It is amazing how men can read into the scriptures what is not there and strip from the scriptures that which is plainly taught. For example; the doctrine of divine election; how unmistakably clear this teaching is set forth in the Bible. Yet men disregard and reject it as though it is heresy. In this day of evolutionary religion, error has become so accepted and truth so unheard of that men receive heresy as truth and reject truth as heresy. Observe just two passages of scripture out of many that clearly teach the doctrine of unconditional election. Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world…” II Thessalonians 2:13, “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:…” Another very clear text is John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me…” setting forth from the Savior’s lips the doctrine of election. These are those whom the Father gave to His Son before the foundation of the world. Also we see here the doctrine of effectual calling. Those who are given must and shall come. They shall be brought out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. It teaches the vital necessity of faith; for even those who are given to Christ are not saved except they come to Him. They must come, for there is no other way to heaven but by the door, Christ Jesus. All that the Father gives to our Redeemer must come to Him, therefore none can come to heaven except they come to Christ. The power and majesty rests in the words “shall come.” He does not say they have power to come, or that they may come if they will, but they “shall come.” The Lord Jesus, by His messengers, His Word, and His Spirit, sweetly and graciously compels men to come that they may eat of His marriage supper, this He does, not by any violation of the free agency of man, but by the power of His grace. I may exercise power over another man’s will, and yet that man’s will may be perfectly free, because the constraint is exercised in a manner in accordance with the laws of the human mind. The Lord Jesus knows how to subdue the sinner by irresistible persuasion appealing to the understanding, and affections by His all mighty power and by the mysterious influence of His Holy Spirit operating upon all the powers and passions of the soul Where the sinner was once rebellious, he yields gladly to Christ’s governing power, subdued by His sovereign love. (See Hosea 11:4.) How shall those be known whom God has chosen? By this, they willingly and joyfully receive Christ, and come to Him with simple and unfeigned faith, resting upon Him as all their salvation and all their desire. (See II Samuel 23:5; Psalm 110:3.)
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