WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ELECT

Jesse Gistand

It means everything, everything! Election is the first cause of our salvation. It is borne out of GOD’S own love for us. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3). “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.” (Romans 11:28). “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4).

It is out of the abyss of GOD’S love that election proceeds, and it is the narrow way by which sinners would be made heirs of eternal glory. “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

Our election was also unconditional. That is GOD chose us out of no cause within ourselves. He was not influenced by your good or your evil, but by His own incomprehensible judgment. Many tragically miss this point.

And herein is the source and essence of election. All men and women predestined to life and faith, and therefore the enjoyments of everlasting glory, were so chosen, IN CHRIST.

Let us be clear on the matter, that the election of grace is never to be considered outside of CHRIST. He is GOD’S ELECT – GOD’S CHOSEN and we in Him. “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 42:1). And everyone who is chosen of GOD is chosen of GOD in Christ.

Now it is so that GOD had regard to CHRIST’S work and in this we gladly boast, that is in Him.