TTHE ELECTION OF GRACE

"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the
election of grace" (KJV). "In the same way then, there has also come to be at
the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice" (NASB). "So too, At the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace" (NIV). -- Rom11:5

Devotion 11 of 18

GOD'S PURPOSE STILL STANDS
     Notice the language of the Spirit: "God's purpose according to His choice (election, KJV, RSV) might stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls" (Rom 9:11, NASB). The determinist would say, "because of Him Who elects," but that is not what the Spirit says! It is One that "CALLS" that elects! His election is implemented by a summons, not arbitrary selection. The
"birthright" was the means whereby the choice of God would be implemented. Esau despised the birthright, even though it was his by earthly right. His rejection of the birthright led God to reject him "afterward" (Heb 12:17). Jacob did not despise the birthright. Although he sought it through deceptive means, his inclination was to the birthright. It was that capacity that provoked God to love him. Esau did not see the relationship of the birthright to God's Messianic objective. Jacob saw some correlation between the two, however faint it was. He was not accepted because of his works, which were not commendable. 

     Again, I am compelled to emphasis the choice was not made arbitrarily, but in accord with God's loving kindness and mercy. He was inclined to the one who sought His blessing above that of an earthly father, namely Isaac. His purpose thus stood according to His choice!

The Father Chooses!
     The Father chooses those that receive the Son; He rejects those that despise His Son. It is His nature to do so. This condition exists because it is the Son Himself Who is the "Elect." As it is written, "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; MINE ELECT, in Whom My soul delighteth; I have put My spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles" (Isa 42:1). "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, ELECT, precious: and he that believeth onHim shall not be confounded" (1 Pet 2:6). 

     The saved are called "the elect" by virtue of their union with Christ Jesus. Were it not for that, their acceptance would not be possible! Honesty will tell you that when you came to the Lord, you had nothing to offer but your desire for salvation. You could not present your accomplishments to Him as a basis for your acceptance! Isaiah was precisely correct in his assessment of the BEST of our works. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our  iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isa 64:6). The Father received you because He was attracted to you -- not to your condition, but to you yourself! You desired what He had to give, and that brought you into His favor. Thus His purpose continues to stand  "not of works, but of Him that CALLETH" (Rom 9:11b). Mind you, God has connect His choice with His call! We do well to do the same.

     I am aware that this does not fit into a systematized view of election. But that really is of no conseqence to me. Jesus, through Whom God now speaks (Heb 1:1-2), has spoken quite clearly about those God loves, and in Whom he dwells. Hear His words. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him . . . If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (John 14:21,23). Whatever you may think of election and Divine aceptance, it simply does not exist apart from the Son! Too, election is tied to Divine love, of which Jesus spoke in the above texts. Eph 1:4).

     Election is NOT arbitrary! It all is fulfilled in, and only in, Christ Jesus. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN CHRIST, just as He chose us IN HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and  without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons BY JESUS CHRIST to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted IJN THE BELOVED" (Eph 1:3-6).

    It is God Himself Who has put us into Christ, thereby making us acceptable to Himself. "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD" (1 Cor 1:30). There simply is NO acceptance apart from Jesus Christ. What is more, being in Jesus is NEVER disassociated from deliberately receiving Him (John 1:12). It is ALWAYS associated with believing the Gospel, calling upon the name of the Lord, and obedience to the faith. 

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You that Your choice has been made in Christ Jesus. I find nothing worthy of Your acceptance in myself. I believe the Gospel, and love Your Son. By faith, I know You receive me in Him. Accept my praise for such marvelous grace, in Jesus' name.

-- TOMORROW: THE CASE OF PHAROAH --