How do we know?

[lauraathome2005]

It's easy to know if we're called, but how do we know if we're chosen?  Blessings, Love laura

[rocky]

I don't think we are ever to assume we are chosen and faithful.  We are to strive to the very end, win the race.  But with that in mind, to me there are some scriptures that give me hope.

Rom 8:1  There is, then, now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit;

Rom 8:5  For those who are according to the flesh, the things of the flesh do mind; and those according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit;

Rom 8:6  for the mind of the flesh is death, and the mind of the Spirit--life and peace;

Rom 8:14  for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God;

Rom 8:15  for ye did not receive a spirit of bondage again for fear, but ye did receive a spirit of adoption in which we cry, `Abba--Father.'

Rom 8:16  The Spirit himself doth testify with our spirit, that we are children of God;

Rom 8:17  and if children, also heirs, heirs, indeed, of God, and heirs together of Christ--if, indeed, we suffer together, that we may also be glorified together.



1Jo 4:8  he who is not loving did not know God, because God is love.

1Jo 3:1  See ye what love the Father hath given to us, that children of God we may be called; because of this the world doth not know us, because it did not know Him;

1Jo 3:2  beloved, now, children of God are we, and it was not yet manifested what we shall be, and we have known that if he may be manifested, like him we shall be, because we shall see him as he is;

1Jo 3:3  and every one who is having this hope on him, doth purify himself, even as he is pure.

1Jo 3:18  My little children, may we not love in word nor in tongue, but in word and in truth!

1Jo 3:19  and in this we know that of the truth we are, and before Him we shall assure our hearts,

1Jo 3:20  because if our heart may condemn--because greater is God than our heart, and He doth know all things.

1Jo 3:21  Beloved, if our heart may not condemn us, we have boldness toward God,

1Jo 3:22  and whatever we may ask, we receive from Him, because His commands we keep, and the things pleasing before Him we do,

1Jo 3:23  and this is His command, that we may believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and may love one another, even as He did give command to us,

1Jo 3:24  and he who is keeping His commands, in Him he doth remain, and He in him; and in this we know that He doth remain in us, from the Spirit that He gave us.


But we need to be careful, and daily be dependent upon Him, not on our own strength


Rom 11:20  by unbelief they were broken off, and thou hast stood by faith; be not high-minded, but be fearing;

Rom 11:21  for if God the natural branches did not spare--lest perhaps He also shall not spare thee.

[lauraathome2005]

Thank you for the Scripture Rocky, that helps.  I agree, we are not to assume that we are chosen and faithful but are to strive to the very end to win the race. Bless you, Laura 

[Andy_MI]

Hi laura,

This is a question I too have pondered. And as yet I don't know if I'm chosen either. I found some interesting insight in Paul's writings. It seems that he didn't know of his election until the coming to the end of his life.

Notice what he says in the following verses:

Phi 3:8 Yea, doubtless! and I account all things to be, loss, because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom, the loss, of all things, have I suffered, and do account them refuse, in order that, Christ, I may win,
Phi 3:9 And be found in him—not having a righteousness of my own, that which is by law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is, of God, upon my faith,—
Phi 3:10 To get to know him, and the power of his resurrection and fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death,—
Phi 3:11 If by any means I may advance to the earlier resurrection, which is from among the dead:
Phi 3:12 Not that I have, already, received, or have, already, reached perfection, but I am pressing on—if I may even lay hold of that for which I have also been laid hold of by Christ Jesus:—
Phi 3:13 Brethren! I, as to myself, reckon that I have, not yet, laid hold; one thing, however,—the things behind, forgetting, and, unto the things before, eagerly reaching out,
Phi 3:14 With the goal in view, I press on for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Now notice in 2Tim which was the last of Paul's writings shortly before his martyrdom. Paul seems to have assurance of his election before the end of his earthly life.

2Ti 4:6 For, I, already, am being poured out as a drink-offering, and, the season of my release, is at hand,—
2Ti 4:7 The noble contest, have I contested, the race, have I finished, the faith, have I kept:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth, lieth by for me—the crown, of righteousness, which the Lord will render unto me in that, day,—The righteous judge,—Ye, not alone unto me, but unto all them also who have loved his forthshining.

And I found it interesting that in the parable of the talents that the faithful servents were granted entry into the joy of the Lord.

Mat 25:21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

And also in revelation we see this:

Rev 17:14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

I can now understand why I cannot know now if I'm one of the elect/chosen because only at the end of my earthly life will I be able to see if I've been faithful.

Hope this helps

Andy

[rocky]

good verses Andy, I also find these encouraging

Phi 4:6  Do not be over-anxious about anything, but by prayer and earnest pleading, together with thanksgiving, let your request be unreservedly made known in the presence of God.

Phi 4:7  And then the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in union with Christ Jesus.

Phi 4:9  The doctrines and the line of conduct which I taught you--both what you heard and what you saw in me-- hold fast to them; and God who gives peace will be with you.


I don't think we are to fret over whether chosen or not, but rather to ernestly plead for God to keep us faithful, and let the peace of God guard our hearts.

[lauraathome2005]

You guys are awesome - thanks! Love, laura