FOUR THINGS ABOUT THE ELECT

By Curtis Pugh

            The Bible teaches election. Some people are called “the elect.” Paul wrote of these saying, “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,” (2 Timothy 2:10). Election is not salvation. Election is unto salvation. God uses means such as Paul's example and his preaching during sufferings in bringing the elect to salvation.

            First: the elect were chosen before the world began. Paul wrote: “According as he [God] hath chosen us [those He planned to save] in him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we [the elect] should be holy and without blame before him in love,” (Ephesians 1:4). God does not choose sinners because they first chose Him. Election does not mean that God votes for you, the devil votes for you and you cast the deciding vote. This is totally contrary to the Bible! In the first place you were not around when the election was held and, secondly, the devil did not vote. God chose!

            Second: election is not based upon any foreseen faith or action of the individuals chosen in order “...that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,” (Romans 9:11). Again, Paul writing about “...the election of grace,” continued saying, “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,” (Romans 11:5-6). Election is entirely by grace: a bestowal completely free and unobtainable by any works, deed or act of the sinner.

            Third: God's elect cannot be charged with sin. The elect do sin, but, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth,” (Romans 8:33). God justifies, i.e. He declares His elect to be righteous in His sight based upon Christ's finished work. Paul goes on to explain: “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 [children of god],” (Romans 8:34). The only person that ever had a right to cast stones at sinners was the sinless Christ. But instead of condemning, He died, rose from the grave and is presently enthroned at God's right hand as Priest and Advocate for God's elect.

            Fourth: false teachers cannot permanently deceive the elect. Jesus prophesied of a time period filled with false religion, saying, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24). “If it were possible” means that it is not possible to deceive the elect! Christ's sheep may be taught error for a time, but they will eventually come to the truth of the Gospel. They were chosen to be saved and shall be saved!