I am becoming more aware of my own preaching distinctly referring to the biblical teaching of God’s election in sermons that I have preached recently. I did not preach this way a few years ago despite my commitments to reformed soteriology. My recent convictions about the need for election as a part of gospel preaching has emerged by a reaquaintance with reformed writers. What is clear is that covenant thinking does not undergird contemporary preaching. This was my sin!
The covenant of grace anchored as it is Biblically in Romans 9 to God’s pre-temporal election of individuals is the sine qua non of gospel preaching. Why do we not hear more about it. Jesus spoke of it expressly in John 6 and 10. Moreover in the passage where He exhorts all listeners with the command to take up His yoke, presenting himself as the rest for sinners, only emerges after He has thanked the Father for hiding divine truths from certain people. Astonishing!
Paul was no less an advocate of the doctrine of election. Already, we have alluded to Romans nine, which has been aptly described as “the most neglected chapter in the Bible” (see the book by that title written by W. E. Best). Also, his presentation/reminder of the gospel to the Thessalonians comes on the heels of their election as he establishes his doctrine to them. One would be remiss to omit the way that Paul expresses to young Timothy in that 2nd epistle his desire to endure all the sufferings in his life joyfully as he knowingly hopes for the salvation of the elect.
John also concurs with His Lord and fellow Apostle by writing to of his letters to the elect, one to the elect lady and the other to the elect Gaius. And in the Revelation he regards Christians as “called, chosen and faithful” (17:14). Finally, recall that it was his gospel that is the heaviest on the doctrine of God’s election from among the four theological biographies of Jesus Christ’s ministry. The NT uses the various Greek terms for election over 20 times. Moreover, the idea and doctrine of election is what governs salvation by grace. If the election of the Father, and the Redemption of the Son have been planned from eternity, then those specific teachings must find their way into more explicit exposition in gospel preaching.
What place election? It governs the covenant and is the heart of the gospel. Let us proclaim it proudly as children of the Pauline Gracious Good news re-discovered at the time of the Reformation.
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