Perhaps the clearest passage that states the doctrine of election is in Acts 13 during Paul’s first missionary journey. When the gospel is rejected by the Jews, Paul and Barnabas announce that they are going to preach to the Gentiles who rejoice at the news. Luke then states in verse 48 that “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Here we have in a nutshell both God’s perspective of appointing (election) and our perspective of believing (see also John 6:37).
So how does God bring this about that some believe while others do not? Turn again to Acts and chapter sixteen which tells of the beginning of Paul’s second journey when he was in Philippi While addressing a group of women gathered for prayer including one named Lydia, we read that “the Lord opened her heart” (v. 14). God uses many ways to open and regenerate hearts (Ephesians 2:1-9; Titus 3:5) and he entreats us to be a part of that through our witness and prayers.
Knowing that God chose us and then saved us by his grace means there is no room for boasting in heaven (1 Corinthians 1:29, 31; Ephesians 2:8-9). Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone! Instead we are filled with humility, gratitude, and love. Predestination is definitely one of “the secret things” of Deuteronomy 29:29 for in this life we see dimly and only in part, but one day we shall know fully (1 Corinthians 13:12).
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References:
Calvin, J. (1960). Calvin: institutes of the Christian religion. (F. L. Battles, Trans., J. T. McNeill, Ed.). Philadelphia: Westminster Press.