Predestination is the unfolding of God’s own nature, where His sovereign freedom, mercy, and justice are revealed.
Salvation exists for one reason alone: to display the glory of God’s mercy and justice.
From beginning to end, Scripture presents election as an act of divine freedom. God chose His people, not because of faith or worth, but because of grace. “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy” (Romans 9:15). The choice belongs to God, not to man. The wonder is not that some are passed over, but that any are saved at all.
Man resists this because it destroys pride. Heaven rejoices because election exalts God as the sole Author and Finisher of salvation. It humbles every sinner and turns every boast into worship.
“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace” (Ephesians 1:4–6).
Salvation does not begin with man’s choice but with God’s mercy. “It does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Romans 9:16). The heart that grasps this truth finds rest. The heart that rebels against it still clings to its own throne.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit” (John 15:16).
Semper Reformanda
Objection: “Election makes God unfair.”
Response: Justice would condemn us all. Election displays the mercy of God toward those who deserve none. His choice does not violate justice but fulfills it in Christ, who bore the penalty in the place of His people. Grace that can be demanded is no grace at all. The protest of Romans 9 still sounds off from the streets and even pulpits: “Why does He still find fault?” The answer stands firm: “Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?” The Creator owes nothing, yet gives everything. His mercy magnifies His glory.
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
Objection: “Election removes human responsibility.”
Response: God’s sovereignty establishes human responsibility. The call to repent and believe is genuine, and all whom the Father has given to the Son will come. The same God who ordains the end also ordains the means. Election guarantees the triumph of grace.
“As many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).
Objection: “Election discourages evangelism.”
Response: Election fuels evangelism because it secures the harvest. The preacher goes forth knowing the word will not return void. Every soul drawn to Christ proves His purpose stands. The doctrine that begins with God’s decree ends in missions, prayer, and bold proclamation, for the Lord Himself gathers His people through His gospel.
“My word shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish what I purpose” (Isaiah 55:11).
Truth That Withstands
The doctrine of election silences pride and awakens worship. It is the blazing center of grace, where God’s mercy and sovereignty shine together. This truth unveils the depth of His compassion, the certainty of His purpose, and the glory of His saving will. God chose to save according to His pleasure and promise, and every redeemed voice will declare, “Salvation belongs to the Lord.”
Shortlink: reformlet.com/election