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God's Choice of You
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
The word "election" is used in the Bible to refer to those God has chosen
to be saved. Where the King James version has "election," versions translated
more recently (like in the past one or two centuries) have "choice" (NASB) or
"chosen" (NIV).
This idea of "election" has puzzled many people. It would be nice if you were
among those God has chosen to bless, but what if you're not? It doesn't seem
right that He would leave some of us out in the cold without any hope because of
some arbitrary choice He made before we were born. I mean, why bother? If you
are one of the elect, then great; you cannot be lost. But if not, too bad, you
cannot be saved. And if that's the situation, then why bother preaching the
gospel? It won't
change anything.
Actually, this problem only exists for those who misunderstand "election." This
choice God has made is not arbitrary and the election process is not
unconditional. God is holy and righteous and without injustice. Each one of us
has control over whether we are among the "elect" or not.
The Church is the Chosen People of God
"Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God
always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing
in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our
Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren
beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word
only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as
you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." (I
Thessalonians 1:1-5).
Election Involves the Godhead
"...in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father...but also in
power and in the Holy Spirit." (I Thessalonians 1:3b, 5b). It has been said that
the Father formed the plan of salvation in His mind in eternity before the
beginning, that the Son carried it out, and that the Holy Spirit revealed the
plan to us. Though perhaps the separate Divine roles might be a little
oversimplified, this brief summary seems to fit pretty well the Scripture's
teachings on the subject. We know that the plan began in the mind of God in
eternity and was carried out by His Son (Ephesians 3:8-11). Jesus died on the
cross to secure our salvation by His blood (Ephesians 1:7). We also know that
these things have been made known to the prophets and apostles in the Holy
Spirit (Ephesians 3:4,5; 1:13,14).
Election and the Work of Faith
"...constantly bearing in mind your work of faith..." (I Thessalonians 1:3).
Those who were chosen, or elect of God were engaged in their "work of faith."
This is one of the things that distinguish the chosen from those who are not
chosen. The response these people had made to the gospel was that they believed,
or had faith in its message of a Redeemer. This faith was the motivation behind
the work they did.
As Paul observed their "work of faith," he said that it was by this that he
"knew" that they were "brethren, beloved by God" (I Thessalonians 1:4). He
based, in part, his confidence of their election on their "work of faith." Had
they rejected the commandments of God, they would be rejecting God (I
Thessalonians 4:1-8; especially verse 8).
The Scriptures make it clear that apart from our submitting to God's
commandments, we cannot be a part of the elect. In fact, if we once were one of
God's elect, but later cease walking by faith, that our election will no longer
be sure or certain (II Peter 1:10,11). God elects those who obey Him by faith.
Election and the Labor of Love
"...and the labor of love..." (I Thessalonians 1:3). Not only are we chosen of
God by our "work of faith," but also by our "labor of love." "Labor" here refers
to unceasing toil. But this toil is borne of love; and toil borne of love is not
burdensome. Jesus invited us to take His yoke upon ourselves, assuring us that
His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). John said "We love
because He first loved us" and "For this is the love of God, that we keep His
commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (I John 4:19; 5:3).
Those who do not love the Lord are not chosen by Him. Those who love the Lord
show it by their "labor of love." When Paul saw the labor of the Thessalonicans,
he became confident that they were among God's chosen, because God elects those
who love Him.
Election and Steadfastness of Hope
"...and steadfastness of hope..." (I Thessalonians 1:3). Another key ingredient
in our election is the "steadfastness" or endurance of our hope. The brethren at
Thessalonica had a living hope that would not die. The Hebrew writer encouraged
us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has
promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23). The Roman Christians were told, "For in
hope we have been saved..." (Romans 8:24).
No Christian knows what the future holds as far as what he or she will face in
this lifetime. If, even during the bleakest of times, we can focus our thoughts
on the hope provided us in Christ, then we will find the strength and
perseverance that we need. To remain among God's chosen, we must be steadfast.
Election and the Gospel
"...for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but in power and in the
Holy Spirit and with full conviction..." (I Thessalonians 1:5). From the
beginning, God chose to save those who would obey the gospel. It had been
predestined. Note that God did not predestine who would or would not respond,
but rather what would happen when someone chose to respond in and of his own
free will. God's electing us has never been arbitrary, nor has it been unjust.
Paul wrote, "...brethren, beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from
the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in
the truth. And it was for this He called you through our gospel that you may
gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:13,14).
What we see here is that God's call to us is issued through the gospel, and this
is how He determined to choose us "from the beginning." When called, if we obey
the gospel (allow the Spirit to guide us through the gospel unto sanctification
and place our faith in the truth) then we become members of God's elect.
The Basis of God's Election
"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of
His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.; and whom He
predestined, these He also called, these He also justified; and whom He
justified, He also glorified." (Romans 8:29-30). Before the foundation of the
world, God knew who would be justified and glorified. He tells us who in this
passage! It is those who become like His Son. It is those He called, and as we
have already seen, His call is issued through the gospel (see also Romans
10:14-17). Those who respond to the gospel by faith are justified and glorified.
It has been predestined.
The election of God has never been unconditional. Neither has it been arbitrary,
for that would make God as one who shows partiality. But God is righteous. "I
most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in
every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him."
(Acts 10:34,35).
God is holy and righteous and without injustice. Each one of us has control over
whether we are among the "elect" or not.
By Jon W. Quinn
From Expository Files 3.12; December 1996
