(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
Rom 9:11-12
We spent much of our time last week considering Rom 9:16: “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” There is tremendous comfort in that verse because it reveals to the Christian that God is going to make sure that His children make it safely into His eternal arms. The purpose of God according to election, God’s predetermined work, will stand! Every believer must confess as Paul does in Rom 7:21 that “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.” Even as I strive after holiness, I still fail, but it is tremendous grounds for rejoicing to know that I will make it across the finish line into eternal glory, not by my effort, but because God by His infinite power will see to it! This thought is not unique to this passage but is revealed in numerous verses throughout the Scripture. I thought this week I would simply share some of those verses that highlight God’s sovereign work in the life of the believer and let the word of God speak for itself. I hope they encourage you, child of God, to rest in the Lord, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. (Ph 1:6)
Jamie
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 1:1-2
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Pet 2:9
Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Ac 13:48
Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved…In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
Eph 1:3-6, 11-12
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Ph 2:12-13
…Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…
2 Tim 1:9
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.
Rev 17:14
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth
2 Th 2:13
Amen!