The Beauty of Election

At the start of this new academic year, I began my classes by reading Ephesians 1:3-14 and recounting the excellencies of our great Triune God. In the beginning of this passage we see that God the Father has chosen us in Christ before the foundations of the world, and predestined us to adoption into His family. These are glorious truths, but at times there can be a recoiling to the fact that God is sovereign and gracious in choosing us for salvation. There has been a great deal of debate over the particulars of the doctrine of election, but we must see the beauty of God’s grace in this act. George Whitefield, a proclaimer of the divine excellencies of election, makes plain the benefits and realities of such a doctrine. May we revel in our salvation and the plan of God in redemptive history, and may we live accordingly in grace-given good works and intentional mission toward those who are in need of the gospel.

For my part I cannot see how true humbleness of mind can be attained without a knowledge of [the doctrine of election]; and though I will not say, that every one who denies election is a bad man, yet I will say, with that sweet singer, Mr. Trail, it is a very bad sign: such a one, whoever he be, I think cannot truly know himself; for, if we deny election, we must, partly at least, glory in ourselves; but our redemption is so ordered, that no flesh should glory in the Divine presence; and hence it is, that the pride of man opposes this doctrine, because, according to this doctrine, and no other, “he that glories must glory only in the Lord.”

But what shall I say? Election is a mystery that shines with such resplendent brightness, that, to make use of the words of one who has drunk deeply of electing love, it dazzles the weak eyes even of some of God’s children; however, though they know it not, all the blessing they receive, all the privileges they do or will enjoy, through Jesus Christ, flow from the everlasting love of God the Father.

Jeremy Kimble (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University. He is an editor for Credo Magazine as well as the author of That His Spirit May Be Saved: Church Discipline as a Means to Repentance and Perseverance and numerous book reviews. He is married to Rachel and has two children, Hannah and Jonathan.