Called by God

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

We, as believers, have the privilege of being chosen by God. The theological term for this is election. But, what about those who are not believers? It doesn’t seem right that God would choose some and not others. This is something I struggle with.

Fortunately, it is not for us to worry about who is elected or not. I believe it was J.I. Packer who once said that we should live as though everyone we meet is chosen by God. As for ourselves, how do we know we have been elected? There are two steps:

1. In order to know if you have been chosen by God, you must choose Him. You cannot get the answer to the question of election without first giving yourself up to Jesus and trusting him alone as your hope.

2. If you have been chosen by God, the power of God will be working in your life. Paul said that he knew the Thessalonian church was called by God because of the power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit among them. We too should have that evidence in our lives if we are called by God.

The gospel is nothing short of a life-changing message. If you have heard the gospel and have not been changed by it, surrender yourself wholly to Jesus through obedience and worship.