One of the most humbling and glorious truths of Scripture is that God, in His sovereign grace, has chosen a people for Himself before the foundation of the world. This doctrine of divine election is not based on human merit, foresight, or works but solely on the will of God. As we explore this truth, we must approach it with reverence, for it magnifies God’s grace and assures believers of their security in Christ. Understanding that our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s sovereign choice should move us to awe and gratitude, deepening our love for Him and our confidence in His eternal purposes.
The doctrine of election is a cornerstone of Reformed theology and is often misunderstood or even rejected because it confronts our natural inclination to believe that salvation depends on human choice. However, Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s election is not conditioned on anything we do but rests entirely on His sovereign will. Paul states in Romans 9:16, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” This means that salvation is not a result of human effort but a divine act of grace. God’s sovereignty in election underscores the reality that no one can boast before Him, for our salvation is entirely His work (Ephesians 2:8-9).
If election were based on human decision, then grace would no longer be grace (Romans 11:6). God did not look down the corridors of time to see who would choose Him; rather, He chose His people before they had done anything good or bad, so that His purpose in election might stand (Romans 9:11). This was the case with Jacob and Esau—before they were born, God declared, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” (Romans 9:13). This choice was not based on any foreseen faith or works but purely on God’s mercy. Such a reality highlights the depths of God’s love and the riches of His grace, for He calls those who were spiritually dead and makes them alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Jesus Himself affirmed this truth when He told His disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16). Salvation is entirely a work of God, and election guarantees that all whom the Father has given to Christ will come to Him (John 6:37). If election were conditional, it would depend on human ability, which is entirely corrupt due to sin (Ephesians 2:1-3). But because election is unconditional, it exalts God’s grace and ensures that salvation is truly by faith alone, in Christ alone. The certainty of God’s sovereign grace gives believers peace, knowing that their salvation does not waver based on their performance but rests securely in the hands of the Almighty God.
Now, what about evangelism? Far from discouraging evangelism, this doctrine motivates it. Because God has chosen a people, we can have confidence that the gospel will bear fruit. Paul endured suffering “for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10). The certainty that God will save His people emboldens us to proclaim the gospel without fear. Knowing that God’s elect are scattered throughout the world, we share the gospel with joyful expectancy, trusting that God will draw His people to Himself through the preaching of His Word (Romans 10:14-15).
The doctrine of unconditional election should humble us and lead us to worship. It reminds us that salvation is a gift, not something we earn. It assures us that God’s love for His people is steadfast and unchanging. And it compels us to proclaim Christ boldly, knowing that He will draw His elect to Himself for His glory. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him.” This great truth should stir our hearts to love and gratitude, driving us to live for the glory of the One who sovereignly called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
