Election. A Word That Has The Power To Divide.

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

Election. A Word That Has The Power To Divide.

Well, it’s the year 2024 and we are speedily approaching that time when we find our country most divided. However, this really isn’t anything new. I’ve kind of dreaded the last three elections in part because of the constant barrage of ads that come through my emails, phone calls, internet, snail mail, and text messages. There is no longer any place I can hide from receiving solicitations for polling, working the election, or soliciting my vote. The only other communications that can rival the politicians for my attention are all of those foreign women that want to meet me, the numerous financial institutions that have me automatically approved for tens of thousands of dollars, or my long distant relative in Nigeria who is always trying to send me $1,000,000. The common theme is a simple one: they all just want to help me and the only thing I must do is answer their call. It’s wonderful to feel that you’re so special to many!

However, all of that whining about the unwanted communications is pale compared to how I feel about two other parts of the election. About $7 billion was spent in 2020 for the presidential election. That is a staggering amount of money used to manipulate the American public through many half-truths and outright slander. And there you hear my hint about my greatest lamentation over the election. My greatest lamentation is the perversion of truth that we so often hear and see in all of these communications we receive.

Hearing me say that might cause a little consternation for some. Am I really talking about both candidates? I remember pastor John Piper speaking during the 2020 election and saying that both candidates are sinful men. He was immediately lambasted in the media for allegedly speaking negatively about one candidate and how Piper’s statement could  reduce that candidate’s chances of winning. Of course, that wasn’t his point nor was it his goal to sway any voters. He was simply stating the obvious to any serious Christian- both men had serious character flaws that make it difficult for Christians to support them as President. Bottom line: bring up the word, “election” in a crowded room and you may wish you had a group of Secret Service men protecting you!

But the word, “election” is even more divisive among Christians. No, not the national election but the word election and what it means in the Bible. Sure, there are a number of things that Christians can differ about, but election is one of those areas of doctrine that Satan has used to divide us in significant ways.

There are numerous passages that we could look at but I will pick just two. The first one comes right after Romans 8:28. We all know that one and we hold it close to our hearts. It says, “and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Wow. That is an incredible promise from God and one which all Christians heartily agree on. We’re doing pretty good with our unity on that one. But, immediately afterwards we get one of the most controversial passages in the scriptures. Verses 29 and 30 says, “for those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, in order that he might be the first born among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

Paul didn’t make this any easier when he wrote about God’s choosing (or election) of people and predestination in Ephesians chapters one and two. He writes that we have been chosen (or elected) in Christ before the foundation of the world (1:4), being predestined according to the purpose of God (1:11).

The arguments that surround these words did not start in the last 20 years. They started hundreds of years ago and probably were somewhat codified during the time of the Reformation in the 1500s. Almost all Christians fall into one of two categories-you are either Arminian in your view of election or Calvinistic. What’s the difference? Well, it’s a little bit complicated but essentially the Arminian believes that there is enough good in a person for them to choose to believe the gospel and God looked down the portals of time, saw them, and choose to save them because they first chose Him. The Calvinist does not believe fallen man has any ability to choose to believe the gospel, but God out of pure mercy and for His own good pleasure, chose, or elected certain people to be saved.

This doctrine has inspired some great division among well-meaning Christians through the years and as Christians, we have to understand that we are falling into the wiles of the devil. God wants unity amongst his children and Satan will use everything and anything to cause disunity.

So, what is so upsetting to Christians on either side of the issue?

The Arminian wants to defend the glory of God because he hates the idea that God would be the one who chooses who will be saved. The Calvinist wants to defend the glory of God because he hates the idea that God does not have the right to choose whom he will save.

Carrying this further, the Arminian says that if it is true God has already chosen people He will save, there would be no need for evangelism, so that can’t be true, but the Calvinist says evangelism is necessary because God has chosen those who will be saved.

For some, this division has gone to the point of declaring that the person with the opposing view is not even a Christian!

What do I believe? I’ve have not written on the topic to convince you one way or the other, but I will say that I believe the view that gives God the greatest control over everything that happens in the world because, He is God. The reason I have written this article is because many brothers and sisters in Christ have become sinfully angry with one another over the doctrine of election. This should not be so. In addition to anger, many Christians look down upon other Christians because they have a different view of election and fall into pride because they believe they are so much smarter.

Am I suggesting that we should just declare that everyone is right in their own mind so we can have peace? Absolutely not! The point is not capitulation to something you don’t believe in. The point is humility. Can we, while having strong convictions, also be willing to admit that we may be wrong? We have only to look back to some of the greatest theologians who ever lived to see that there was always something in their doctrine which seemed to be incorrect. It should remind us that the most brilliant and Christ loving men of the past were also fallen sinners. In other words, no one should believe they understand the entire Bible.

So then, what to do? If you are a lover of Christ and His Word, you might want to do a thorough Bible study to find the truth for yourself. This is what my wife did when we first became Christians. I believed one thing about election and predestination, and she believed an opposing view. Her Bible study was a great help that facilitated a deeper understanding of the beauty of God’s plan of salvation (I won’t tell you where she landed).

However, sometimes we choose to avoid serious Bible study because of the work required or we are afraid we might find out that we are wrong. My wife found out something that we are all prone to- believing the beliefs of others who have passed along what they were told to believe by those who came before them, and they may not give you the truth!

On points of disagreement with other believers, God would have us remember and live out three things:

1. Having good discussions about Biblical doctrine is healthy for Christians but it is important to understand the temptations that come along as a consequence of our fallen prideful hearts. In all things, remember that love is the end of the law.
2. Study the scriptures-not friends or famous authors, but the Bible. It is the ultimate source of truth on any matter.
3. Believe what you believe with passion, but remember that when you stand before the Lord, you may find out you erred on any Biblical doctrine, so be sure to leave that door open to a heart of humility. Lord willing, that will keep your heart and words soft toward your disagreeing brother in Jesus.

 Dig deep, brothers and sisters, and I’ll see you next time.

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT:

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

“Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ?” Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Christian Behavior, written by John Bunyan. This is a wonderful fairly short book written by the great John Bunyan to help Christians understand that their lives should be full of good works! Bunyan takes us to Titus 3:7-8 and brings practical application to all areas of the Christian life. You will be blessed by this great saint!

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-christian-behavior-by/id1716196912

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjUQ_MpGbnqwrBVi7TgRKi3

Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description:  Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id167288080

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

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Last modified: April 25, 2024