1 Peter 1:2a
Ps Paul Cheng
“…God chose the believers for salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…”
~6 min read
Dear Bethelites,
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father (1 Peter 1:2a).
The word elect can mean chosen, a people chosen by God. What does it mean to be a Christian? It means he or she is someone chosen by God for salvation. There are people who reject the doctrine of election but by rejecting the election of God, one has to remove not just 1 Peter 1:2 but also a large portion of the Bible because the words, elect, election, or chosen, appear in more than one hundred verses. This vital doctrine cannot be ignored.
Once someone asked his pastor, “What is the most difficult doctrine in the Bible?” He was expecting the pastor to say it was the doctrine of election or predestination. But instead the pastor said every doctrine of the Bible is difficult. The pastor went on to explain, “We use the word ‘eternal’ but can you name something in this world that is eternal? We use the word ‘all-powerful’ but can you name something in this world that is all-powerful? What about the word ‘infinite’, or ‘heaven and hell’? We are just but finite creatures limited by time and space, trying to fathom the things of God.” Indeed, how true! No wonder the Bible says, Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).
Everyone who believes the Bible has to believe in election because it is in God-inspired Holy Scriptures (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).
I. The Erroneous Views Of Election
The problem is not simply because people reject the doctrine of election but it is what people believe about election. What does election mean, or what does it mean to be an elect? The Bible teaches that God chose the believers for salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not just before they were born but even before the foundation of the world (cf. Ephesians 1:4).
- One erroneous view is that God chose man because of something He foresaw in him. In other words, God looks down from heaven and perhaps He says, “I can see that particular individual would have a good heart, or would do many wonderful deeds, and therefore I am going to choose him for salvation.” Is that really how God works? Absolutely not! Ephesians 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (emphasis mine). There is nothing man has done or has not done that deserves him to be saved. It is simply a gift of God. A gift is not a gift when he has done something to earn it.
- Another erroneous view is that, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father means that God looked down from heaven and into the passage of time and He foreknew the future that, some people would choose Him and others would not. On that basis, God chose whom He knew would choose Him. That is a wrong interpretation of the word foreknowledge. The word foreknowledge (prognosis) means God predetermining to have a saving relationship with some individuals based on His eternal plan. For example, in Acts 2:23 the Bible says, Him (referring to Jesus) being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Does it mean that God the Father looked down from heaven and into the passage of time and He foresaw that Jesus would choose to die at the hands of wicked men and so God chose Him to be the Saviour of the world? Absolutely not! It is God’s foreknowledge, His eternal plan and His divine purpose that Jesus Christ would be the Saviour of the world.
That is why God said to the prophet Jeremiah, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). Notice the emphasis on the word I; I formed thee, I knew thee, I sanctified thee and I ordained thee. It has everything to do with God’s sovereign election, and nothing to do with Jeremiah’s choice, nor anything he has done or not done.
The problem with this second erroneous view is that this kind of teaching does not take seriously what the Bible says about man’s sinful condition. Romans 3:10-11 says, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. There is not one human being who when left to himself, would ever on his own, seek after God. Thus Jesus says, No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44). Isn’t it true that we have all run away but God has set His love on us? Today, if we are believers, it is all because He has elected us even before the foundation of the world to come to faith in His only begotten Son.
II. The Common Objections To Election
The common objection against election is that it is unjust and unfair, it is like saying God has no reason for what He does. The argument is always about God being unfair in picking one individual rather than another. But it could easily have been the other way round; God could have picked no one at all. We do not know why God elects one rather than another but it is quite a different thing from saying that God is unfair. Most certainly God has His reasons as the Apostle Paul says that God has predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself (what was His motive) according to the good pleasure of his will (Ephesians 1:5). In fact, the salvation of souls is so vital an activity that it would be arrogance on our part to suppose that we could ever understand the whole purpose but rather we should humble ourselves (Isaiah 55:8).
- Consider this matter seriously, “Is it really because of us; we have a softer heart or we are more loving or we are a better person?” If election is based on God seeing something in man, then the credit goes to man.
- The most serious problem with that kind of theology is that it makes God’s choice not a choice at all. If God chose you because He knew you would choose Him, then God really chose no one. He did not make any choice at all nor did He elect anyone at all because His choice is subjected to you and in reality you are the one making the choice. So the Bible would have to change and say, “Man elected God.” That is absolutely blasphemous!
Election is not because of what God saw in you, it is not because of anything you have done or not done, but it is simply by His grace and mercy that He has chosen you. We do not deserve anything from God. When God chose us for salvation; He sent His only begotten Son to accomplish everything necessary to save us, He drew us to Himself at a proper time and He gave us everything we needed in order to be His child.
My friend, there may be afflictions, trouble, disappointment or persecution that we have to endure. But if we are true believers, our hearts can be encouraged just like the persecuted Christians during Peter’s time, for we are elects of God, we are the children of God, all because He has chosen us for salvation even before the foundation of the world. So when someone asks you, “How are you today? How should you answer?” Your response should be, “Better than I deserved! If God has given me what I deserved, I would have perished in eternal damnation. But God has elected me, what more do I want?”
In Christ,
Pastor Paul Cheng
STANDALONE2023 ACM Preamble2023 ACM Preamble1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Essential Attitudes for the New YearEssential Attitudes for the New Year1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyJerinah Orgasan’s TestimonyNumbers 6:24-26
Pr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonyPr Donald Dela Cruz’s TestimonySelected Scriptures
The Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneThe Providence of God in Bringing First BPC and Bethel BPC into OneSelected Scriptures
Five Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonFive Exhortations for the New Year by Charles SpurgeonSelected Scriptures
Charles Spurgeon on ChristmasCharles Spurgeon on ChristmasSelected Scriptures
Eulogies for Eliana GanEulogies for Eliana GanSelected Scriptures
Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Why KJV is the Best Translation of the Bible?Selected Scriptures
Election, A Difficult Doctrine?Election, A Difficult Doctrine?1 Peter 1:2a
What About Modern-Day Dating?What About Modern-Day Dating?Selected Scriptures
The Church Is Responsible For Encouraging The Believers Through FellowshipThe Church Is Responsible For Encouraging The Believers Through FellowshipSelected Scriptures
Will Heaven Be Your Eternal Home?Will Heaven Be Your Eternal Home?Selected Scriptures
Church’s Responsibility To Implement Discipline (Part 1)Church’s Responsibility To Implement Discipline (Part 1)Selected Scriptures
The Fear Of The LordThe Fear Of The LordProverbs 1:7
Nevertheless… Thou Has Left Thy First LoveNevertheless… Thou Has Left Thy First LoveRevelation 2:4-5
What Is The Goal Of The Christian Life?What Is The Goal Of The Christian Life?Philippians 3:17
What About Evangelism? (Part 2)What About Evangelism? (Part 2)Selected Scriptures
What About Evangelism? (Part 1)What About Evangelism? (Part 1)Selected Scriptures
Dull Of HearingDull Of HearingHebrews 5:11-14
Not Forsaking The Assembling Of The SaintsNot Forsaking The Assembling Of The SaintsHebrews 10:25
A Short ReportA Short ReportSelected Scriptures
The Responsibility Of The Church To Strengthen The Believer Through PrayersThe Responsibility Of The Church To Strengthen The Believer Through PrayersSelected Scriptures
Living In The Fulness Of The SpiritLiving In The Fulness Of The SpiritEphesians 5:18
The Importance Of The Church — Church MembershipThe Importance Of The Church — Church Membership1 Timothy 3:15
The Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church GovernmentThe Bible-Presbyterian Form Of Church GovernmentSelected Scriptures
The Man Of SorrowThe Man Of SorrowIsaiah 53:1-12
The Triumphant EntryThe Triumphant EntryMatthew 21:1-9
A Matter To Commit To PrayerA Matter To Commit To PrayerSelected Scriptures
A Short TestimonyA Short TestimonySelected Scriptures
My Son, Be Strong!My Son, Be Strong!2 Timothy 2:1-7
Testimony & EncouragementTestimony & EncouragementSelected Scriptures
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 2)2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short Reflection“Be Filled With The Spirit”: A Short ReflectionEphesians 5:18-33
The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)The Doctrine Of Biblical Separation (Part 1)Ephesians 5:1-18
The Man Of GodThe Man Of God1 Timothy 6:11-14
A Time To Build (Part 2)A Time To Build (Part 2)Ephesians 4:11-13
A Time To Build (Part 1)A Time To Build (Part 1)Ephesians 4:11-13
The Greatest Assurance In LifeThe Greatest Assurance In Life2 Peter 1:10
New YearNew YearProverbs 16:33
But Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartBut Mary Pondered Them In Her HeartLuke 2:19
My Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaMy Mission Trip To Singapore & IndonesiaLuke 1:78
10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And Ministry10 Lessons From Spurgeon On Luther’s Life And MinistryBefore You JudgeBefore You JudgeMatthew 7:3-5
Greetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerGreetings From Our Philippines Missions PartnerSelected Scriptures
Greetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchGreetings From Our Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 39th AnniversaryA Blessed 39th AnniversaryGalatians 1:10-12
Reaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyReaffirmation Of Faith TestimonyProverbs 3:5-6
YPG Camp TestimonyYPG Camp TestimonyProverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24
Honour The WidowsHonour The Widows1 Timothy 5:3
A Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenA Blessed Time Of Fellowship With Our Myanmar BrethrenPsalm 133:1
The Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentThe Spirit’s Indwelling Ministry In The Old TestamentJohn 7:39, 14, 16
Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Thanksgiving On Relief 2025Selected Scriptures
The Lord’s ComingThe Lord’s ComingSelected Scriptures
Commemorating The Passion WeekCommemorating The Passion WeekSelected Scriptures
Update For CongregationUpdate For Congregation1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Comfort For A New YearComfort For A New Year2 Samuel 22:47
The Meaning Of ChristmasThe Meaning Of ChristmasWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleWhy KJV Is The Best English Translation Of The BibleSelected Scriptures
A Blessed 38th AnniversaryA Blessed 38th Anniversary1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Now Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimNow Therefore Fear The Lord And Serve HimJoshua 24:14
2024 YPG Camp2024 YPG Camp1 Corinthians 13
An Example Of The BelieversAn Example Of The Believers1 Timothy 4:12
True Life BPC CampTrue Life BPC CampSelected Scriptures
The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024The Ordination Of Jeffrey Tial Hre Mang & Ngalti BPC Camp 2024Selected Scriptures
Christ Lifted Up!Christ Lifted Up!John 12:32-33
A Willing HeartA Willing HeartExodus 35:5
A Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchA Brief Report of Myanmar Missions ChurchSelected Scriptures
God Sent His SonGod Sent His SonMatthew 21:33-46