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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
While there are numerous ideas of precisely what election means in regards to salvation, the fact that believers are elect is indisputable (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5, 11; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)...
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Tom Huntford
Supporter
If you find that, when you are alone and no one is around, you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who died on the cross for your sins and rose again from the dead, and that He is Lord...you are of the elect. Don't worry about election. Focus on the big #1: do you believe in Jesus? If you do, then obey Him. Some of the Calvinistic theology goes beyond the Scriptures, and tends to tangle people up in strifes over words (as does Arminian theology as well). Just focus on the very simple truths of the New Testament: Believe in Jesus. Walk in holiness and obedience. Rejoice in the Lord. Simple.
Jennifer Rothnie
Supporter
The elect are the people of God joined together under the headship of Christ (1 Peter 2:4-9). We as individual believers do not actually know who all the elect are until Christ returns and we inherit what has been promised us; a glorified body, that we might have eternal life with Christ. (Rom 8:19-30, Matt 13:24-29, Heb 6:1-12, 1 Pet 1:3-9).
Throughout the Bible, election has always been a testimony of God's sovereignty and eternal perspective. It is meant to be a comfort, to be a testimony of the fulfillment of prophecy, to show God's power and knowledge, and to show how none of God's good purpose is frustrated by the actions of man.
For example, when God called ('elected') Israel from among all the nations (1 Chron 17:21), it was so that Israel might be blessed among nations and all nations be blessed through Israel. It also was the nation God chose to work His eternal plan through. It's true and final purpose was for the physical nation of Israel to stand as a type for the eventual 'spiritual' people of God, and for God's redemption of Israel to stand in as a type for the redemption of Christ for all men.
However, the jews became arrogant in their position as 'the chosen people of God'. They expected a messiah who would set up the jews as the actual rulers of all nations, and were infuriated by the early church gospel expansion to the gentiles. They could not understand how the gentiles could be "elect". And yet, God had chosen the gentiles to be brought into the fold of God long before Christ came to man. (1 Pet 2:10, Rom 9:6-26)
Rom 9:26 hearkens back to a very important time in Israel's history (Hosea 1:9, Hosea 11:1-4), where God's wrath against Israel's unfaithfulness caused him to declare "You are not my people". God's choice of Israel did not guarantee their obedience. In the same way we always have a choice between endurance in faith, or faithless abandonment (II Tim 2:8-13, Col 1:21-23, Rev 3:1-6, Heb 3:6).
Hosea 11:2 is especially convicting: "But the more they were called, the more they went away from me". Many are called, but few are chosen. (Matt 22:1-14)
Being 'elect or not' is not something that a believer needs to worry/fret over. Rather, examine ourselves to see if we are growing in relationship with Christ (II Pet 1:3-11); thus confirming our calling and election. No man or principality of the heir can take our hope away. If we are subject to Christ, then we are part of the people of God. God is purifying for himself a people all His own (Titus 2:11-14). This refinement process is hard, with many trials - but so long as we keep faith God's power will guard us, and we will overcome. (1 Pet 1:3-9, 1 John 5:1-5)
[There is some confusion on this topic as to whether a "one time" former belief in Christ keeps one part of the people of God; it does not. The Greek of 1 John 5:5 and John 3:15-16 is about continued belief, just as 1 Pet 1:5 is about God's continued protection on account of our faith, and 1 John 3:9 is about continually sinning (Such as being subject to the flesh instead of the spirit). In English it is hard to translate the impact and continuity of the greek present tense without sounding odd.]
Finally; our hope is not in being "the elect" of God, rather our Hope is in Christ alone as Savior and Lord! (1 Tim 1:1, 1 Tim 4:10, Eph 1:12, Titus 2:11-14). The jews placed their hope in being the chosen people of God while simultaneously ignoring the commands of God. Conversely, Jesus states "If you love me, keep my commands", (John 14:15) and " Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” (John 8:47), and "...the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” (John 3:14-17)
Nathan Toronga
Supporter
How I wish I could agree with the posts under this topic! But Matthew 7:21-23 frightens me. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ This is a crowd who 'sincerely' believed they were saved, who did 'wonderful' things in Jesus' Name. It's a most sobering thought. Matthew 22:14 'For many are called, but few are chosen.' We must, with 'fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12) search out the will of God, lest we'll be among those who'll fulfil Matthew 7:21-23 above. God is not our fellow with whom we can walk side by side, whom we can chit-chat with. Rather, He's God who leads, while we follow. That's the only way, because He knows the way to where He's leading us. We don't. So how do I know I'm one of the elect? Simple. Get confirmation from Scripture. His flock know His voice, and they follow Him. John 10:27-28. We also check if we LOVE Him. John 14:21 & John 15:10. He came to introduce us to the Father. John 17:3. Do you KNOW Him now? 1 John 2:3-5. Are you not a liar? 1 John 2:4. Finally, are you a member of His Church as defined in Scripture? Revelation 12:17 & Revelation 14:12. To obey is better than sacrifice. Let not the error of lawless men deprive you of the prize. Bless.
D W
Supporter
You become one of "the elect" when you authentically place your faith, hope and trust in Jesus as Savior. Turn to Romans 10:8-13. It is there for everyone for the past 2,000 years. It has not been and will not be withdrawn. Once you have received Him as Savior, follow in His footsteps. The key to that is found between Acts 9 and the last verse in Philemon.
Samuel Reed
Supporter
Romans 10:9-12. You are "Elect" or the "object of mercy" if you obtain righteousness from Jesus Christ. God will save everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. You will be the object of mercy when God has effectually called you. The self condemned sinner cannot and will not call on the Lord to save them because they do not believe in Him. The spiritually dead person cannot know the things of God because He is a Spirit. They do not believe in Him because they reject the knowledge of God in nature as well as the gospel; due to their unrighteousness. The interesting thing I see about the term "object of mercy" is that of "free will". If a person can choose God, they are no longer an "object of mercy" but one who has "ascended to heaven" by some righteousness of their own. (Deuteronomy 30:12-14) I know that this topic is one that divides Christians. I submit to Sovereign Grace because Christ alone saves. I have nothing to boast about except Him! As sinner, I find great comfort in God as the author and finisher of the faith I obtained from Him. This means I cannot fail; my trust is totally in Him!
Dan Rivers
Supporter
The Bible tells us we should know we are elect and saved. If you don't know it or are uncertain, then you are not saved and one of the elect... [2Cr 13:5 NIV] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? [1Jo 5:13 NIV] I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life. [1Jo 5:19 NIV] We KNOW that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. [Rom 8:16 NIV] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we ARE God's children. You have to believe it in your heart! [Rom 10:9 NIV] If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Praise the Lord for making it sooo easy!
Edwin Danny Reaid
Supporter
Individuals asking if they are elect is a result of them being in Scripture - expositionally (verse by verse) - Hopefully. They then see the word elect and ask, "What does elect mean and other terms they find associated with it. Does this mean God elected me to Salvation? I thought I chose Him so that he would chose me and not vice versa. I thought my faith was a result of me. But then I read : “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,” Ephesians 1:4-5 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16 “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:14 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10 “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” Romans 8:33 “Therefore I endure everything 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 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10 “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,” Titus 1:1 As Bible believers we are told to be prepared to give an answer for what we believe. We are commanded to preach and teach the whole council of God and not just the parts we like or feel comfortable with. We use phrases like "Ask Jesus into your Heart", but no where in Scripture does it say ask Jesus into your Heart it says repent and believe. Some churches would be offended at someone saying this phrase is "wrong", However, do not take offense in how the terms regeneration, election, chosen and predestination and how they are used in fear of it offending someone. Scripture is offensive to an (unbeliever). Scripture should be looked at in context and know that scripture does not contradict itself "otherwise one of the two is a lie" and there are no lies in scripture. "The main things are the plain things and the plain things are the main things". Words have meaning and with God being Sovereign we know that we did not elect ourselves or elect God. At some point in time being a believer, being in scripture or witnessing we need to be prepared to have an answer to the question when asked, "How do I know if I am elect?" “Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me." “Therefore I endure everything 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 How do I know if I am elect? Because after being in scripture and maturing I now realize "I chose Him because He first chose me - I believe!
James Kraft
Supporter
All of those that have put their faith in Christ alone, are the elect and receive the gift of everlasting life. John 3:16 Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but only those that believe are saved. God is not willing that any should perish, but all should come to the knowledge of the truth. The minute we trusted Christ for salvation we are sealed by the holy spirit unto the day of redemption and can never be cast away. John 6:37-40. Jesus blood sacrifice is sufficient for all our sin. When we accept Jesus as our only savior, our name is written in the Lambs book of life and can never be removed because our salvation rests on what Christ did for us on the cross and not on what we do or do not do. (our works) Salvation is all of grace because Jesus paid for all sin. We are justified by faith alone without works. We have eternal life through Him who saved us by grace. We are given Christ's righteousness so that when God looks at us He sees Christ and we are perfect event though we are not perfect. Salvation is simple faith in Christ alone with nothing from us. (our works) John 3:18 Those that believe are saved and can never be condemned. Those that believe not, are condemned already. The gospel is that Christ died for sinners so that we could be saved by His finished work on the cross. When do we get eternal life? The minute we trusted Christ alone for salvation. We have it now. We are given Christ's righteousness and our sins can no more be imputed to us. Romans 4:1-8 We are justified sinners by faith alone and can never be lost. Jesus only gives eternal life. John 3:16 John 6:47 says we have eternal life through Him who saved us by grace. So all that accept Jesus as their savior are the elect of God and can never be cast away as our salvation rests on what Jesus did for us and not on what we do. Jesus paid it all, and we do nothing for it except to believe it. Jesus said we can never be plucked out of HIs hand. He said He will never leave us or forsake us. He said nothing can separate us from the love of God. We can not even separate ourselves. We have been bought with a price and God is going to get what He paid for. We are born into the family of God by faith alone in what Jesus did for us on the cross and can never be cast away because Jesus blood sacrifice is sufficient for all our sin.
Michael Tinsley
Supporter
The Doctrines of Grace are what answers the question and are explained using the acronym TULIP which stands for: T= Total Depravity. Mankind is completely dead in sin. U= Unconditional Election. To be saved God must first elect us and this is not conditioned on anything we have done-works. It is by grace alone, Eph 2:8-9. L=Limited Atonement. God offers atonement to those whom He elected, thus it is limited, not to be misunderstood as partial atonement. I= Irresistible Grace. Those whom God unconditionally elected and atoned for are irresistibly drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit who indwells believers. P= Perseverance of the saints. Those whom God has unconditionally elected, atoned for, and drawn by grace will persevere (be preserved) until the end, the Rapture. The answer is, if you are saved you have already been elected as election and salvation go hand in hand from before the beginning of the world, Eph 1:4.
Grant Abbott
Supporter
God's "elect" and his "saved" are the same people, so the question can also be read, "How do I know I am saved?" Scripture is crystal clear on how this event takes place: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The simple prayer "Jesus, save me!" will work just fine. The next issue is how can we know that we have been saved. This issue is resolved by faith. Faith comes from hearing the word of God. The bible has a lot to say about who we are as a new creation united in Christ. The old person we once were is dead and gone and a new person has begun living for eternity. The development of our new life in Christ demonstrates and affirms that we have been saved. Our sinful attitudes are gradually replaced by the character of Christ in us. Our sinful behaviours gradually fall away and we become passionate to do the will of God, completing the good works he has given us to do. We know we are saved because we called on the Lord. Our faith in the word of God assures us this is true. Our new life in Christ, dedicated to pleasing God, proves that it is true.
Edwin Danny Reaid
Supporter
How am I to know that I am elect? Do I feel myself to be a lost and guilty sinner? “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Do I believe scripture in that, “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Am I looking (only) to Jesus and the Cross believing on Him and what He has done on my behalf (or) is there something (I must do?). Faith + nothing = Salvation. Who am I in Christ? Do I believe I am chosen by God, called by God, justified by God, reconciled to God, redeemed by God, adopted by God, regenerated by God, set apart for God, sanctified by God, kept by God, and glorified by God! Do I believe Scripture? “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 “But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:36-37 “which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” 2 Timothy 1:12 “the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 "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 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” 2 Peter 1:10 “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,” 1 Thessalonians 1:4 John 10:15 “I lay down my life for the sheep.” The sheep of Christ are those whom the Father draws to the Son. “You do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.” Being a sheep enables you to become a believer, not vice versa. So the sheep for whom Christ dies are the ones chosen by the Father to give to the Son. Quote from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon: If you will give yourself wholly up to Christ and trust Him, then you are one of God’s chosen ones; but if you stop and say, “I want to know first whether I am elect,” you do not know what you are asking. Go to Jesus, just as you are, in all your guilt. Leave all curious inquiry about election alone. Go straight to Christ, and hide in His wounds, and you shall know your election. The assurance of the Holy Spirit shall be given to you, so that you shall be able to say, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” There will be no doubt about His having chosen you when you have chosen Him. How do I know if I am elect? “If Christ is not all to you He is nothing to you. He will never go into partnership as a part Savior of men. If He be something He must be everything, and if He be not everything He is nothing to you.”
John Appelt
Supporter
The question, “How can I know if I am one of the elect?” is really one that cannot be asked. The question assumes God predestines or chooses those who will be saved. This is not the case. Verses claiming to say this actually say something altogether different. Take Ephesians 1:4, 5, 11. The word 'chose' connects the believer, who is in Christ, to being holy and blameless. 'Predestined' connects the believer to the adoption that he is promised and the inheritance he will obtain. In Romans 8:29, 'predestined' connects the believer to being conformed to the image of God’s Son. None of these indicate anyone is chosen to be saved. In both passages, Paul addresses people who are already believers. He reminds them of the privileges and responsibilities God intended for them all because they are in Christ. Since people are not chosen or elected to salvation, then the word ‘elect’ needs to be reconsidered. An understanding of Greek is helpful here. ‘Elect’ is a word supposedly transliterated from the Greek, ‘eklektos.’ It is an unfortunate transliteration because a closer English word is ‘eclectic’ which means something selected for its value or worth. This is the very meaning in ancient Greek. The believers are God’s special people because of their value. There is not the sense of being chosen by God to be saved. The more correct translation than ‘elect of God’ is the ‘choice ones of God.’ A careful examination of other verses that claim God chooses who will be saved, will show they do not actually say that. A case in point is I Thessalonians 1:4. Paul said they knew the Thessalonian believers’ election. As ‘elect’ means ‘choice ones,’ ‘election’ means ‘the state of being the choice ones.’ A better translation is “...knowing beloved brethren, you are the choice ones of God.” Paul goes on to describe how the gospel, he and others had preached, had come to them. They had become followers of them and the Lord, having received the word. So, the better question to ask would be, “How do I know if I am one of the choice ones of God?” The answer is if you have believed on Jesus, John 3:16 and John 6:47, you are one of the choice ones or the elite ones of God who have received eternal life.
Tony Railton
Supporter
Romans 8:16 states that our spirit bears witness with the Holy Spirit that we are children of God. Therefore, it’s our spirit that tells us we are Christians and believers. This doesn’t happen with unbelievers.
Angel Carr
Supporter
God's calling and unconditional promise was Abraham's election. The promise is "to Abraham and his seed forever" (Exodus 32:13). We being dead in Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to God's unconditional promise (Colossians 3:3-4; Galatians 3:27-29). Election is the result of God's sovereign grace, foreknowing those who are His own and receivers and doers of His Word. Those who are Abraham's seed are joint heirs with Christ in the unconditional promises of God. Sometimes we might wonder about our election. But if we understand the PRESENT Truth and can see It living through us -- not just faith, but living faith -- we have the assurance of our election, and the promise being unconditional is ours. Then we cast down all doubts, put failures under the blood, and press on to overcome and attain the prize of a glorified body. So Abraham foreshadowed our election. And if we have faith like Abraham, we have his attributes and are his children. Abraham's promised seed in the natural was Isaac. Isaac was not a natural child, he was the manifestation of Abraham's faith in the promise of God Who named him before his birth, as He named Jesus before he was born (Genesis 17:19). Being the answer to Abraham's faith in God's promise, Isaac represents justification. Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, "If by faith we confirm and establish the Law, what of Abraham, the father of Israel humanly speaking? For if Abraham were justified by works, he had grounds for boasting; but not before God. For Scripture says, 'Abraham believed God and his faith was credited to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6). Now the worker's wages are not a gift of grace, but an obligation. And one who isn't working but fully believes on Him Who justifies the ungodly is honored as righteousness by his faith'." Therefore the just shall live by faith. And by foreknowledge, God knew Isaac would also be faithful. We know that from Romans 9:7, "Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all the children of God's promise: but, 'In Isaac shall your seed be called'." Isaac was justified by faith foreknown and was the justification of Abraham's faith (as Sarah was barren from her youth). Abraham's other children were offspring of fertile women, the justification of his carnal works.
Billy P Eldred
Supporter
If you are asking if you are eligible to receive Christ, the Good News is you are! The Bible tells us that God wants all to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. The next step is to believe that Christ is who he said he is. Really believe, not just say that you do. If you believe with all your heart that Jesus came as the Son of God to sacrifice Himself for your sins, and that He has the authority to do so, then you will be saved. Once you believe this, then you will want to please Him and thank Him by living for Him. How do you do that? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love others as yourself “! Then persevere til the end. You win! You are one of the Elect! Blessed be the name of Jesus!
Justin Hale
Supporter
This is one of those rare questions that scripture actually answers directly and explicitly all in one passage, though many Christians blow right by it because they don't realize what they are reading. 'Nick Pyen' contributed this observation above by simply citing the verses in 2 Peter 1:3-11 without any additional comment, so I will merely expand upon his astute observation. Scripture states directly here that it is actually OUR job to 'make both our calling and election certain.' That implies that we might be 'uncertain' about both, so this passage explains how to remove all uncertainty, which is a great consolation, if we can actually understand what the Holy Spirit is revealing to us here. In order to understand, we must grasp the meanings of each word presented here like a list of 'ingredients' making up what 'faith' genuinely is. So this also answers the more basic question: What exactly is 'faith?' How do we recognize it and distinguish it clearly from every other possible thing? The apostle Peter was given an analogy to help, describing this condition of uncertainty like a 'blindness, or nearsightedness,' (2 Peter 1:9). In an earlier epistle, Peter describes 'the proving of our faith' like 'gold tested and purified in the fire,' (1 Peter 1:7). In Revelation 3:18, the Holy Spirit picks up on this same analogy: "I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be manifested; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." So the 'ingredients' listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 are actually the ingredients for a spiritual 'eye salve' to restore our sight. This is what removes our 'uncertainty' about our calling and election. So let's look at it carefully until it is real and practical to us. If we truly understand, it will greatly alter our current 'sight,' removing any doubt about both our 'calling and election.' 'Virtue' is the first ingredient listed, (Biblical Greek: 'aretē' also translated 'moral excellence'). The apostle Paul lists all of the personal areas of his life that he considered to be 'excellent' before encountering Christ, which he then began to see as 'loss' in exchange for 'that surpassing excellence' that is to be found in Christ," (Philippians 3:4-8). In other words, these became 'tradable commodities' he could exchange for 'that truly excellent thing' which Christ was offering instead. They included pride in his traditions, his family and tribal ancestry, his nation, his public identity, his education and skill sets, and his personal ambitions and passion. Each of these has its own momentum and goals shared by many people. We must 'fight' them in order to 'exchange' them. When we do, this is called 'virtue.' GOD responds to this by giving us the next 'ingredient' on the list, 'knowledge.' We become 'free' from the worldly 'momentum' and can choose our own. We no longer have to be the 'character' assigned to us at birth, or expected of us by tradition, family, tribe, country, education or personal visions. You should note that the rest of the 'ingredients' are the 'fruit of the Holy Spirit' and they arrive beginning with this new 'self-control' that makes us so different from everyone else around us. That is the 'calling.' The 'election' is when we actually see ourselves doing it and not returning to the 'worldly identity' insisted upon by tradition, family, tribe, nation, education, or previous personal ambitions. If you really can't see any difference between yourself and 'secular' people driven by the momentum of these 'natural' and 'worldly' things, the 'certainty' hasn't arrived yet. It is very distinct from those things and unmistakable. Ask yourself if you have ever looked upon your life in this way. After that, ask yourself how many of those 'tradable commodities' you are still keeping in your back pocket and how many you have truly 'exchanged.'
Ezekiel Kimosop
Supporter
How can I know if I am one of the elect? This question can be better rephrased - How do I know that I am guaranteed eternal life in Christ Jesus? This is a legitimate question for a believer. This is more so because of the attempt by some soteriology groups to assign the meaning of the word "elect" to a philosophical group of sinners who were supposedly guaranteed eternal life outside the works of the cross. My view is that the answer to the above question lies at the heart of the text of Scripture. It cannot be deduced from philosophical constructs. John 3:16-17 read together with other relevant texts and passages of Scripture clearly reveals that any sinner who believes in the atonement of Jesus Christ will be saved. The sinner who hears the gospel proclaimed and repents of sin and turns to Christ in truth is assured of eternal life from that very moment (Acts 16:30-31). One disclaimer must however be made at this point - that no sinner was guaranteed eternal life outside the work of the cross. Similarly, no sinner was consigned to eternal damnation from the foundation of the world. What separates saints from sinners is their decision to repent and follow Christ in response to the gospel. Those who reject the gospel will be resurrected and condemned by God and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Some deterministic soteriology groups have attempted to construct philosophical doctrines that suggest that God selectively chose and predestined some group of sinners for eternal life before Calvary and had predestined the rest of sinners to eternal damnation in hell! Nothing can be further from the truth! The gospel of Jesus Christ is open to all sinners in all ages since Calvary without prior discrimination. The sinner's response to the gospel is of paramount significance. Salvation arises from God's grace being freely received by the sinner and is only effectually applied by the sinner when they turn from sin (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner of sin but does not forcibly or irresistibly compel a sinner to turn to Christ against their will. No sinner is therefore forcibly saved or denied God's saving grace. This is the reason that God's final judgment awaits those who reject God's calling in Christ and persist in sin and rebellion against God. In conclusion, here are simple questions for the believer to ask oneself - Have I repented of sin and turned to Christ in response to my conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit? Do I discern the voice of the Spirit in my life? Do I have God's assurance of eternal life in my heart? Am I free from sinful condemnation in my heart? Am I walking in accordance to the counsel of God's word and in fellowship with God's people? Do I long for Christ's soon coming? If the answers to the above questions are in the affirmative, then you are a child of God who has received His assurance of eternal life. You are free from sinful condemnation and your name is written in the Lamb's book of life.
sherie daniel
Supporter
Confidence in Christ's Strength and in our weakness are both required, in my opinion, for us to receive Christ. Awareness of our utter inability to be anything without Christ is the birth of true humility. Paul talks about confidence in 2 Corinthians 13:5 -10. He writes, "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith...".and he further explains that his confidence is in Christ's strength and in his own weakness of which he boasts! In his response to the Corinthians' questioning of his authority, Paul states that he defends himself for their sakes, not for his own benefit. This love for others fuels a desire to share the Truth of Christ's Love so they too can know Him. Only in Truth can we love (2 Cor 13:8-9). Our walk in obedience is the result of our Love for Christ. Love seeks Truth. Through self examination the Holy Spirit can expose disobedience. If we want to please our Lord, we will want our shortcomings exposed for the purification of our heart. This is a process that takes time. Through practice we can learn to love more like Christ which becomes evident when we obey Him. At times if we are concerned about ourselves, including whether we are the elect, although a natural desire, it can lead to self preoccupation and cause us to forget to love others as Christ commands. I am not saying it is wrong to want reassurance. And again, we should test ourselves to avoid slackness or over confidence in ourselves. If love is the motive behind most of our interactions and if we are not motivated by ambition for power or position over others, we can rest in the assurance that whether we are elect or not, that it is as it should be since it is God's will. If our trust, and our confidence is in Jesus Christ completely, and not in ourselves or anything else, we can move on and focus instead on helping others to come to know Christ. Because Jesus stayed TRUE to LOVE through obedience to His Father's will while a flesh man and He bore the curse of our sins in His death even though He NEVER sinned, and then He gave us His Spirit who reveals all Truth, empowers us to follow Christ, and helps us obey His commands, we are free from death's hold on us. His Love inspires us to love Him back. He teaches us self control over the flesh and how to love through His Word and His Spirit. Our spirit is our true self now, not our flesh. How do we know this? We can no longer live in sin and deception, in selfishness and pleasure seeking, and continue to enjoy it or be happy living in it regularly. Every human intention is based in love or in selfishness. If we feed our ego, we starve our spirit. If we walk in Love, He will be working in and though us. The more Love we give, the more His Love flows in and through us! We never run out! We are the proof of His awesome Love because only the fullness of Christ can satisfy the believer's soul. His fullness (John 1:14 & 16) is complete with Grace and Truth. It is not Grace if without Truth. Truth is in Him too and it shines in darkness. Truth without Grace isn't Truth. If we are born of the Spirit we hate sin, deception, and darkness but we love others and seek Truth. Spirit cannot sin since it is born from God. Only our flesh nature sins (1st John 3:9; 5:18). But we have both in us and it is up to us which to follow. We can know what is in our hearts through our deeds.Let the only focus of our self be for the purification of our heart. (see 1st John 5:6) We are, I think, the elect if we are those who sincerely love God and desire to follow Jesus and obey His commands. I suspect anyone caring enough to read these comments and to learn more about Christ and the Christian walk is one of the elect. But I may be wrong. In 1st John 3:2&3(NKJV), John wrote, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
Carl Mason
Supporter
It was God's desire and God's decision to save us through the blood of Christ. Every person that is in the blood of Christ becomes part of the elect, saints and the saved redeemed in Christ. How does this happen? Hebrews 5:8-9 tells us our faithful obedience saves. We reach the blood not from something better felt than told but when we are baptized into Christ where we contact His blood (Rom. 6:17-18; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:17; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38).
Nick Pyen
Supporter
Peter directly answers this question in 2 Peter 1:3-11: 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In verses 12-15, Peter goes on to emphasize how important it is that we are reminded of this often.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"I like what both Michael and James said, ‘The Bible nowhere instructs us to be concerned regarding our status of elect vs. Non-elect. Rather, God calls us to believe, to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life"; Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.")." —S. Michael Houdmann "All of those that have put their faith in Christ alone, are the elect and receive the gift of everlasting life. John 3:16 Ephesians 2:8-9 ["For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast."]. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but only those that believe are saved. God is not willing that any should perish, but all should come to the knowledge of the truth." —James Kraft "God gave us the faith according to Acts 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9: ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.’; Philippians 1:29 and 2 Peter 1:1. When we believed, we repented of our sins because we finally understood our dangerous situation that we were going to hell (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."; Romans 6:23). True Christians yield themselves to Christ as Lord of their lives." —NeverThirsty.org "When the beautiful statement in Ephesians 2:8-9 ["For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast"] is given a fair hearing, one discovers that it is neither self-contradictory nor inconsistent with any other statement of Scripture. Man is saved, not by works of merit, but by God’s grace through a trusting, obedient faith." (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.") --Eric Lyons
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