Friday, December 26, 2009
Better Make Sure
(II Peter 1:9-11)
As we have previously seen, the concept of the “elect” is a Biblical concept. Simply stated, the “elect” consist of all those who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. The “elect,” you will recall, are “elect according to the foreknowledge of God” (I Pet. 1:2). In other words, God knew who would trust in Christ and has determined to save all of them. They are the “elect.”
Some have defined the “elect” as a select group, arbitrarily preordained by God for salvation. According to this view, their fate was determined by God apart from their personal faith in Christ. In fact, some argue that faith in Christ is essentially forced upon elect individuals, without their having any say in the matter at all! Such a view simply doesn’t square with Scripture.
Notice Peter’s exhortation in verse 10: “…give diligence to make your calling and election sure…” Obviously, individuals can make “sure” of their “election.” That being the case, arbitrary selection is not the method by which the elect become elect. Rather, Peter states, professed believers should examine their faith and the evidences of salvation in their lives. If a lack of evidence is found, they should make their salvation “sure” by personal faith in Christ. As you can see, Peter places the responsibility for being “sure” of one’s election squarely on the shoulders of the believer. Since God will ultimately save all of the “elect,” it remains to the individual to make sure he is part of the elect by placing personal faith in Christ.
Concerning election, an old-time evangelist was fond of saying, “The Devil voted against you, the Lord voted for you, and you must cast the deciding vote.”
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
