Election day has arrived. Gloria and I voted early, but millions of Americans will cast their votes today, and we will all stay close to our TVs tonight to find out who won and what issues prevailed.
Election is not only a political process; it is also a theological truth. First Peter 1:2 describes believers as “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” Although Christians have debated the subject of election for centuries, the fact remains, God elected us. One group believes He elected us because He knew in advance (foreknew) that we would believe on His Son as our Savior. The other group believes that he knew in advance (foreknew) we would believe on His Son as our Savior because He chose us to do so. The second group sees far more in the word “foreknowledge” than simply prior knowledge. It bases God’s foreknowledge on His determined purpose. For example, Acts 2:23 links God’s foreknowledge of Jesus’ crucifixion with His determined purpose that Jesus should die for us. The first group believes what man does regarding salvation determines God’s decision. The latter group believes what God does determines man’s decision regarding salvation.
Complicated? As they say in Minnesota, “You betcha.” But anyone who sincerely questions whether he can be saved because he may not belong to God’s elect can resolve the issue by simply believing on Jesus as his Savior. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37).
I cannot explain why God elected me, but I do know I cannot take any credit for my salvation. I owe it all to the triune God’s grace, love, and redemptive plan (1 Peter 1:2).
As we await today’s election results, we hope for a better tomorrow, but nothing is guaranteed. However, God’s election carries the guarantee of a better life now and forever for all who believe (1 Peter 1:3, 4).
May God bless America!
