God chose you

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)

The doctrine of election, which states that in some mysterious way that we will never quite understand this side of eternity, God chose us before the beginning of the world to know and serve Him, is a doctrine that causes some people a great deal of discomfort. After all, if God chose some, does that mean that He did not choose others, so that their lack of faith is not truly their own decision? As I am not God, I don’t fully understand this mystery either, although the Bible seems to clearly state that we are all responsible for our own choices, so that no one will be able to blame God for his or her lack of faith. Rather, the doctrine of election is meant to encourage us that God loves us, that He has a purpose for our lives, and that He will never let us go. It is also meant to stir up in us humility and wonder at His undeserved love and grace for us. As Charles Spurgeon put it:

“I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him; and I am sure He chose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards; and He must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why He should have looked upon me with special love.”

I don’t know what that quote produces in your heart, but in mine it brings tears of gratitude as I voice my “Amen” to Spurgeon’s words. When I was a young Christian, I thought I had chosen God, and believe that God was lucky to have someone like me on His team. The longer I walk with God, the more I realize that my previous way of thinking was simple pride, blissfully unaware of the fact that there is nothing good in me apart from Him, and that He chose me not because I am awesome but because He loves me despite my sinful, rebellious heart. He chose me –and more than that – He has NEVER given up on me, never voiced regret over His choice, never asked for a do-over. He is patient with me, working slowly to complete the good work He began 20 years ago when He saved me (Philippians 1:6).

If you know Christ, it is because He chose you. Many in this world may have rejected you, but not God. He loves you, He saved you, and He will never let you go. This is a great mystery, but it is meant to encourage and melt your heart as you realize that despite knowing every horrible thing about you, He still loved you enough to die for you and bring you into an everlasting relationship of love with Himself. All glory to God.