“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”
(1 Thessalonians 1:4)
In an attempt to understand the often overwhelming doctrine of election, we need to not see it as God’s hidden will or a matter of uncovering His secret decrees. Rather, in seeking to know for certain that we are chosen by God, we need only examine our lives for the signs of His work within us, to search our hearts for the effects of His grace. For when we see evidence of His saving work in our lives, we can be confident that we are numbered among His elect. This assurance comes from looking at the changes God has brought into our lives, changes which reflect the salvation He has freely given us. This is where true assurance lies.[1]
This first sign of election is an effectual calling, when the Gospel moves beyond just words and strikes our hearts, convicting us of sin and drawing us to Christ. Romans 8:30 echoes this truth: “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called.” If the Word of God has reached deep into your heart and changed you, then you can trust that this is one of the signs of your election.
The second sign is sanctification, a life that is being consistently transformed by God’s grace. Sanctification begins at salvation and continues through the entire life of a believer. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 we are told, “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit.” If you see God working in your heart, molding you more into His likeness, then this is a clear sign that you are elected for salvation.
Thirdly, election is revealed through faith. Acts 13:48 says, “As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” If you have come to believe in Jesus Christ, trusting in Him as your Savior and living by His Word, that faith is a sign of God’s election. No one can come to faith without God’s enabling power. So if you are walking in faith, you can be confident you are among the elect.
The fourth sign is a love for God’s Word. Those who are elected by God delight in His Word. In John 8:47 Jesus says, “He that is of God heareth God’s words.” If you experience joy when reading and hearing God’s Word and the preaching of the Gospel stirs your heart, then this is another sign of your election.
The fifth sign is a love for God’s people. Colossians 3:12 speaks of the “bowels of mercies” that the elect are to put on. If you feel genuine compassion and care for both those who belong to God and those who do not yet know Him, this is evidence of God’s work in your heart. The elect are marked by their love, not just for God but also for others, especially fellow believers.
Finally, the sixth sign is a new way of life. Those who are elected by God will ultimately be conformed to the image of His Son. 1 Peter 1:2 says that we are elected “through sanctification unto obedience.” God intends that His chosen people reflect the life of Christ in their actions, thoughts, and deeds. So if you have turned from sin and are walking in obedience to Christ, this is a mark of election.
In conclusion, assurance of election is not something that comes through speculation or emotion or that can be uncovered by trying to access God’s hidden will. Rather, it is found in examining our hearts and lives for the clear signs of God’s work. When we see these evidences—effectual calling, sanctification, faith, love for God’s Word, love for His people, and a new way of life—we can have confidence that we are indeed among those whom God has chosen for salvation.
Contemplations:
- The Power of Effectual Calling. When I reflect on 1 Thessalonians 1:5, I am reminded that my election is not just about hearing God’s Word with my ears but about feeling its power in my soul and life. The work of the Holy Spirit, combined with the power of the Gospel, broke through my resistance and brought me to faith in Christ. I could not manufacture this power on my own; it was the work of God calling me to Himself. Knowing this, I can be assured of my election by God.
- Sanctification, A Lifelong Process. As 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says, God has chosen me for salvation through sanctification. This means that even when I struggle or stumble, God is still working in me. As I continue to grow in holiness and as my heart becomes more aligned with His will, I’m reminded that this ongoing process of sanctification is a sign of His election.
- Faith, The Gift of God’s Elect. Titus 1:1 calls faith the “faith of God’s elect.” I realize that my belief in Christ is not something I came to on my own. It is a gift from God, given to me because He has chosen me for salvation, and my resultant faith is evidence of that. As I continue to trust in Christ, I know that this faith, no matter how weak it may seem at times, is a reflection of God’s saving work in my life.
- Love for the Word. John 8:47 reminds me that love for God’s Word is a mark of His election. When I hear Scripture, it’s the living Word of God speaking directly to my heart. And the more I immerse myself in His Word, the more I feel connected to Him, knowing that this love and delight in His Word is a sign that He has chosen me.
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord, You are the God of sovereign grace, whose election assures salvation, as 1 Thessalonians 1:4 declares: “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” I worship You for choosing me, as Ephesians 1:4 affirms: “he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.” Your calling, as Romans 8:30 states: “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called,” brought my heart to faith, and I praise Your mercy.
I adore You for sanctification, as 2 Thessalonians 2:13 promises: “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit,” transforming me to Christ’s image. Your gift of faith sustains my trust. I also praise You for causing me to love Your Word, as John 8:47 declares: “He that is of God heareth God’s words,” and for giving me a heart for Your people.
Your work conforms me to Your Son, as 1 Peter 1:2 says, marking my election. You are my Savior, my Sanctifier, my King, and I bow in awe of Your grace that secures my salvation for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 Thess. 1:4:
2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:10; Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:1
[1] Christopher Love, A Treatise of Effectual Calling and Election (London: printed for John Rothwell at the Fountain and Beare in Goldsmiths Row in Cheapside, 1655), 171.
