 |
||
|
Election By his decree, and for the
manifestation of his glory, God has predestinated (or foreordained)
certain men and angels to eternal life through Jesus Christ, thus
revealing his grace. Others,
whom he has left to perish in their sins, show the terrors of his justice. Before the world was made, God's
eternal, immutable purpose, which originated in the secret counsel and
good pleasure of his will, moved him to choose (or to elect), in Christ,
certain of mankind to everlasting glory.
Out of his mere free grace and love he predestinated these chosen
ones to life, although there was nothing in them to cause him to choose
them.
Not only has God appointed the elect to glory in accordance with the
eternal and free purpose of his will, but he has also foreordained the
means by which his purpose will be effected.
Since his elect are children of Adam and therefore among those
ruined by Adam's fall into sin, he willed that they should be redeemed by
Christ, and effectually called to faith in Christ.
Furthermore, by the working of his Spirit in due season they are
justified, adopted, sanctified. and 'kept by his power through faith unto
salvation'. None but the
elect partake of any of these great benefits.
|