GOD’S ELECT
I Peter 1:1b-2
5:12-13
II Peter 3:1a
Deniel S.
2011.5.11
GOD’S ELECT [Chosen]—
Predestined?
Or
Free Willed?
I Peter 1:1b-2
5:12-13
II Peter 3:1a
In other words,
Are people stuck with the fate that God has already
decided for them?
or
Do people have a choice of whether they want to be
God’s children or not?
I Peter 1:1-2
From Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ:
To God's chosen people who live as refugees scattered
throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. You were chosen
according to the purpose of God the Father and were
made a holy people by his Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ
and be purified by his blood.
May grace and peace be yours in full measure.
Now, some will argue that Peter meant only the Jewish
race when he wrote “God’s elect.” But that’s another
discussion outside of today’s topic.
Some Christians say that if God has already chosen
[or knows] all people who will accept His Son’s
[Jesus’] atonement, then we don’t need to tell anyone
about Him. Those Christians say that there is no need
for us to spread the Gospel [Good News of Jesus’
atoning death and resurrection].
However, in the words of Christ – given to us by the
apostles – He commanded us to spread the Gospel and
to place more value on eternal rewards than on earthly
wealth and position.
Don’t take my word for it; take a look at the Record.
Jesus said to his 11 apostles,
“You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go
and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures [lasts
forever].”
John 15:16
Some may say that this “fruit” just means the Fruit of the Holy
Spirit—Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
But others say that this “fruit” is people who come to accept
Jesus’ atonement through the testimony of the apostles.
Consider the book entitled “The Acts of the Apostles”—
The majority of this book tells of Peter’s and Paul’s travels,
spreading the Gospel all over Asia Minor [today’s “Mid-East”]
& Europe. It was the same “Peter” who wrote about God’s
elect. Peter was carrying out Jesus’ great commission, even if
he thought that God already knew everyone who would follow
Him.
But, were only the apostles given the job of spreading the
gospel? That’s doubtful. Simple mathematical logic would
show that Christianity would have died out long ago if only the
apostles told people about Jesus.
A little earlier, just after Jesus miraculously fed over 5,000
people, He said,
“Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food
that lasts for eternal life.
John 6:27
What was that “work”? –
Jesus answered, “What God wants you to do [the “work”] is to
believe in the one he sent.”
But how can someone believe if they have never heard about
Him?
The Great Commission –
Just before leaving this world, Jesus said:
“Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them
my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey
everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
This commission was given to Jesus’ 11 apostles, but
it may apply to us still today. According to history and
tradition, the 11 apostles covered only a small part of
the earth before they died or were martyred. And
some people say that there are some areas of the world
where the Good News of Jesus still has not been
published, even today. This may include some
minority peoples right here in China, as well as other
minorities around the world.
Now consider these commands, given by Jesus to all his
followers during the famous “sermon on the mount” –
Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where
moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal.
Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where
moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in
and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches
are.
You cannot be a slave of two masters; you will hate one
and love the other; you will be loyal to one and despise the
other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 6:19-21 & 24
Consider the Parable of the Sower –
The seed was the word of God. The soils were the hearts of
people who would hear the gospel. And the audience – a
multitude [large number] of people.
Actually, many of Jesus’ parables centered around the theme
of a faithful worker using his or her “talents” [skills and
abilities] to bring treasure and honor to the King of Kings.
I don’t suppose it could be any clearer that God wants us to
tell the Good News to others.
If you doubt it, I encourage you to read through one of the
Gospel books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.
Yes, a God who is not limited by time and space may
already know those who will humble themselves and
receive Jesus’ atonement.
However, He has also entrusted us [His “children”]
with talents/abilities which are to be used for eternal
purposes as well as earthly ones.
My older sister used to sing this favorite song of hers –
Only one life, and soon it will pass.
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one chance to do His will.
So, live for Jesus all your days –
It’s the only life that pays,
When you realize [that] you have but [only] one life.
Yes, the world may hate you for sharing the Good
News of Jesus with others.
But, if the thought of telling someone about Jesus
scares you, be encouraged by the words of Jeremiah
the prophet –
“I [God] alone know the plans I have for you, plans to
bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring
about the future you hope for.”
Jeremiah 29:11
And also the words of Jesus—
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace
that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do
not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. . . . I have
told you this so that you will have peace by being
united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be
brave! I have defeated the world!”
John 14:27 & 16:33
An old Greek-Christian blessing reads as follows:
P
A
X
Peace of Christ
To you all!!