Election

Chosen for His Glory: Understanding God’s Election with Humility and Praise

Have you ever wondered why God chose you? Or struggled to understand difficult doctrines like election and predestination? You’re not alone. These topics have been debated throughout church history. But rather than arguing, what if we approached them with humility, reverence, and praise?

As we dive into Ephesians 1 today, I want us to look at what Scripture actually says about election, not what people claim it means. Let’s examine this passage with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand God’s truth.

What Does Ephesians 1 Tell Us About Election?

Look closely at Ephesians 1:4-7 with me:

“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 to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

We see several key truths here:

1. God chose us before the world was created (v.4)
2. He chose us to be holy and blameless (v.4)
3. He predestined us for adoption as His children (v.5)
4. This was according to His will and for His glory (v.5-6)
5. In Christ, we have redemption and forgiveness (v.7)

Notice that Paul presents these truths not to stir up controversy, but to inspire praise. Three times in this chapter he says it’s all “to the praise of his glory” (v.6, 12, 14).

Approaching Election with Humility

Throughout church history, godly men and women have disagreed on the finer points of election and predestination. We must approach this doctrine with humility, recognizing that finite minds cannot fully grasp the infinite wisdom of God.

As John Stott wisely said, “Scripture nowhere dispels the mystery of election and we should beware of anyone who tries to systematize it too precisely or rigidly. It’s not likely that we shall discover a simple solution to a problem which has baffled the best brains of Christendom for centuries.”

We should humbly acknowledge what Scripture clearly teaches while being cautious about going beyond what is written. As Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”

Responding with Praise, Not Pride or Fear

Understanding God’s sovereign choice should lead us to praise, not pride or fear. If you know and love the Lord today, it’s because He set His love on you before time began! As Charles Spurgeon said, “I am quite certain that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him, and I’m sure that he chose me before I was born or else he would never have chosen me afterwards.”

This truth should humble us and fill our hearts with gratitude. It’s not about us being better than others. It’s about God’s amazing grace in choosing sinners like us to be His children.

Practical Life Application

How should the doctrine of election impact our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Cultivate a heart of praise and thanksgiving to God for His sovereign grace in your life.
2. Live in a way that reflects your status as God’s chosen, adopted child – holy and blameless.
3. Share the gospel boldly, knowing God can save anyone He chooses.
4. Trust in God’s wisdom and goodness, even when you don’t understand everything.
5. Approach doctrinal discussions with humility, grace, and a focus on what unites believers in Christ.

As we meditate on these profound truths, may our response always be “to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:14). Let’s bow our hearts in humble adoration of our sovereign, loving God who chose us in Christ.