THE ELECTION OF GRACE
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Romans 11:5
This phrase, “The Election of Grace” refers to the gracious design of God in sending His only begotten Son into the world to save all who believe in Him. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
(1) SAVING PURPOSE
This wonderful grace proceeds from the saving throne and purpose of God before “The Foundation Of The World“ 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: Eph 1:4
(2) ALL WHO BELIEVE
Since the coming of our Lord and Savior into this world to die and rise again, this election refers to God choosing “In Christ” a people whom He destines to be Holy and Blameless in His eyes. But we are bound to give thanks always 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: 2 Thess 2:13 This election (choosing) includes ALL (not just a select few) (John 3:16) who believe and obey Jesus Christ and the Gospel. So we see that both God and humans are active in election. The goal of this election of grace is to “Be Holy and Without Blame” in God’s eyes. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 2:8-10
WITH GREAT POWER
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33
(1) GREAT POWER
“Great Power” should be the distinguishing characteristic of God’s children in this day and time. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 There are four reasons for this. Our witnessing needs to be based on God’s Word, and the conviction that it was given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, Acts 4:29
(2) COMMISIONED
Although we are not all called to preach or teach, we all have been commisioned by Jesus Christ our resurrected Lord and told to go and be witnesses for Him. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt 28:19 We may not be able to go across the world, but we surely can be witnesses for Jesus Christ where we are. And as a matter of fact we are going to have to give an account to the Lord if we fail to witness to those around us who are lost.
(3) GREAT CONVICTION
Just as The Holy Spirit worked through the disciples to bring conviction, on those who heard the Word, so He desires to work through us the same way. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 It is sad that those who are not saved around us “accept us” because they have become so comfortable being around us. We should be sharing the gospel of Jesus with the lost and unsaved. When they hear the gospel being witnessed to them, they should be convicted of their sins. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8
(4) ANNOINTING
When we experience the anointing it will bring “Great Power” so that those we witness to will be converted and added to God’s Kingdom. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Acts 5:14
SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17
The word sanctify means to “Make Holy”, “To Separate”, or “Set Apart”.
(1) JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES (WHICH INCLUDES THOSE OF US WHO ARE TRULY AND GENUINELY SAVED TODAY AS WELL)
The very evening before His crucifixion Jesus prayed for HIs disciples that they would be Holy people and set apart, and separated from the world and sin for the purpose of worshiping and serving God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2 Cor 6:17 Jesus is praying for us today also, so that we may be separated and set apart from the world. We must do this in order for the Lord to dwell near us. He desires us to live totally for Him and be completely like Him.
(2) SANCTIFICATION
The sanctification that God desires us to have comes from and through, and is accomplished by our real devotion to His Word and His truth. The real truth (not what we may consider to true in our way of thinking) is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit Himself, as it is written in God’s Word. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13 The truth is both the Living Word of God In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 and the revelation of God’s Written Word.
HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13
The convicting and convincing work of the Holy Spirit is not only directed to the unsaved. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7 But He also operates in the lives of the believers and if allowed to He will work within the church, in order to instruct, teach, correct, and guide them into the truth. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev 3:19
(1) SPEAKS TO BELIEVERS
The Holy Spirit will speak to believers concerning sin in their lives, the righteousness of Christ, in order to conform us to Jesus and His righteous standards. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18 The Holy Spirit will lead us into all the truth, and help us to glorify Jesus Christ. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:14 So we can see that The Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer to produce Christ’s holy life in us.
(2) RESIST OR REJECT
If we are Spirit-filled believers, we should not resist or reject the working of the Holy Spirit within our lives. But sadly there are those who will only allow Him to work in a limited capacity. This is one form of resisting and rejecting. If we fail to (through The Holy Spirit) mortify the deeds of our body, it will cause us to go into condemnation. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:13 Only those who receive the truth and are “Led By The Spirit of God” are the son’s of God and therefore able to continue in the Spirit’s fullness. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Eph 3:19 Sin destroys both the life and the fullness of The Holy Spirit within the believer. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:13 Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thess 5:19
KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35
Love (Agape) must be the distinguishing mark of Jesus followers. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1 John 3:23 This kind of love is a self-giving and sacrificial love which seeks the best and good of others. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 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 4:9-10
(1) RELATIONSHIP
The relationship between all believers must be characterized by a devoted and purposeful concern. We must truly promote the highest good of our brothers and sisters in Christ. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35
(2) BEFRIEND
We as Christians must befriend each other during our times of trials. We must take much care not to do anything that would cause our brother or sister in Christ any hurt their reputation. We must deny ourselves in order to promote each other’s welfare. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal 6:2 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 1 Thess 4:9 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8
INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matt 24:12
The last days of the church age will bring about untold and unbelievable problems for those who profess Jesus Christ. There will be cruelty such as never seen before as well as great persecution. There will be (and already is now) an unbelievable outbreak of immorality, shamelessness, rebellion against authority and especially against God. Every where we look people have cast of moral restraint. Sexual perversion is running rampant, fornication, adultery, pornography, drugs,ungodly music, and lustful entertainment.
(1) DAYS OF NOE
The closing days of the church will be as it was in the Day of Noe. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matt 24:37 It will be a time as it was in Noah’s day. We are now experiencing those kinds of times in our modern day. Times when people’s hearts are continually evil. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen 6:5
(2) DAYS OF LOT
God’s Word also tells us that it will be like it was in Lot’s day. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; Luke 17:28 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Luke 17:30 It was then and it is now a day when homosexuality and lesbianism was rampant. All kinds of perversion is permeating society as it did then. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Tim 4:1 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them. Gen 19:5 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Romans 1:24 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Romans 1:26-28
Jesus goes on to indicate that true love will be in short supply.
LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
This verse of scripture provides us with a penetrating glimpse into the spiritual dynamics at work behind the scenes of human activities in our world. We must remember that Satan is clearly “The Thief” (Usurper).
(1) HIS MISSION
It is very clear that his (Satan) mission is too “Steal, and To Kill, and to Destroy” He desires to steal people’s health, their lives, and everything that is good from Christians. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: Luke 22:31 He wants to steal and sift our families and our purpose for the Lord in life, and everything that is good within the Christian.
(2) JESUS IS COUNTER
Jesus has come to counter and destroy Satan’s sinister network of evil here on planet Earth. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 He came to accomplish this by the power of the Cross, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Col 2:15. He came to give us life that is redemptive and abundant. (full to those who believe and receive Him) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17. No one can experience or know this abundance, and the fullness of life apart from Jesus Christ and the indwelling presence of His life giving Precious Holy Spirit. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
ONE THING IS NEEDFUL
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42
For real and true believers, it is very good for us to be active in the work of the Lord. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 2 Thess 3:13
(1) PRACTICAL SERVICE
As believers we may be active, and it is very essential and good in our practical service for the Lord. Our first and most important task is a love and devotion that expresses itself in not only quiet praise, but outward praise also. Our first and foremost task is fellowship with the Lord. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Cor 13:14 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
(2) SO BUSY
It is wonderful and a commandment to busy ourselves doing the work of The Lord. It is well, and it is a commandment that we attend church and worship service, and promoting good deeds. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching Heb 10:25 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:18 But often we may perhaps get so busy doing these things, that we forget the first and froemost and greatest commandment. We often get so busy that we don’t have time for The Lord. But we must take time to: “LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY STRENGTH” And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deut 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Mark 12:30
A GOOD SAMARITAN
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Luke 10:30
This parable emphasizes that inherent (belonging by nature) in true saving faith and grace is a compassion for those in need, both physically and spiritually. The call to love God is a call to also love others.
(1) THE NEW LIFE
The new life and grace that Christ gives to those who accept Him will produce love. It will produce mercy, and compassion for those who are distressed and afflicted. It is the responsibility of all believers to act on the Holy Spirit’s love within them and not harden their hearts. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5
(2) TRUE BELIEVERS
As true believers we must never harden our hearts by being insensitive to the suffering and the needs of others. Our neighbors are those who are in need, and who need us, when it is in our power to help them. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matt 25:41-46 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:17
FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Luke 3:8
Real and genuine repentance will be accompanied by the fruits of righteousness. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Acts 26:20
(1) TRUE SAVING FAITH
True saving faith and conversion must become evident through lives that forsake sin and bear Godly fruit. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16
(2) CHILDREN OF GOD
Those who say that they believe in Christ and are the children of God, and yet do not live lives that produce good fruit, are like trees that will be cut down and cast into the fire. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matt 3:10 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matt 3:12
