Non-tiresome Election

Am I the only one who’s relieved that the US presidential race is drawing to a close? It’s not that the outcome is irrelevant to we non-Americans; the leader of the world’s richest and most powerful nation as well our closest ally should be of great interest. No, it’s the level of coverage that has proved tiresome. Both candidates have been positioning themselves for what seems like years in order to be elected. Promises have been made and re-made; ideas, hopes and aspirations have been shared with voters to gain their support.

The Bible however talks of a more wonderful election: the election of persons to salvation. Unlike political candidates, I have no bribes or incentives to offer God; no promises, plans or budgets. Of course, He wants me to live a good life and obey His commands, but this is evidence of His choosing me, not the grounds of selection.

Some would object to this, saying that God saved me because I have repented or chosen Him. But God’s election is never based on me making myself more attractive or available to Him. I’m not a job applicant sending in a CV in the hope that I meet certain criteria. No, God chose His people before they were even born. ‘Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will ... also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will’, Paul writes to the Ephesians.

Mr Trump and Mrs Clinton are seeking four years’ worth of power and influence. The Christian is elected from eternity for eternity as Sons and Daughters of God.

Romans 8 says ‘For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.’

Image by Ulrike Leone from Pixabay