November 2000

[Part Thirty-nine]

                In our final thoughts on the “Elect”, we point out that Scripture uses this word most often as a collective noun- unique in that its singular form actually represents a plurality! Some examples in the English language are: committee, crowd, and family. To say, “The family gathered for Thanksgiving”, we speak of one family that may include a hundred people; but then to pluralize the word we say, “Many families gathered for Thanksgiving”. which speaks of more than one genetic tribe of people. And so it is with the Family of God, the Body of Christ and the Elect of God! Each of these words- family, body and elect- especially in connection with God, are collective nouns. Even the name of our One and Only GOD (Ge 1:1) is the plural noun Elohym [Heb 430]! (Let him who has an ear to hear selah- pause and calmly think of that!) Likewise, the form of the word, “Elect”, refers to a Singular Christ, while its substance bespeaks of a plurality of sons!!
               Paul wrote to Timothy, “I am suffering affliction and even wearing chains like a criminal for the sake of the Gospel; but still the Word of God is not, nor can it be, imprisoned or chained!! Therefore, I am ready to persevere and stand my ground with patience, and endure everything for the sake of The Elect (his Christ-indwelt brethren both then and now) so they (plural) may also obtain the Salvation along with Eternal Gory which is in Christ Jesus!!” (2 Tim 2:10) Imagine that! 2000 years ago, this beloved brother was happy to suffer untold agonies in order to secure salvation for the sake of Christ in us today! But then didn’t God’s Pattern Son, our Premiere Brother, Jesus, do likewise for us all? Did you know that we are now suffering for Christ in those yet to come?!! Always remember that God did not initiate suffering as a vain and futile exercise! When affliction and anguish are endured for the sake of Christ and His Gospel, it stores up in heaven a rich harvest of Righteousness and Glory! When persecution is the result of carnal man’s folly and wickedness, and bears only the fruit of death; God says even that shall “Work together for good!”(Ro 8:28)
               Paul also wrote to the believers at Thessalonica, “We always give thanks to God for you all, speaking of you in our prayers and remembering without ceasing your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God and our Father; knowing by your ELECTION OF GOD, beloved brethren, that our Gospel did not come to you in Word only, but also in the Power of the Holy Spirit and in much assurance; for you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake; and you became followers of us and the Lord, having received His Word in much affliction, but with the joy of the Holy Spirit!!” (1 Thess 1:2-6) Hear this, Kingdom brethren! God is saying that it is consistent with the Election of God to “Receive His Word (especially His Kingdom Gospel) in much affliction”!! For in order to receive such priceless New Wine, it is necessary and fitting for us to first receive a new Wineskin [that is, a new MIND- a new way of thinking- which is also the definition of the word, “repentance”] and it produces “much affliction” to our “old man of flesh”! But to the “New Man of Spirit”, it is cause to rejoice in the Holy Spirit for the Christ-in-us is being liberated from His stony tomb of our “Evil heart of unbelief”! (He 3:12) Is this not reason enough for jubilation for God’s “Elect”, who are “Chosen according to the foreknowledge of Father God to be obedient to Jesus Christ by the sprinkling of His Blood, and the Sanctification of His Holy Spirit!” (1 Pe 1:2) How wonderful to bear the Name of the “Precious Chief Cornerstone, the Elect, Whom God laid in Zion”! (1 Pe 2:6) “So, my brethren, be diligent to be sure of your *calling and election; for by this, you shall never fall! For an entrance will be abundantly ministered to you into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.!” (2 Pe 1:10) It is clear here that God’s “Calling” is separate and distinct from His “Election”! Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are *chosen”! (Mt 22:14) [*Gk 1588 is the same root given for: “elect, elected, and election”.] Many believe themselves to be “The Elect of God” just because they have heard and heeded God’s “Call to Salvation”- especially all those in a ministry; but many shall be disappointed to find that because they ran from great tribulation and infected multitudes with their fears- supplanting the True Bread of Life with their stones of escapism, they were never “chosen”. But for those who rightly believe themselves to be God’s Elect, hear this word of admonition: surrender without reservation to the disciplinings God sends to produce the glorious stature of Christ in us. Let us gladly and willingly relinquish the “old wineskin” of carnal understanding that clings voraciously to its evil “Pride of life”! (1 Jn 2:16) The Greek word for this entire phrase, “Pride of life” (Gk 212) is appropriately “braggardoccio” which is defined, “self-confidence, boasting, arrogance, VAGRANCY (Selah!) and “braggart”!” The Amplified Bible calls it, “Assurance in one’s own resources, or the stability of earthly things- (saying) these do not come from the Father, but are from the world itself! And the world passes away and disappears, and with it, the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the Will of God (“The Elect”) and carries out His Purposes in his life, abides (remains) forever!!” Hallelujah!

[TO BE CONTINUED]