We live in this world as the chosen. There is no greater privilege than being chosen by God. Originally the word 'election' was used to describe a selected thing or people. Namely, it indicated a specially chosen fruit, materials, or army. We were blessed by God's selection of us. However, we should also know that 'selection' accompanies challenge and responsibility. God choosen us to serve him. God wants us to live an obedient life. Obedience is the heart of Christianity. The Bible says obedience is better than sacrifice. To love God is to be obedience is better than sacrifice. To love God is to be obedient to him. Without obedience, our Christian lives turn into a dead ritualism, and formalism. Jesus said, Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love im and show myself to him"(John 14:21). God knew our past, present and future when He chose us. But, it is hard to comprehend his 'foreknowledge' of us. Peter preached on the day of Pentecost that God knew the cross of Christ. "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of Pentecost that God knew the cross of Christ. "This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross"(Acts 2:23). 'Foreknowledge' here implies more of God's love and election than knowledge. God chose us to live a life of holiness. We should set apart from this world, and evil and live a holy life. We cannot love God, and this world at the same time. Luther said, "I believed that I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, or come to him with my own reason or strength." Only the Holy Spirit grants us desires for god, and to produce fruits. Thus, the Spirit helps us from the beginning of our Christian lives to the end. God chose us before the creation to live obediently, and be holy by the help the Holy Spirit. |