This is in there!

“4 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us[a] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV)

In this scripture, Paul speaks of something many people get angry about unconditional election. Like other doctrines found in the Bible, like total depravity (Romans 3:23), they blame John Calvin and call the doctrines “extreme.” Most people who do this have never read the Bible. However, many pieces of scripture, including the ones listed below, spell out the fact that unconditional election is found in the Bible and was not made up by Calvin or Luther. This abundance of scriptural support should give us confidence and security in our beliefs.

Unconditional election is a deeply personal and profound act of love. It means that before the beginning of time, God personally chose you to understand the gospel, receive it by faith, and become His child. This truth dispels the myth of universal salvation, a falsehood that stems from a misunderstanding of scripture. The reality is not everyone will be chosen, and not everyone will go to heaven. This is a heresy that leads many astray.

We know we are blessed that God has chosen us as His own. When the scales fall off the eyes and ears, we understand the gospel. Christ came to earth, both God and man. A man who could pay for the world's sins and destroy death. A God who could withstand the wrath of God in the process. We share Christ’s resurrection. He gifted it to us. Without this gift, we would be in hell, unable to save ourselves from our sins. If we live, we must live in Christ, which means aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with His teachings. And if we do, when we die, we die with him, only to be resurrected.

Live your life in a way that reflects Christ to the world. Remember, you are chosen, His elect. You died with Him on the cross and live with him in the resurrection. You are His, and He is yours. This is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. Your life should be a testament to His grace and love, a living demonstration of the transformative power of the gospel.

Grace and Peace!

*Scripture on Unconditional election:

Romans 8:28-30

John 15:16

John 6:44

2 Timothy 1:9

2 Peter 3:9

Acts 13:48

Ephesians 1:11

Revelation 13:8

Galatians 1:15

Jeremiah 1:5

Romans 8:33

Colossians 3:12

Titus 1:1

* This is an unexhausted list; additional scripture can be found on unconditional election.