The Doctrine of Election, Pt. 2

When it comes to the doctrine of election, it is important to keep the biblical tension that exists between divine predestination and human responsibility.  Scripture seems to indicate that God desires the salvation of all people (2 Pet. 3:9, John 3:16), but it clearly teaches that not all will be saved (Matt. 7:13-14, John 14:6).  Without God pursuing fallen them, mankind would never look for God.  The word tells us that "there is no one who does good, not even one" (Rom. 3:12, ESV).  We are also told that no one seeks God (Rom. 3:11, see all of Rom. 3).  Left to himself, man in his fallen state would always choose sin over God.  God chose some to salvation, because if he hadn't none would have received it. 

Some might ask the question, "Why didn't God choose everybody?"  This is the wrong question to ask.  We should be asking, "Why did God chose anybody?"  Since God's choice is not based on foreseen merit, how does anyone make the cut.  Quite simple, no one deserves heaven. We all deserve damnation.  Yet, God in his mercy chose some to be saved.  Why he chose them, we cannot say, because he didn't reveal his reasons to us.  We must humbly acknowledge his mercy, and trust his holy wisdom.

Others might ask, "Doesn't the doctrine of election kill missions and evangelism?"  The short answer is no. The apostle Paul makes an interesting statement, "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10, ESV).  Paul reminds us that God not only appoints the end (salvation), but the means (evangelism/missions), as well.  We must share the gospel, because faith comes by hearing the message of Christ (see Rom. 10:13-17).  Men like William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Charles Spurgeon, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards held to the doctrine of election and actively shared the gospel.

In his article, "The Doctrine of Salvation--The Work of God" in A Theology for the Church, Kenneth Keathley offers five principles to help guide our thinking on the doctrine of election (page 722-23).  They are:

1. Salvation is a sovereign work of God from beginning to end.
2. In a real and genuine way, God desires the salvation of all humanity.
3. God purposes the salvation of the elect, but only permits the damnation of the unbeliever.
4. Each person has freedom to choose or reject salvation.
5. Election originates, is accomplished, and will be consummated in Jesus Christ.

I think these principles help us to navigate the rocky waters of election.  Election serves as an internal memo, notifying the believer of God's unstoppable love for them.  It reminds them that they didn't pursue God first, but he graciously pursued them and brought them to himself.  What God began in them, he will bring to completion on the day of Christ's appearing.  The doctrine of election should never defined in a way that limits our obedience to the Great Commission.  We are not called to determine who is elect.  We are called to preach the gospel and disciple those who come to faith in Jesus.