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KNOWING YOUR ELECTION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
1 Thessalonians 1:4

Philippians 1:6-7

 

“Knowing, brethren beloved,

your election of God.”

 

KNOWING YOUR ELECTION
 
This simple line in 1 Thessalonians 1:4 “knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God,” completes the sentence that began in verse 2. It expresses the certainty that Paul had for the election of the saints at Thessalonica. The reason for his assurance was he had witnessed the fruits of salvation in their lives. They had demonstrated the work of faith, labour of love and the patience of hope. As a result, Paul addressed them as “brethren beloved” and spoke assuredly of their election of God.
 
While it is true that salvation is of the Lord, and only God ever knows for sure the heart of each person, yet there are ways in which we can ascertain the fruits of salvation manifested in others. When a person comes under the convicting power of the Gospel of Christ, he will repent of his sins and turn to the Lord. His whole outlook in life begins to change as he adopts a new worldview. He is now guided by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. His desires, purposes and ambitions begin to change. Many of these changes will be evident to those around him who know him well.
 
Paul had received reports from Timothy about the Thessalonian Christians. Timothy “brought us good tidings of your faith and charity” (1 Thess 3:6). Thus, Paul could speak with good confidence about the certainty of their salvation.
 
Dear reader, are you certain of your election? Do you know for sure that you have been chosen by God, called to salvation by His Holy Spirit and cleansed by the blood of Christ? All believers can have the assurance of their salvation, for our confidence does not lie in our own merits, but in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
This change in us should also be evident to the people around us. They should be able to observe our testimony and know that we have indeed been transformed by the power of God, and are daily sanctified by God’s Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
 
THOUGHT: Do my loved ones know that I am saved?

PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the assurance of my salvation.

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