Study #2: Unconditional Election
This study on Unconditional Election might prove to be the most difficult for today's "free-will" indoctrinated Christians to accept, but if you can just see how fully biblical it is and if you do come to accept it, it will become the most endearing doctrine you never knew was true. As I was editing this study and getting it ready for publication, it just struck me over and over just how much God the Father and Jesus Christ has done for me. I mean, as an Arminian, we have some idea of how much has been done for us in our salvation, but as a Calvinist, it is simply mind blowing and this study lays out all that God-centered work better than any other I have seen. You may, and I encourage you to, read the first study on The Total Hereditary Depravity of Man before embarking upon this study. It's pretty necessary to understand the woefully hopeless condition of man since after the time of Adam's fall before you can fully grasp the need for an unconditional election and accept the truth of it.
With that, let's begin. Again, credit given for this and the other studies in the series to Pastor Willie Tullos; retired Pastor of Landmark Baptist Church, Anchorage, AK.
(Note: Please pardon the formatting. I have spent hours attempting to get the formatting just right, but Wix editing software is less than ideal. Alas, I have given up! If you'd like the word document so you can print the study and read it more easily, please contact me and I will send you the file.)
THE DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
Rom. 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
2 Thes. 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
INTRODUCTION:
As I did in the first message of this TULIP study, I have read three passages which unequivocally show that election unto salvation is unconditional.
The first, Rom. 9:11, tells us that election is grounded entirely in the purpose of God according to election and not in anything which we have done, are doing, or may do in the future.
It is therefore unconditional.
Our second text shows us several things about election:
- First, it tells us that election is of God. God hath chosen you.
- Second, it tells us that election is personal. You is a personal pronoun. God hath
chosen you.
- Third, the verse tells us that this election is unto salvation.
This is not an institutional or national election in this verse. It is an election made
by God and it has as its end, the salvation of those who are chosen.
- Fourth, the verse tells us that the election took place before the foundation of the
world. That was before we were born, before we had done anything to deserve salvation.
Our third text also tells us that the election took place before the foundation of
the world.
If you examine the following verses it is obvious that the election under
consideration in Eph. 1:4 is the election unto salvation.
When you combine all the factors in these verses, it is abundantly evident that
the election to salvation is unconditional.
It stands in the eternal purpose of God.
It is of God.
It is not of works.
It is unto salvation.
It took place before the foundation of the world.
It is wholly or entirely of grace.
It is to the praise of the glory of God’s grace.
This election unto salvation is not grounded in anything that man has done, is doing or may do in the future.
I. DOES THE BIBLE TEACH THE DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION?
A. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.
B. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me.
C. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
1 Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.
D. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
E. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
F. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
2 Thes 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
G. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Psalm 65:4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee.
H. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation.
I. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
John 13:18 I know whom I have chosen.
J. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Deut. Chapter 7, but specifically
Deut 7:6 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.
K. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
L. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
M. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after Godliness.
N. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
Rom 11:5‑6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
O. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
1 Thes 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
P. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS TAUGHT IN
1 Pet 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
II. WHEN DID THIS ELECTION TAKE PLACE?
A. ACCORDING TO PAUL THIS ELECTION TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
B. ACCORDING TO PAUL THIS ELECTION TOOK PLACE FROM THE BEGINNING AND CERTAINLY BEFORE WE WERE SAVED SINCE IT IS UNTO SALVATION.
2 Thes 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
C. ACCORDING TO THE ANGEL ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST WE WERE HIS PEOPLE BEFORE HE SAVED US FROM OUR SINS.
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
D. ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST WE WERE HIS PEOPLE, GIVEN TO HIM BY THE FATHER, BEFORE WE CAME TO HIM.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
E. ACCORDING TO WHAT JESUS TAUGHT WE WERE HIS SHEEP BEFORE WE HEARD HIS VOICE OR EVER WE ENTERED THE FOLD.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
F. ACCORDING TO JESUS WE WERE HIS SHEEP BEFORE HE GAVE US ETERNAL LIFE.
John 10:27‑28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
G. ACCORDING TO THE MEDIATORIAL PRAYER OF JESUS CHRIST, WE WERE GIVEN TO HIM TO SAVE BEFORE HE DIED TO GIVE US ETERNAL LIFE.
John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
H. ACCORDING TO PAUL OUR SALVATION AND CALLING WERE GIVEN US IN CHRIST JESUS BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN.
2 Tim 1:8‑9 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
1. Since we are chosen to salvation then our election precedes our salvation.
2. If our salvation, then, was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
there is no doubt that we were chosen to that salvation before the world
began.
I. ACCORDING TO PAUL, OUR ELECTION TO SALVATION WAS CERTAINLY BEFORE WE OBTAINED SALVATION.
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
J. THE CHOOSING OF A MAN PREDATES HIS COMING TO CHRIST FOR IT IS THOSE WHOM GOD HAS CHOSEN THAT HE CAUSES TO APPROACH UNTO HIM.
Psa 65:4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee.
K. ACCORDING TO LUKE’S REPORT IN THE BOOK OF ACTS, ONE IS ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BEFORE HE BELIEVES AND RECEIVES ETERNAL LIFE.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
III. WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY THAT ELECTION IS UNCONDITIONAL?
A. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US TO SALVATION BEFORE WE EVER MADE A CHOICE TO COME TO CHRIST.
1 Thes 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
B. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US UNTO SALVATION; WE WERE NOT FIRST SAVED AND THEN CHOSEN BECAUSE OF OUR BEING SAVED.
2 Thes 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
C. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME BEFORE HIM; HE DID NOT CHOOSE US BECAUSE WE WOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME BEFORE HIM.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
D. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US AND CAUSED US TO APPROACH UNTO HIM.
We did not approach God and then as a result were chosen because of our approach unto him. It was necessary to first be drawn to God.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Psa 65:4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee.
E. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US WITHOUT ANY WORKS OR ANYTHING ON OUR PART.
God chose us, called us to salvation, and saved us according to his own purpose and grace.
2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Rom 9:11 (For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
F. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD SET HIS ELECTING LOVE ON US AND DREW US BECAUSE OF HIS LOVING KINDNESS TOWARD US
We did not come to him out of our loving-kindness causing him to set his electing love on us.
Jer 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
G. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD SET HIS ELECTING LOVE ON US AND SET US APART FOR HIMSELF BEFORE WE WERE EVER BORN
We were not born and set ourselves apart for God and then he chose us on that ground.
Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called [me] by his grace.
H. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD SET HIS ELECTING LOVE ON US, OR FOREKNEW US, AND PREDESTINATED US TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON.
This was done before he called us or justified us or glorified us.
Rom 8:29‑30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
I. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US TO BE A SPECIAL PEOPLE UNTO HIMSELF.
God did not choose us because He saw we would be special of our free will and motivation.
Deut 7:6 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.
J. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD DID NOT SET HIS LOVE ON US AND CHOOSE US BECAUSE HE SAW OUR SELF-ACHIEVED GREATNESS.
1. God chose us in spite of our insignificance.
Deut 7:7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people.
2. If you are saved do you know why God loved you? He loved you because he
loved you.
Deut 7:8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
3. Do you know why the Lord chose you to salvation, if you are saved? He chose
you because he chose to choose you.
K. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT OUR ELECTION IS COMPLETELY, ENTIRELY, TOTALLY OF GRACE.
If grounded in the minutest bit on anything else, it is not of grace at all.
Rom 11:5‑6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
L. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD CHOSE US BEFORE WE HAD OBTAINED SALVATION.
We were not chosen because we obtained salvation.
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
M. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD IS GRACIOUS TO WHOM HE WILL BE GRACIOUS; MERCIFUL TO WHOM HE WILL BE MERCIFUL, AND HAS COMPASSION ON WHOM HE WILL HAVE COMPASSION.
1. He is not gracious to those to whom he owes grace;
2. He is not merciful to those who deserve mercy.
3. He is not compassionate to those who have earned his compassion.
Rom 9:15 - For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
N. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT WE DID NOT WILL OUR OWN SALVATION.
We did not run to obtain our salvation; but we mean that God willed to have mercy on us and save us from our sins.
Rom 9:16 So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
O. BY UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WE MEAN THAT GOD, OUT OF HIS SOVEREIGN WILL AND GRACE, HAS MADE SOME WHO ARE CALLED…
Rom. 9:23 ...vessels of mercy which he had before prepared unto glory.
P. CAN ANY PRODUCE ONE SINGLE SCRIPTURE THAT IN ANY WAY INDICATES THAT THE CAUSE OF OUR ELECTION TO SALVATION IS FOUND IN US?
1. Some add to Rom. 8:29 and make it read, “Whom he did foreknow would of
their own free will believe, them he did also predestinate to be conformed to the
image of his Son.”
2. Then they have to add to Rom. 8:30 and make it read, “Whom he did
predestinate, them he also called, and as many as answered the call, ‘Yes,’
them he justified.”
3. Of course they must also altar other verses such as:
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the
word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thes 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to
salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Jn 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
And others.
4. I assure you, there is not a verse in all of the word of God that indicates that the
cause of our election to salvation is found in us.
a. The whole of Scripture indicates that there is no condition or action seen,
foreseen, or found in the elect that caused God to choose us to salvation.
b. The unanimous teaching of God’s inspired writers indicates that the cause of
our election lies in God, not us.
[1] It is of grace, not of works.
[2] He is gracious to whom he will be gracious, merciful to whom he will be
merciful.
[3] It is to the praise of the glory of his grace.
[4] His purpose of election stands on his ability to call, not on our ability to
work.
[5] When it was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began it was of
grace.
[6] Our election is of God.
[7] We must thank him for our election, not ourselves.
[8] He ordained us to eternal life and therefore we believed; we did not
believe causing him to ordain us to eternal life.
[9] He gave us to Christ, therefore we came to him; we did not come to
Christ and consequently were given to Christ.
5. Since there is nothing in the Bible to place the cause of election in us, we say
without hesitation that election to salvation is unconditional.
IV. WHAT DOES UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURE
A. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT AS MANY AS WERE ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE WILL, ACCORDING TO GOD’S OWN SCHEDULE, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
B. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT GOD WILL RECEIVE THE GLORY FOR OUR SALVATION.
It will not be to the praise of our marvelous free will but will be to the praise of the glory of his grace.
1 Cor 1:27‑31 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Eph 1:4‑6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
C. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT EVERYONE ON WHOM HE HAS SET HIS ELECTING LOVE WILL BE BROUGHT HOME TO GLORY
Rom 8:29‑30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
D. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT ALL THOSE GIVEN TO CHRIST WILL COME TO CHRIST AND NONE WILL BE CAST OUT BECAUSE IT IS THE FATHER WHO DRAWS THEM AND ENABLES THEM TO COME
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
E. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT EVERY SHEEP WHICH THE FATHER GAVE TO THE SON WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, ENTER THE FOLD, AND WILL BE SECURELY HELD IN THE HAND OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND HIS FATHER.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.
John 10:27‑29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father’s hand.
F. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT THE ELECT PEOPLE OF CHRIST WILL BE SAVED FROM THEIR SINS.
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
G. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR GOD’S ELECT PEOPLE WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO GOD’S PURPOSE OF ELECTION.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
H. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION ASSURES THAT NOTHING CAN PREVAIL AGAINST THE ELECT, NO CHARGE CAN BE PLACED AGAINST THE ELECT WHICH COULD EVER SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD AND HIS CHRIST.
Rom 8:28‑39 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31. What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
34. Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36. As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1. It would never be good for one of the elect to go to hell, and since all things
work together for our good we could never go to hell.
2. We are the called according to God’s eternal purpose, and his eternal purpose
is that we be saved forever and that Christ not lose one of his elect. Since God
always does what he purposes to do, we will all be saved and brought to glory
a. Psalm 115:3 But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever
he hath pleased.
b. Psa 135:6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in
earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
c. Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing:
and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among]
the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto
him, What doest thou?
d. Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being
predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after
the counsel of his own will.
e. Isa 46:9‑11 Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there
is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,
10. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the
things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will
do all my pleasure:
11. Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my
counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to
pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.
f. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
g. 2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not
according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
3. He set his electing love on us and predestined us to be conformed to the image
of his son and no one can ever undo what God has predestined.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
4. In his eternal purpose he has called and justified his elect and no one can stop
him from doing in time what he has purpose in eternity.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom
he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
5. In his eternal purpose God has already glorified his elect and no one can cause
them to be deglorified or unglorified in his execution of his eternal purpose.
Rom. 8:30 (see just above)
6. God is most certainly for his elect people and when God is for us, who can be
against us?
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can
be against us?
7. God did not spare his own Son; he delivered him up for all of his chosen ones,
and through him he will freely, without any basis or reason found in us, give us all
things that pertain to salvation, perseverance, and preservation.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
8. Not one charge can be laid to the account of God’s elect for Christ paid our sin
debt in full and God has justified so who can void what God has done?
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth.
9. Our blessed Saviour will never condemn us; rather, he ever lives to make
intercession for us, and saves us to the uttermost, and assures us that we will not
come into condemnation.
Rom 8:34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession
for us.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life.
10. There is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ or the
love of God which is in Christ.
Rom. 8:35-39 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted
as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved
us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
a. Tribulation can never separate us.
b. Distress can never separate us.
c. Persecution can senever parate us.
d. Famine can never separate us.
e. Nakedness can never separate us.
f. Peril can never separate us.
g. Sword can never separate us.
h. As a matter of fact, in all these things we are more than conquerors through
Jesus Christ who loved us.
i. There is nothing about death and no kind of death that can separate us.
j. There is nothing about life that can separate us.
k. There is no angel so great and powerful that he can separate us.
l. There is no demonic power or governmental power that can separate us.
m. There is nothing present that can separate us.
n. There is nothing that can come in the future that can separate us.
o. There is nothing high enough to separate us.
p. There is nothing low enough or deep enough to separate us.
q. There is absolutely no created thing that can separate us.
V. HOW DO WE ANSWER THOSE OBJECTIONS WHICH MANY RAISE AGAINST THIS GLORIOUS DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION?
A. SOME SAY THIS DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
CONTRADICTS THE DOCTRINE OF “WHOSOEVER WILL.”
1. Unconditional election in no way contradicts the Scriptures which teach that any
who will to come may come.
2. The doctrine of unconditional elections actually magnifies and explains the
doctrine of whosoever will.
a. No man will come to Christ of his own alleged free will.
John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
b. No man can come to Christ because of his natural enmity against God.
Rom 8:7‑8 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not
subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
c. No man can come to Christ unless drawn and enabled to do so by God.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me
draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come
unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
d. But God assure that his people will be willing in the day of his power.
Psa 110:3 Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the
beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy
youth.
e. God has assured Christ that all whom he gave to him will come to him.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
f. Jesus Christ was absolutely certain that his sheep would hear his voice.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and]
one shepherd.
g. Jesus Christ was certain that his sheep would hear his voice and that he would
give every one of them eternal life.
John 10:27‑28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
h. Everyone whom God has chosen will be caused to willingly approach unto him
through Jesus Christ.
Psa 65:4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach
unto thee.
i. It is evident that unconditional election does not contradict the “whosoever
wills” of God’s word; rather it explains those “whosoever wills” by showing us
who will.
B. SOME ARGUE THAT THE DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION IS A CONTRADICTION OF WHAT THE APOSTLE PETER SAID.
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us‑ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1. Unconditional election does not contradict II Peter 3:9.
2. Actually, the only reasonable explanation of that verse will be found when it is
interpreted in the light of the doctrine of unconditional election
a. In this verse Peter is speaking of himself and the people to whom he is writing.
Note: Usward
b. In this verse Peter is writing to the same folks to whom he wrote in his first
epistle.
2 Pet 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I
stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.
c. His first epistle was written to an elect people.
1 Pet 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus
Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
d. His first epistle was written to those who had been begotten unto a living hope.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
e. His first epistle was written to those who have an unfading inheritance reserved
in heaven.
1 Pet 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you.
f. His first epistle was written to a chosen generation.
1 Pet 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation.
g. His second epistle is addressed to those who have obtained precious faith.
2 Pet 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that
have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
h. His second epistle was written to those who have received all things that
pertain to life and godliness.
2 Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
[pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called
us to glory and virtue.
i. His second epistle was written to those who have been called to glory and
virtue.
2 Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
[pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called
us to glory and virtue.
j. His second epistle was written to those who have been made partakers of the
divine nature.
2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:
that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
k. His second epistle was written to those who have a calling and election of
which they can be certain.
2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling
and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
l. It is his chosen people to whom God is not slack concerning his promises.
m. It is his chosen people whom God is not willing to let any perish.
n. It is his chosen people whom God wills that all come to repentance.
o. Since God always does as he will, and since he has willed to choose some to
salvation, be assured that all of these chosen ones will come to repentance
and not one of them will ever perish.
3. Since God is unwilling that any of them perish he has or will call them out of
darkness into his marvelous light.
4. Since God is unwilling that any of those given to Christ be lost none will be lost.
John 6:38‑40 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will
of him that sent me.
39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given
me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son,
and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last
day.
5. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish he has begotten them unto a
living hope.
1 Pet 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
6. Since God is unwilling that any of them perish, and since he saves no one against
their will, he will make them willing in the day of his power.
Psa 110:3 Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of
holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
7. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish, he causes them to come to him
in repentance, and he gives them repentance.
Psa 65:4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach
[unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the
goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified
God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
8. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish he has predestinated them to
an inheritance and has reserved that inheritance in heaven for them.
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his
own will.
1 Pet 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you.
9. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish he keeps them by his own
mighty power.
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready
to be revealed in the last time.
10. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish, and since they must have
faith to believe on Christ, he gives them that precious faith.
Phil 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on
him, but also to suffer for his sake.
2 Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of
God, and of Jesus our Lord,
11. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish, he has and does call them to
glory and virtue.
2 Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
[pertain] unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called
us to glory and virtue.
12. Since God is unwilling that any of his elect perish, he has given them all things
that pertain to life and Godliness.
2 Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
[pertain] unto life and Godliness.
13. Since God is unwilling that any of the elect perish he set forth some exceeding
great and precious promise through which he makes them all partakers of his
divine nature.
2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:
that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
14. The US, ANY, AND ALL of 2 Peter 3:9 have a calling and election of which they
can be sure.
2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling
and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
15. We must also consider II Peter 3:9 in the light of those Scriptures which show
that some will definitely perish.
16. There are those who were before of old ordained to condemnation.
Jude 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, unGodly men, turning the grace of our God into
lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
a. Some men were ordained to eternal life and these believe.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified
the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
b. These men in Jude 4 were before of old ordained to condemnation and will
never believe.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth
not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the
only begotten Son of God.
c. There are some men who will not believe because they are not of Christ’s
sheep, his elect.
John 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said
unto you.
d. Some will never believe on Christ because they are made to be taken and
destroyed.
2 Pet 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and
destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly
perish in their own corruption.
e. Some will never believe because they are vessels of wrath fitted to
destruction.
Rom 9:21‑22 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to
make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
22 [What] if God, willing to shew [his] wrath, and to make his power
known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to
destruction.
f. Some will never believe because God has hardened their heart and blinded
their eyes so that they will not see with their eyes and understand with their
heart and be converted.
John 12:37‑40 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet
they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake,
Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord
been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He
hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see
with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I
should heal them.
g. What about Judas whose damnation was declared before he was ever born?
How do you explain his foreordained condemnation in light of 2 Pet. 3:9 if it
was a universal application as many claim?
Psa 109:6‑19 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his
right hand.
7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become
sin.
8 Let his days be few; [and] let another take his office.
9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek [their
bread] also out of their desolate places.
11 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his
labour.
12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to
favour his fatherless children.
13 Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name
be blotted out.
14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not
he sin of his mother be blotted out.
15 Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory
of them from the earth.
16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor
and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in
blessing, so let it be far from him.
18 As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come
into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.
19 Let it be unto him as the garment [which] covereth him, and for a girdle
wherewith he is girded continually.
[1] When God declares something by the pen of his Holy prophets, it is
absolutely certain to come to pass.
Isa 46:9‑11 Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there
is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the
things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will
do all my pleasure:
11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my
counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to
pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.
[2] Since by the pen of David, the certain damnation of Judas is declared, is
there any way that it could not come to pass?
[3] If it did not come to pass and God had said it would, that make God a liar.
[4] If the prophecy of Psa. 109:6-19 is not certain and fixed, can we trust any
other prophecy of the Scriptures?
h. What of those who are made to be taken and destroyed?
2 Pet 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and
destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly
perish in their own corruption.
i. What of Pharoah who was raised up by God to do exactly what he did thus
assuring his everlasting destruction from the presence of God.
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose
have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name
might be declared throughout all the earth.
Exo 9:16 And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew
[in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the
earth.
17. The only way one can explain 2 Peter 3:9 in light of these verses is to explain it
so that it harmonizes with the doctrine of unconditional election.
C. SOME ARGUE THE DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION LIMITS
GOD’S MERCY.
1. I am speaking now of the special mercy of God that is involved in the
forgiveness of sins and salvation of those who do not deserve mercy.
2. This objection limits God’s prerogative, power, sovereignty and mercy.
3. All will admit that God’s mercy is limited to believers.
4. The objector limits God’s power in saying that God cannot cause a man to
believe, make a man willing in the day of his power, and cause him to
approach unto Christ without violating man’s alleged freedom.
5. The objector claims that God is trying to be merciful to the entire human race
but is succeeding in relatively few instances, especially in recent times.
6. The objector claims that God is trying, willing, and purposing to extend his
saving mercy to all men without exception, but will admit that multitudes are
perishing in hell.
7. But, notice God’s answer to this objection and those who raise it.
Rom 9:15‑18 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have
mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that
sheweth mercy.
17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I
raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might
be declared throughout all the earth.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will
he hardeneth.
Pro 21:1 The king’s heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water:
he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Mat 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if
thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
D. OTHERS OBJECT TO THE DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
SAYING THAT IT MAKES GOD UNJUST.
1. This objection assumes and presumes that God is obligated to fallen sinful
men and owes them some special favor.
2. This objection infers that the objector believes the Creator is obligated to his
creatures who by a voluntary transgression have fallen into a terrible state of
depravity.
3. This objections infers that the potter does not have sovereignty over the clay or
the vessels he makes from the clay.
Rom 9:20‑21 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall
the thing formed say to him hat formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?
21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one
vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
4. This objection implies that salvation is deserved by all and that God harms one
if he does not bestow his saving mercy on some, or at least attempt to do so.
If it is deserved, then God would be unjust if he did not save everyone.
5. It was not God’s attribute of justice that led him to provide salvation. Justice
could have been served by casting everyone of Adam’s descendants into hell
just as justice was served and will be served in punishing all the fallen angels
without saving one of them.
a. Love, mercy and grace are the attributes which caused God to provide
salvation for his elect.
Rom 9:14‑16 What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God?
God forbid.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I
will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God
that sheweth mercy.
b. We are saved according to his own purpose and grace, not because of
justice.
2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not
according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which
was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
c. God has chosen to salvation those on whom he set his electing love.
2 Thes 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to
salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
d. I would say this about Divine justice in our salvation, in order for God to be
just he must save all for whom Christ died. He must save all for whom Christ
rendered satisfaction.
Isa 53:10‑11 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to
grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his]
seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper
in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his
knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their
iniquities.
E. THERE ARE OTHER OBJECTIONS WHICH MEN RAISE AGAINST THIS
DOCTRINE OF SOVEREIGN AND GRACIOUS UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
UNTO SALVATION.
1. Every objection can and must be answered as easily as these.
2. God’s word does not contradict itself; it does harmonize when we get all our
carnal prejudices out of the way and see God for the fact that He is really the
only God.
CONCLUSION:
Think on how we ought to bow our head in thanksgiving for God’s unconditional election of some to salvation.
If he had sought some ground or reason in me to choose me he would have found nothing.
In and of myself I deserved to be one of those vessels of wrath fitted to destruction, one of those made to be taken and destroyed.
But God, who is so rich in his sovereign grace and mercy, set his electing love on me and chose me to eternal salvation.
In time he who chose me called me by his grace and justified and saved me.
And, this unconditional election assures me that I will be brought home to glory at last.
And, my dear and beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I make no apology for believing this grand doctrine which brings such praise to the glory of God’s grace.
It humbles man and exalts God. It assures the salvation and security of every chosen one.
“What shall we say to these things?” I answer boldly, I answer gratefully, I answer heartily, that all one can say to these things is:
“IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?”
#DoctrinesofGrace #Calvinism #TotalDepravity #TULIP #WillieTullos #BillTullos #Arminianism #UnconditionalElection
