(written by Dustin Smetona)
Many Christians find the word “doctrine” to be a downer. Some may wield the cute adage “doctrine divides” as they describe, with disdain, “churches who focus too much on doctrine.” This stance betrays a misunderstanding of doctrine’s definition. It actually is a doctrine to espouse the idea that “doctrine divides.” All churches—even those who claim they don’t focus on doctrine—are filled with it. Therefore, we must not criticize something which we all utilize and which has done no wrong.
On the contrary, doctrine is, by nature, practical and helpful. A doctrine is, simply, “something that is taught.” If you have ever benefited from another’s teaching, then doctrine is your friend! Holding this to be true, I’d like to briefly examine a Christian teaching that is not universally loved nor thought to have much (if any) practical benefit: the doctrine of election.
A Quick Definition
Wayne Grudem in his tome, Systematic Theology, describes the doctrine of election in these terms:
Election is an act of God before creation in which he chooses some people to be saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign good pleasure.
Let’s consider a beloved passage, well-known and widely quoted, that expresses the practical benefit of election: Romans 8:28-30.
Instilling Hope
The eighth chapter of Romans is predominantly about the present comfort that Christians find in the many wonderful things God has done and will do for them. Paul explains that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (v. 1), freedom from the law of sin and death (v. 2), the presence of God’s Spirit with believers (v. 9-11), adoption into God’s family (v. 15), co-inheritance with Christ provided that we suffer with Him (v. 17), and bodily redemption (v. 23) to name a few. The aim of all these glorious realities is to build faith by drawing attention to God’s incalculable kindnesses to His people. When Paul brings up election (v. 29-30, 33), he is using it to achieve the same end as all these other truths: hope. He wants to instill hope. If his readers are convinced that the Sovereign God who rules over absolutely everything has set His particular affection upon them, then they will have an unshakable hope.
Providing Stability
Anyone who has been a Christian for some time has known another believer who struggles with feeling accepted by God. This struggling individual rightly laments their sin but lacks assurance that God truly delights in them. If we are honest, all of us wrestle with this during certain seasons. The gracious act of election by God can help stabilize our minds in these tumultuous times if it finds a treasured spot in our hearts. When you grasp that God has picked you for Himself, you can have the elusive assurance which you seek. He does not “faint or grow weary” (Isa. 40:28) and will not allow you to be snatched out of His hand (John 10:28-29).
If you are struggling, rest in the persistent grace of God that is put on display in the ransoming death of His Son. If He did not love you and had not chosen you, He would never have sent Jesus. But rejoice knowing that He did! He has chosen you. He does love you.
5 Comments on "Election: The Spiritual Ballast"
great article dustin- election truly is an anchor of the faith that points to our great God–I might go on to say that Rom 8 to me is even more than “about the present comfort that Christians find in the many wonderful things God has done and will do for them” but rather all this that happens because of the work of the spirit. Romans 8 becomes the antithesis of Rom 7 that pictures the pious jew trying to accomplish the law without the spirit–and then we are hit with this huge wave of Rom 8! Much love dustin- keep rocking it at your MDIV!
Thanks for the encouraging words David! And thank you for expanding on the main thrust of Romans 8. I knew I’d be biting off more than I could chew trying to summarize the chapter in one sentence. But alas! I am beholden to the limitations of blogging. That’s why thoughtful readers like you who respond are so critical, so thank you again!
Hi Dustin,
Thank you for writing on this topic! This article blessed me! My husband and I have been reading through Romans and just yesterday, we studied chapters 8 and 9. I was so humbled to be reminded that NOTHING can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39) and this is solely because of Him showing mercy to me (Romans 9:16). Surely, I can’t save myself, nor can I sustain my salvation. That means it is ALL God! He saves me and sustains me by His grace. Amazing.
A few years ago, I remember my brother (hi Chris!) asking me what my doctrine and theology was. My ignorant response was, “I don’t care about doctrine. I just love God.” His response humbled me: “Doctrine and theology is how you view God. How you view God affects how you love Him.” Thus began my love of Biblical theology! I praise God for revealing truths about Himself to me through Scripture. By his grace, my doctrine and theology is now summed up by 1 Timothy 1:12-17. I love the doctrine of election.
Thanks again for this article, Dustin!
-Cami
Thanks for the encouraging words Cami! I’m grateful to know that God used the article to encourage you. It is incredibly liberating to fully embrace that God chooses us.
Thanks for the post!
The next Reformation OC Conference will concentrate on the doctrine of election as our organizing theme. Maybe we can talk more about it before this October!
Peace,
Kent