Chosen by God

II Thessalonians 2:13-17

“But we are bound to give thanks alway 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: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Thessalonians 2:13-14)

While there are those who have chosen to not believe and thus do not receive Christ and his blessings, the Thessalonians have chosen to receive him. One of the biggest conflicts between so called Christians revolves around this idea of being chosen of God. There are two major positions. The Hyper Calvinist position is that salvation is completely of God, and man has no part in it. The Arminian position is that salvation is completely a result of man’s action. Both sides point to various proof texts to support their position.

II Peter says that the scripture can be depended on, but that we cannot use a private interpretation, that we cannot separate out one passage to prove a position. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” (II Peter 2:19-21). To try to interpret privately leads to false conclusions. II Timothy 3:16-17 advises, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Since it is all God’s word, one part cannot be selected as more inspired or greater than another. All must be accepted as true. To decide what the truth is will require reconciling all the scriptures relating to the subject. II Timothy 2:15 tells us that to properly understand what God wants will require study. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The Arminian position must ignore many scriptures relating to our being elected or chosen of God, such as the our present passage, or Mark 13:20. “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” The Hyper Calvinist position is forced to ignore verses such as II Peter 3:9, which tells us that God does not want anyone to face damnation. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”

Neither position fits all the scriptures, therefore neither can be correct. I Peter 1:2 provides a means of reconciling all the scriptures. We are “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:” We have been elected in advance according to what God knew about us, and yet we still had to choose. Exactly how that works, I cannot describe except to say God knew each of us before we were created.

Because we have been chosen, and because we know what judgment will come on the unbelievers, there should be a difference in our attitudes and actions. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (II Peter 3:10-14)

Because we are looking for eternal life for ourselves, and expecting judgment on those who don’t believe, we need to allow God to have his way in our lives. Trusting him and obeying his commands establish conditions in which he can work freely. Like a tree given proper conditions, the Holy Spirit will produce fruit.

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” (II Thessalonians 2:15-17)