Ziklag - Election

A Catechism on Clarity of Assurance

The Election of Grace is Found in Christ Alone

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

Jesus alone is the source and certainty of election. No one is elect outside of Him, and no one is reprobate apart from rejecting Him. All who hear and follow His voice are safe in the Father’s will.

I. What is the Will of the Father in Election?

Jesus said:

“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:40)

What does this mean?

The Father’s will is not hidden from us. He desires that all would behold the Son and believe in Him for eternal life. The doctrine of election is not about an unknown decree, but about Christ revealed.

II. Does God Predestine Some to Be Lost?

Jesus said:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

What does this mean?

The Father does not predestine anyone to be lost. Christ Himself weeps over those who reject Him. His desire is to gather, to save, to restore. But many refuse. Reprobation is not a decree from God—it is the hardening of man against God.

III. If Election is by Grace, Why Do Some Not Believe?

Jesus said:

“Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” (John 8:43-44)

What does this mean?

Unbelief is not God’s doing but the work of Satan and the willful rejection of the truth. Those who will not hear Christ’s Word remain under the devil’s dominion. Their reprobation is not a divine sentence, but their own enslavement to sin and lies.

IV. Who Are the Elect?

Jesus said:

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16)

Jesus said:

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37)

What does this mean?

The elect are those whom Christ has chosen—not for any merit in themselves, but for His own gracious will. Yet this election does not exclude others, for all who come to Christ are received by Him. The elect are those who abide in Him.

V. What is the Mystery of Election?

Jesus said:

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:44)

Jesus said:

“Many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

What does this mean?

Faith is a gift of the Father, who draws people to Christ. Yet many resist and reject His call. The doctrine of election is a mystery because it holds together two truths: No one comes to Christ unless drawn by the Father, yet those who are lost have only themselves to blame.

VI. Can the Elect Be Lost?

Jesus said:

“This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” (John 6:39)

Jesus said:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

What does this mean?

No one can snatch the elect from Christ’s hand. Yet, faith must abide in Christ—not as a work of man, but as the life of the branch in the vine. Those who fall away do so not because they were not elect, but because they have cut themselves off from Christ, who alone is life.

VII. What Comfort Does Election Give?

Jesus said:

“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

Jesus said:

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

What does this mean?

The doctrine of election is not meant for speculation or anxiety, but for joy and confidence. Christ has written the names of His own in heaven—not in uncertainty, but in His unchanging love. The Father’s delight is to give us the Kingdom.

VIII. How Should We Respond to the Mystery of Election?

Jesus said:

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

Jesus said:

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)

What does this mean?

The call of Christ is urgent. Election is not an excuse for sloth or presumption. Those who belong to Christ listen to His voice, follow Him, and remain in Him. The elect live watchfully, prayerfully, and faithfully, trusting in His grace alone.

IX. What is the Final Word on Election?

Jesus said:

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me.” (John 17:24)

What does this mean?

The doctrine of election is not about abstract decrees, but Christ’s personal desire to bring His own into eternal communion with Him. Those who are His will see His glory—not because of their own striving, but because He has loved them from before the foundation of the world.

Conclusion: The Final Answer to the Theologian’s Cross

The crux theologorum—the mystery of why some believe and others do not—is never answered by human speculation, but by Christ alone.

• He calls all to Himself (John 12:32).

• He weeps over the lost (Luke 19:41).

• He keeps those who are His (John 10:28).

• He desires all to be with Him in glory (John 17:24).

So where is your election?

It is not found in the hidden decrees of God. It is found in Christ alone.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)