Election Is Not Fatalism

Wayne Grudem wrote,"By fatalism is meant a system in which human choices and human decisions really do not make any difference. In fatalism, no matter what we do, things are going to turn out as they have been previously ordained. As a result, our humanity is destroyed and the motivation for moral accountability is removed."

Some hear of the Bible doctrine of election and they immediately conclude that it's fatalism. Wayne Grudem gets to the heart of the matter. In fatalism, moral accountability is removed. Not so with the Bible doctrine of election. In election, God changes man in Christ because of his moral accountability."So then each of us shall give account of himself to God"(Romans 14:10).

In election God chooses His people through love divine in Christ; in fatalism there is neither love nor Christ. In election, God works through human choices; in fatalism there is no human choice. In election God works through means to achieve His purpose; in fatalism there is no purpose. In election God changes man's motivation in Christ; in fatalism motivation is removed.

The contrast between election and fatalism is clear. Election confirms accountability; fatalism removes accountability. Election changes man in Christ; fatalism changes no man. Election is God's purpose; fatalism has no purpose. Election is life in Christ; fatalism is life in vain.

Abiding Faith In Christ

We are saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. "You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus"(2 Timothy 3:15). The Holy Spirit, who inspired the Holy Scripture, uses the message of the gospel to bring abiding faith into our lives. It is faith that abides in Christ.

Those who are born again have three abiding gifts of the Holy Spirit. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love"(1 Corinthians 13:13). Now we have faith in Christ. We have hope in Christ for the future. We have the love of God in Christ forever (Romans 8:38-39).

Those who are born again abide in Christ through the gifts of faith, hope and love. All who are born of the Spirit, through the gospel of Jesus Christ, experience these three gifts. These gifts of the Spirit are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

Abiding faith is time tested and proven. It will be mocked by the scoffer. It will be threatened by life situations. Nevertheless, faith that abides in Christ will not change with the times, break under pressure, nor fall into unbelief. 

Abiding faith stands upon the truth of God. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Faith that abides is based upon Holy Scripture. The Bible is the testimony of the apostles and the prophets to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How God Cleanses Us

Martyn Lloyd-Jones explained from First John 1:6-10, how God cleanses us from sin. He taught, "It is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from the guilt of sin; God has made the provision and He applies it. We are called upon to walk in the light and to confess our sins."

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin (First John 1:7). Our continued fellowship with God is based upon the blood of Jesus, as we walk in the light of Christ, confessing our sins. To confess our sins is to agree with God that we have done wrong. Cleansing comes from the blood of Jesus when we confess our sins.

Dr. Lloyd-Jones insisted that God is the one who applies the blood, as we confess our sins. He stated, "God has made the provision and he applies it." We are not dependent upon a priest, pastor, or anyone else to apply the blood of Jesus. It is God alone who applies the blood of Jesus, based upon our confession.

When we confess our sins, the blood of Jesus cleanses us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (First John 1:9). Faith in the word of God's promise receives forgiveness and cleansing. Then, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones taught,"It is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from the guilt of sin."

How to Be Transformed

Be transformed in Christ. God transforms our mind, will and emotions. He transforms us from within. Before we were transformed in Christ, we were conformed to this present evil world. Transformation is a change in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Be transformed through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The word of the gospel is the instrument for this transformation. The Holy Spirit is the agent who transforms us (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Knowing Jesus as our Lord is the result (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3).

Be transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8). The Holy Spirit works through the gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:5). No one could ever be transformed without the Spirit of God working in us. This transformation is by the Spirit of God changing our hearts.

Be transformed in Christ to understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). We are enabled to see and believe the truth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit transforms us in mind, will and emotions. New birth transforms us in Christ, by the grace of God to the glory of God.