The Warrior's Sword

From Life Relaunch

Election

This touches all of us. The importance cannot be overstated. Some will be ecstatic. For others there will be ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Stated another way, some will win, some will lose. Is the outcome ordained by God, or is it a result of the decisions that we make? This question has been debated for centuries.

Scripture is clear. Not everyone will be saved and invited into eternal life with the Lord. Some suggest that God has ordained who will receive mercy, and for those chosen by him, it is impossible to resist his grace. Others believe that salvation is freely offered to all people and that it falls to the individual to exercise their free will and choose to receive the gift that has been purchased for us.

So, which is it? Scripture supports both perspectives. Jesus said, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” That doesn’t help much as we try to get our heads around this. Maybe that’s because it’s exactly as he stated. Maybe it’s both.

Many are called. “Follow me,” Jesus said. That invitation stands. Some did respond to him then and many more have through the centuries that followed. Others, like the rich, young ruler in scripture, turn away. For whatever reason, they say no. That’s their decision, their choice. Others, like the apostle Paul, are clearly chosen. When Jesus knocks you off your donkey, you did not find God. He grabbed you by your neck. No debate, no resistance. Just yielding to him as Lord.

There is something in us that desires to be right. That desire often divides us, separates us from relationships. Whether we consider election theologically or politically, we must not sacrifice relationships on the altar of being right. There is only One who is right every time and in every circumstance. Only One knows everything perfectly, and it’s not you or me.

A warrior places his relationship with Jesus above all others and responds to his invitation and direction. A warrior chooses to be rightly related to others over simply being right. A warrior endeavors, as much as it depends on him, to live in peace with all people. A warrior may disagree with others on many things but chooses to walk in love.

2 Peter 1: 5-7, 10
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, 

and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall.”

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