An Elect Ministry

In recent weeks I have been much-comforted by God with the glorious reality of what I am going to refer to as, "An Elect Ministry."  By this, I mean the ministry of the pastors of the true and faithful church.  Bottom line: there has always been a truly-called college of ministers who have served Christ in this capacity.

A verse that especially-reminds me of, "An Elect Ministry," is 2 Timothy 1:9, which says this: "[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. . . , " (ESV).  And though I agree, and grant that this wonderful truth applies to all the elect/redeemed members of the church, in this particular context of 2 Tim., ch. 1, the stress is on the ministry--(especially the two gospel men, Paul and Timothy).

How could any of the true and regenerate saints have the comfort and sweet consolations of the gospel that they need, if they were always in abeyance about their pastoral undershepherds?  They know that their Great and Good Shepherd Jesus is perfect in every way; and, in His perfection, He provides His sheep His truly-called and gentle servant-leaders.

Satan, being an intelligent and wily foe, installs his fake and devious men into pastoral positions, too--but Christ's blood-bought sheep never listen to them, (Jn. 10:4-5).

Let us be thankful that our loving Heavenly Father provides us, His children, with people in His church that care so much for us, that they would lay down their lives for us.  In this way, they imitate our Pristine Redeemer!

[Addendum on 8/7/26 . . . And just as the true saints are marked out by faithfulness to their church covenant baptismal and membership vows--you can always tell a truly-called minister by his faithfulness to his ordination vows.]

Rev. Mark J. Henninger 

Treatise #127

7 August 2026

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com

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