Sunday, November 29, 2009
Election, Foreknowledge, and Assurance
(I Peter 1:1-9)
First Peter addresses the concerns of suffering saints—specifically those who are suffering for their faith. Throughout this short book, the Apostle directs our attention from the sorrows of this life to the certain joys of eternity. Whenever the sufferings of this “present time” get us down, we should lift our eyes above the horizon of this sin-cursed earth (Rom. 8:18).
Our salvation is fundamental to meeting the trials of life joyfully. In the very first chapter of his epistle, Peter introduces us to three concepts that should encourage us as we face the challenges of life. The first concept is couched in the term “elect” (2). To be part of the “elect” means that one is part of the body of saints, those who are genuinely saved. God has determined to save all of the “elect.” How can one be certain he is “elect?” Simple: personal faith in Christ assures inclusion in the elect saints of God.
Far from being arbitrary, election is based upon God’s “foreknowledge” (2). The word “foreknowledge” speaks of God’s omniscience—His knowing things before they happen. Since faith is the prerequisite to salvation and God knows who will exercise faith, we are “elect” according to God’s “foreknowledge.” Simply put, those who trust Christ are known of God even before they exercise faith; and these are the “elect.”
Will all who trust in Christ ultimately be saved? Absolutely! Verse 9 assures us that, though we may go through trials and temptation, we will receive the “end” of our faith, “even the salvation of [our] souls.” Personal faith, then, places us in the company of the elect. God knows all who will trust in Christ (the elect), and He promises to save them. None of the elect shall be lost—all of the elect shall be saved! That’s the Gospel, and that’s really good news!
