant you a greater understanding of His sovereignty in your salvation and that it would cause you to be more humble, more confident, more holy, more passionate to tell others about Christ, and more worshipful and thankful.

More in John

November 22, 2015

Becoming A Fully-Devoted Follower Of Christ

November 15, 2015

Fishing For Men 101

November 8, 2015

Believing Is Seeing