Chosen to Salvation
God's election to salvation is a profound cause for fervent praise and gratitude, as it unfolds the means of salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound truth that God has chosen His elect for salvation, as stated in 2 Thessalonians 2:13. He clarifies that this election is not merely about external privileges but is directly linked to salvation itself. Pink also highlights that salvation is achieved through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth, underscoring the necessity of faith and the work of the Spirit in the process. Furthermore, he encourages believers to respond to this doctrine with gratitude, recognizing it as a reason for constant thanksgiving to God for His grace in choosing us. This understanding of predestination should inspire joy rather than fear, as it reflects God's love and purpose for His people.
Text
"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth"
2 Thessalonians 2:13
There are three things here which deserve special attention. First, the fact that we are expressly told that God's elect are "chosen to salvation": Language could not be more explicit. How summarily do these words dispose of the sophistries and equivocations of all who would make election refer to nothing but external privileges or rank in service! It is to "salvation" itself that God has chosen us. Second, we are warned here that election unto salvation does not disregard the use of appropriate means: salvation is reached through "sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" It is not true that because God has chosen a certain one to salvation that he will be saved willy-nilly, whether he believes or not: nowhere do the Scriptures so represent it. The same God who "chose unto salvation", decreed that His purpose should be realized through the work of the spirit and belief of the truth. Third, that God has chosen us unto salvation is a profound cause for fervent praise. Note how strongly the apostle express this - "we are bound to give thanks always to God for you. brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation", etc. Instead of shrinking back in horror from the doctrine of predestination, the believer, when he sees this blessed truth as it is unfolded in the Word, discovers a ground for gratitude and thanksgiving such as nothing else affords, save the unspeakable gift of the Redeemer Himself.
Sermon Outline
- God's Election to Salvation
- The Means of Salvation
- The Cause for Praise
- Ground for Gratitude
- The Unfolding of the Word
Key Quotes
“Language could not be more explicit.” — A.W. Pink
“It is to 'salvation' itself that God has chosen us.” — A.W. Pink
“Instead of shrinking back in horror from the doctrine of predestination, the believer, when he sees this blessed truth as it is unfolded in the Word, discovers a ground for gratitude and thanksgiving such as nothing else affords, save the unspeakable gift of the Redeemer Himself.” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- We should respond to the doctrine of predestination with gratitude and thanksgiving.
- Faith and sanctification are necessary means of reaching salvation.
- God's election to salvation is a ground for praise and gratitude.