Joel Littlefield

Some truths in Scripture call for no balance—they demand our wholehearted acceptance. While discernment is crucial, there are aspects of theology, especially concerning God’s character, nature, and sovereign will, that must be embraced with awe and love. These doctrines often confront our finite understanding, but through God’s kindness, they become treasures to the believer.

In honor of the great Reformation saints like John Wycliffe, John Knox, John Calvin, John Hus, William Tyndale, and Martin Luther, we turn to the Scriptures to explore the doctrines of election and predestination. These teachings, far from being dangerous or divisive, are a source of immense comfort and glory. They reveal the depths of God’s sovereignty and grace and call us to worship Him.

Defining Key Terms

The Elect: God’s people, chosen by grace to be saved. The number is fixed and known only to Him.

Predestination: God’s eternal plan to call, adopt, justify, and glorify His elect. It encompasses all that comes to pass under His sovereign control.

Foreknowledge: God’s infinite ability to know all events and individuals before they occur. His choice to save is rooted in grace, not human merit.

The Glory of God: The Latin phrase Soli Deo Gloria reminds us that justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, gives glory to God alone.

The Teachings of Jesus on Election

Let us begin with John 6, where Jesus Himself teaches about election. In this chapter, Jesus contrasts perishable bread with eternal bread, declaring, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He invites all to believe in Him for eternal life, but He also clarifies who will come to Him.

In verse 37, Jesus says, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” This verse reveals that those who come to Jesus do so because the Father has given them to the Son. Their coming is not a possibility but a certainty. Further, Jesus assures that none who come to Him will be lost (v. 39).

Verse 44 adds another layer: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” This underscores total human inability apart from God’s grace. The act of believing and coming to Christ is entirely dependent on the Father’s drawing. Far from negating repentance and faith, this guarantees it for God’s elect.

Paul’s Teachings in Ephesians 1

Turning to Ephesians 1, Paul praises God for the spiritual blessings found in Christ. Among these blessings is God’s choosing of His people “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). This election is not arbitrary but purposeful, ensuring that believers are made holy and blameless before Him.

Paul continues, “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” (Ephesians 1:5-6). Here we see the motivation for God’s predestining work: His love and the purpose of His will. Adoption underscores the intimate and transformative nature of salvation. It is not merely a legal declaration but a relational reality—God takes spiritual orphans and makes them His children.

God’s Sovereignty and the Believer’s Response

God’s sovereign choice in election magnifies His grace. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:31, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” This doctrine excludes human boasting and exalts God’s grace.

The Scriptures consistently affirm God’s unchangeable purpose:

• “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever” (Psalm 33:9-11).
• “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases” (Psalm 115:3).
• “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:10).

Application for Believers

1. Praise His Glorious Grace: Recognize that your salvation is entirely of God’s grace. Let this truth lead you to worship.
2. Preach the Gospel with Confidence: God’s sheep will hear His voice and come to Him. The success of the Gospel does not depend on human effort but on God’s sovereign work.
3. Trust God’s Revelation: Obey the clear teachings of Scripture without venturing into speculative paths. Trust the wisdom and goodness of God’s purposes.
4. Worship in Humility: Approach God with reverence and gratitude, turning from sin and trusting wholly in Christ.

Conclusion

The doctrines of election and predestination are not barriers to belief but invitations to deeper trust and worship. They reveal the grandeur of God’s sovereign grace and His unchanging purpose to glorify Himself through the salvation of His people. As we embrace these truths, may we join the chorus of Paul and the Reformers, proclaiming, “To the praise of His glorious grace!” Let us live in humble dependence on the One who has loved us with an everlasting love, drawing us to Himself for His glory and our eternal good.