What is the doctrine of divine election unto salvation? It is that Biblical truth that God, in sovereign mercy, before the world began and without any consideration of the actions of any man, decreed a specific number of people to be the objects of His great salvation in Christ Jesus. “...And as many as were ordained unto eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). These would be reconciled, redeemed, justified, sanctified and gloried to “the praise of the glory of His grace” (Ephesians 1:3-6). “For Hesaith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom Iwill have compassion” (Romans 9:15). It is obvious from the language of Scripture that God has an elect or chosen people. “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth” (Romans 8:33). “...Ye are a chosen generation” (1 Peter 2:9). “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation” (2 Thessalonians 2:13). If the Holy Spirit ever shows a man his sinfulness and what abundant mercy God has showered upon him in choosing him to be an object of saving grace, such a sight will have definite effects.

1. It will humble him into the dust of self-abasement. Who am I that God would set me apart and give me in covenant grace to the Surety of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ? What marvelous mercy that the Son of God would receive me as a gift (John 6:37) and undertake to save my poor soul and bring me into the presence of God, washed in His blood and robed in His righteousness!

2. It will bring him to admire and be amazed at the lovingkindness of God in choosing such an unworthy wretch to be a recipient of such a great salvation.

3. It will lead him to give everlasting praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His infinite wisdom in devising such a glorious salvation.

4. It will cause him to pray for and seek the salvation of others knowing that if any are to be saved, the Lord will have to save them for “the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD” (Psalm 37:39).