The Divine Initiative in Faith
Scripture reveals that belief in Jesus is not something we produce ourselves; it is a work that God begins. After all, He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus and the New Testament writers agree that God’s Holy Spirit first moves in a person’s heart, making faith possible. God’s prerogative to work in a heart is part of His elective sovereignty, by which He overcomes a sinner’s resistance to the gospel with such grace that the sinner now runs to embrace the gospel, Jesus, and salvation. Nearly every New Testament book references this doctrine, with only a few—such as Philemon, 2 John, and 3 John—lacking an explicit mention. Although election may seem objectionable, without it, we miss the profound depth of God’s grace and mercy.
Faith as God’s Gift
Consider Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Faith is a divine gift, not something we generate. Jesus reinforces this in John 6:44: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him”—a drawing in which His Spirit, as noted earlier, prepares our hearts to desire Jesus. On our own, as Romans 3:11 says, “No one seeks for God.” Spiritually dead in our natural state, we are, as Ephesians 2:5 confirms, “made alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Without God’s drawing, we are incapable of seeking or choosing Him.
God’s Mercy and Sovereignty in Election
Paul addresses potential objections to this doctrine in Romans 9:14–16, showing that God’s choice does not rely on human will or effort “but on God, who has mercy.” His mercy is His to give without obligation. This is why Jesus says, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me” (John 6:37), establishing that those God has chosen will respond to His call. John 15:16 further supports this when Jesus says: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.”
Faith as God’s Appointment
Acts 13:48 states, “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Here, belief follows God’s appointment, not human choice. Faith is not from natural inclination but is God’s gift to those He has elected.
The Humbling Nature of Election
This doctrine humbles us, removing any basis for self-glory. To claim that we “chose” Jesus implies a boast in our own spiritual insight above others. Yet 1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” Salvation is God’s work alone—monergistic—leaving no room for human pride.
A Call to Gratitude and Humility
Understanding this truth leads us to marvel at God’s mercy. He draws us, changes our hearts, and grants us the faith to come to Christ. As Spurgeon said, “My trouble is not that God hated Esau but that He could love Jacob.” If you believe in Jesus, you are God’s elect. Salvation is in God’s hands alone, calling for our gratitude and humility.
Soli Deo Gloria—To God alone be the glory.
© 2024 George Dunn
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