Paul slightly mentions the massive reason we are making such a drastic change of spiritual clothes, which is also our motivation for doing so. Why are we forsaking and fighting the sinful pleasures and selfish attitudes of this world (vv5-11) while pursuing and desiring God-centered, self-denying virtues that extol Christ (vv12-14)? The answer for why we are bagging up our old clothes and getting fitted for our new ones and for why we delight to do so is contained in the two phrases: “as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved” Election and what it means explains why we love our new outfits!

The word “chosen” is the same word that is sometimes translated “elect.” This text is not an explanation of election but rather a description of some of the glorious implications of election. I believe in election because you find it throughout the whole Bible. Therefore I believe it and I seek to understand it as best I can. As I gain understanding of it, I pray to embrace it, no matter what difficulties I encounter emotionally or logically as I work through connecting this doctrine with all of God’s revelation. I delight to embrace the doctrine of election because God, in His wisdom, grace, and goodness, chose for His salvation of sinners to include His divine, free, sovereign election of sinners to salvation in His Son. It must therefore be for His glory and for the good of His people because that’s the ultimate purposes for everything He does.

In Col 3:12, Paul’s purpose is not to teach on election but to point out how it serves to motivate us. Election enables us to love our new clothes. Motivation for our new outfits comes in part by seeing what election means for the individual believer. What does election imply? Paul answers in the following phrase, “holy and beloved.” Election means that God has made you “holy.” God has set you apart for Himself, to enjoy Him, to glorify Him, to serve Him, to know Him. It also means that you are “beloved” by God. God has poured out His unending love upon you, by His own initiative not based upon anything good about you. He did this knowing you would be a sinner. He did this while you were still a sinner. If you will just think for a moment on election, not trying to figure it out, to defend it, or to deny it, but just to reflect on what it means. Oh how we would want to wear our new clothes if we knew what election means for us who are in Christ! This new wardrobe means I belong to Him! I have been changed by Him! I am loved by Him! He chose me.