This morning, some verses in the Bible are extremely difficult for the heretick to try to explain. They have texts that they run to and try to prove their points, but the plain passages as the one above show that their argument is wrought with folly. Therefore, these verses need to be close to our minds and hearts, as they will keep our faith from being overturned when the teachers with itching ears bring cunningly devised fables to our doorstep. Also, extensive understanding on what the Bible has to say about our salvation and security in Jesus Christ gives daily solace to the child of grace when cast down in this low ground of sin and sorrow.

 The phrase particularly on my mind this morning is "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." As I drove to work this morning there was a vehicle with this bumper sticker (that I had not ever seen before), "Elect Jesus the King of your life." What utter nonsense! The very language of it makes no sense. An earthly king does not have his citizens elect him as their ruler. As their king, they are born into his province, under his authority, and bound by his law. To say that we can elect Jesus (our King) implies that we are more powerful than He, and that is utter foolishness. He elected us, long before any of us could conjure the first thought (good or evil). 

 The Bible teaches election in many places, and in EVERY case, God does the choosing (electing). In this verse, the Lord made the choice due to foreknowledge. This is a special concept, for it brings forth more than just passing understanding or head knowledge. Indeed, our God sees all things (past, present, and future). While He does not predestinate all things, He certainly knows exactly what will happen, and how He purposes to act or not act at any given point. Therefore, we can say that God knows all things (sees all). However, He does not foreknow all things, for He will tell some, "Depart from me, for I never knew you." Does that mean they were strangers to Him, or that He never saw them at all?  Certainly this is a concept void of reason, but rather He does not have this special knowledge (foreknowledge) with them. 

 To say that God foreknew us is to say that He has intimate knowledge and relations with us. We are His in much more than just understanding, but we are His in relation and heirship. He knows us as His children, His family, His brethren, and His Bride (the last two specifically in the realm of Jesus Christ). Therefore, His foreknowledge of us shows that His election is not random or haphazard. He does whatsoever He pleases, but He does so rationally. He made a choice for His people not because they were better than the rest (naturally speaking). He made a choice for His people because He loves them (praise be to Him), and each individual is loved equally with none above the rest. Therefore, if someone tells you to, "Elect Jesus King of your life." Tell them, "He is already the King of my life, whether I admit to it or not."

In Hope,

Bro Philip