Six Practical Benefits of God's Election of His Own Church
Six Practical Benefits of God's Election of His Own Church
The entire inscripturated Word of God is designed to bring all sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the gospel of His free grace and mercy. (Indeed, all of creation itself is intended for this purpose, as well.)
The doctrine of Election, however, has a special place, I think, in glorifying and extolling the true (Triune) God; and of humbling and encouraging (some) sinners, (who become sinner/saints).
Here is my list of six of these blessings that accrue from the doctrine of Election, (and I am sure my catalog is far from exhaustive). Some of these may intermingle with each other; but I think they all pretty much stand on their own. . . .
First of all, Election strongly supports the necessary doctrine of the Sovereignty of God. For God to be God, He must be sovereign; and Election highlights this sovereignty by recognizing that all authority is centered in Him alone. (A good text on this aspect of Election comes from Romans, ch. 9--[especially vv. 14-24].)
Secondly, Election assures the redeemed saints (and the world) that God has always had, and always will have a real, authentic, regenerated, forgiven, atoned-for, and beloved Church on this fallen earth. If it was not for Election, there would be no saints at all; and this gracious gospel doctrine secures the reality that the true God has perennially had His people in the sinful world. (One of many verses that remind us of this may be found in Rom. 11:4.)
Thirdly, largely because of our appreciation of God's doctrine of Election, true Christian churchmen can (and should) live patiently and faithfully in a world filled with evil (and evil people). We ourselves were "evil people" before God called us in Christ by the Holy Spirit--and many of the "evil people" in our world today will become, by God's electing grace, His "beloved people." This fact (alone) supplies us reason to be confident and secure in Jesus, as we live in this world. (An intriguing text I have in mind in this regard comes from Acts 18:10b.)
Fourthly, the doctrine of Election helps us distinguish the true saints of the church, from the false (and hypocritical) claimants of that designation. It is possible to "believe" in "election"; and yet not be truly born again. God's (effectual) Election assures us that His children will be faithful members of His true church; while false believers and imposters will show themselves to be unfaithful. (In this regard, see 1 Jn. 2:19.)
Fifthly, the doctrine of Election makes evangelism not only a joy, but a faith-enhancing experience (for us). We may witness for Christ with confidence and alacrity, knowing that the sovereign God will call His own in His own good time, (through the gospel of Christ). (I like Acts 13:48 in relation to this aspect of Election.)
Sixthly (and lastly), a proper understanding of Election is a superb means by which the true saints of the church may enjoy a sweet and deep-seated sense of security (in Jesus). We know we are sinners; but we who have tasted of the gospel grace of God in Christ know (even more so) that we are the objects of divine and eternal love. (This beautiful teaching is highlighted in 2 Thess. 2:13.)
Election does not save us/Jesus Christ does--but Election is God's way of securing us in His love. The most blessed of Christ's elect churchmen have the sacramental signs and seals of God's covenant of grace upon them; and they know, in their heart of hearts, that their Heavenly Father dearly and perfectly loves them (in His Son our Lord Jesus Christ).
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #62
10 January 2026
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