1592. One in Elective Grace

One in Elective Grace

"The elect of God" (Col_3:12).

1. The Father Elects

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" (1Pe_1:2).

Far back in eternity, God the Father purposed the salvation of sinners; chose unto salvation all those who would afterward believe unto eternal life; marked them out unto sonship.

Jesus Christ was delivered to die by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God; He was the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.

God knew all His works from the beginning of the world, and He planned all things, working them out as the ages came and passed according to His will.

2. The Son Elects

"Having predestinated us * * by Jesus Christ" (Eph_1:5).

Not only are saints the elect of God, but they are also the elect of the Son.

When God created man, He said, "Let us make man in our image." When God chose unto salvation those who would believe, they were predestinated by Christ Jesus, unto the placing of sons. It was in Christ that saints were chosen, before the foundation of the world, that they should be holy and without blame before Him in love. It was in Christ that the Trinity purposed to gather all things together in one.

When the Lord Jesus Christ ascended the hill of Calvary to die, He carried in His arms all those whom the Father had given Him. He knew just who and how many would be saved, for He was one with God in elective grace; and therefore He was God.

3. The Spirit Elects

"Chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (2Th_2:13).

When God chose us unto salvation, far back in the beginning, this choice was based upon the work of the Spirit. We were chosen unto salvation through sanctification of the Spirit. The choice was made also in our belief of the Truth, and in the call of the Gospel. All of this, nevertheless, was dependent primarily upon God Who purposed, and upon the Spirit Who wrought out the purposes of God.

In this we see that the Son and the Spirit are one with the Father in elective grace.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR