Some of the smart people say they don’t believe in God because they are not chosen by Him. I wonder how they know God chooses them or not.

The doctrine of election can sometimes be very difficult to understand, yet it is not that difficult. If we translate verse 2 directly, it sounds like this: We/You were chosen because God knew ahead of time what you would choose.

God knows everything that goes on in the world. God knows everything that will happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and forever. We are talking about God’s predestination. God knows who will choose Him and who will not. And it is precisely based on this predestination that God chooses people.

So, when you choose God, you are chosen, because God knew. God always knew that you would choose Him. And yet God’s election is not based on your choice. We don’t always understand everything, because God’s time and space and ours are completely different.

Remember, God is very different from us, and we don’t understand everything about God. For God to remain God, some things remain incomprehensible. What we do know for sure is that Jesus died for all people. Anyone can make this salvation a part of themselves.

Yet, some choose not to accept the salvation that Jesus brought about with His blood. It’s such a shame. I’d rather choose God and arrive at the top and realise I wasn’t chosen (which, of course, can’t be true) than arrive at the top realising I was chosen by God all along, but I didn’t choose Him.

It would probably have been the biggest bummer in my life to miss the bus and spend the rest of my eternal life in a place where I hate being.

 ²God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus.

We’re not alone in this process of choosing. Fortunately, I almost want to say we’re not left to our own devices. The Holy Spirit is there to help us. Yes, I do the choosing. It’s my decision. I’m not pushed into a corner and forced to choose.

Somewhere I got a good look at myself, and what I saw wasn’t such a pretty picture. I saw the dirty, sinful me and knew that was not who I wanted to be. I was looking for more. I was looking for a better me.

That’s when I started looking for something more. In a way, I knew I had to get rid of the burden that was breaking my speed. I believed there was more in me. I believed and searched and stumbled upon Jesus’ cross.

The Holy Spirit helps us with this process of searching, because, on our own, we’re unable to do it. Therefore, through God’s predestination, He makes His Spirit available to us.

I only now realise how great God’s grace is. He knew that we wanted to get to Him, but would struggle. That is precisely why He helps us, actually even before we choose Him.

May we live differently today simply because we understand His grace. May we live it out there, because many still do not hear His knocking.

Scripture
1 Peter 1:1-2

Reflection
Does the doctrine of election make sense to you?
Can you share this with someone?
With who?

Prayer
Father, thank You for choosing me. Thank you that I could choose with the help of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for all Your grace. Help me to live it today. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.