The Glories of Our Election

The doctrine of election should not discourage or divide us. The doctrine of election should encourage and humble us. Let’s examine this important doctrine in this second sermon of our series in the Epistle of 1 Peter.

1. Christians are chosen by God to salvation and are strangers in this world. (1 Peter:1)

• A literal translation of verse 1 is “to those elect aliens scattered abroad.”
• We do not choose God; He chose us.
• God is the Agent of salvation.
• The doctrine of election teaches that Christians are “elect or chosen” by God
• The doctrine of election in the Bible teaches the following:
  • In the OT God chose Israel. (Isaiah 45:4; Amos 3:2; Deuteronomy 7:7, 9:4-6)
  • God elected angels to be holy. (1 Timothy 5:21)
  • God elects believers to salvation, but our election is not based on any merit of our own. (Romans 8:29-33; Ephesians 1:3-6; Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1; John 15:16)
  • Three prepositional phrases in verse 2 expound on the great doctrine of election.

2. Christians are chosen according to the predetermined plan of God (I Peter 1:2)

• “Foreknowledge” doesn’t’ just mean that God knew beforehand.
• “Foreknowledge” means “predetermined.”
• In eternity past, the God of heaven was thinking about you and me and predetermined to save us!
• Why? I do not know, but I’m glad He did!

3. Christians are chosen by the sanctifying work of the Spirit. (1 Peter 1:2)

• You cannot get saved anytime you want. (John 6:44)
• We are drawn to Christ through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8)
• Three aspects of sanctification:
  • Positional sanctification – This happens at salvation.
  • Progressive sanctification – It is ongoing here on this earth.
  • Ultimate sanctification – This is achieved in heaven. (1 John 3:2)
• Peter is talking about positional sanctification that happens at salvation.

4. Christians are chosen to obey Jesus Christ (repent and believe the gospel) and to be sprinkled with His blood. (1 Peter 1:2)

• When are we cleansed of our sins?
  • We are cleansed of our sins the moment we obey the gospel by repenting and believing in Christ!
• “To obey Jesus Christ” refers to our initial saving obedience to the gospel.