The Two-fold purposes of Divine Election for the Christian, JC Ryle: from Expository thought on John 3:16-17

 

“Election to eternal life, is a truth of Scripture which we must receive humbly, and believe implicitly. Why the Lord Jesus calls some and does not call others, quickens whom He will, and leaves others alone in their sins, these are deep things which we cannot explain. Let it suffice us to know that it is a fact. God must begin the work of grace in a man’s heart, or else a man will never be saved. Christ must first choose us and call us by His Spirit, or else we shall never choose Christ. Beyond doubt, if not saved, we shall have none to blame but ourselves. But if saved, we shall certainly trace up the beginning of our salvation, to the choosing grace of Christ. Our song to all eternity will be that which fell from the lips of Jonah–”Salvation is of the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9.)

 

Election is always to sanctification. Those whom Christ chooses out of mankind, He chooses not only that they may be saved, but that they may bear fruit, and fruit that can be seen. All other election beside this is a mere vain delusion, and a miserable invention of man. It was the faith and hope and love of the Thessalonians, which made Paul say, “I know your election of God.” (1 Thess. 1:4.) Where there is no visible fruit of sanctification, we may be sure there is no election.”

 

John 3:16-17 (16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (17) These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

 

(I (Eric) add this post-script: The Doctrine of God’s gracious Election only makes sense and is glorious when it is personalized with the Acknowledgment of Two necessary foundational truths:

1.God: God is Holy

2. Man: I am a morally Rebellious Sinner, unholy and dead in my sins, deserving of the just punishment of Hell)