GOD’S PURPOSE IN ELECTION.
THE key to the proper understanding of the doctrine of Bible election is the purpose of the election. If we clearly understand the purpose of God in calling and choosing the children of men, there will be little trouble over its other phases. We are assured in Rom. 8:28 that to them who are the called “according to His purpose,” and who, it is implied, accept of that call, God will work with them all things for good. Surely, that is a gracious promise. And here is another: “Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ before times eternal.” 2 Tim. 1:10. What, then, is the purpose? The important thing in man is not his physical size, or beauty, or skill, or knowledge, or wealth, or culture. It is character. The most precious thing in God’s sight in humanity is character. Therefore man was created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27, 31; Eph. 4:24); not a mere physical image, but a moral likeness, possessing Godlike attributes, capable of being developed. When God created man, man was “very good.” One thing, however, was wanting—something which even the Creator could not supply—human experience developed by trial into character. For this God made man. The “preacher” declares that God made him “upright.” Eccl. 7:29. The original word is “Israel.” God created man to be Israel, prevailer with God. So Jacob obtained the blessing and became Israel—by prevailing faith. Gen. 32:24-28. Connect this thought with Rev. 21:12. The holy city, into which all the redeemed shall enter, has gates named from Israel, the twelve gates after the twelve tribes. The saved of God’s people are the Israel of God from creation down. God’s purpose in these characters dates from the “times eternal;” for “before the foundation of the world” it was His purpose that His children “should be holy and without blemish before Him.” Eph. 1:4. It is His will that there shall be harmony thruout all His realm and this could exist only in a righteous universe. All this was purposed in and thru the eternal Son of God. In Him was the creation wrought; and when man sinned, in and thru Him was wrought redemption. Col. 1:16-22. But that His work may be made effectual in us, we must believe and “continue in the faith.” Then will His purpose be assured in us. God created the earth. He created man upon the earth. The earth was made for man. Gen. 1:31. Man was given dominion over it and over all upon it, even tho now in its sinful condition the earth has dominion over man, and the greater portion of the race are sleeping in earth’s bosom, “dust to dust.” “The heavens are the heavens of Jehovah; but the earth hath He given to the children of men.” Ps. 115:16. But when the curse came upon the earth thru sin, it rested most keenly upon man, its lord and master, who yielded to the tempter. Gen. 3:17, 18. He, Satan, to whom man yielded, became its lord, its prince, its god (John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4), and man became his servant, the bondslave of sin. But God’s purpose still holds good: “The bondservant abideth not in the house forever.” John 8:35. God created the earth “not in vain [“not a waste”];” “He formed it to be inhabited,” and He pledges His own existence on its fulfilment—“I am Jehovah; and there is none else.” Isa. 45:18. The One thru whom this earth will be redeemed from the curse is the One who redeems man; for He came to save not only all who, but “that which is lost.” Luke 19:10. To Him, the Tower of the flock, the Christ of God, will the kingdom be restored, and His people will share it with Him. Micah 4:8; Rev. 11:15; Matt. 25:34. Then from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth, the whole kingdom and dominion under the whole heaven, shall belong to Christ and the children of the Most High, who are in harmony with the eternal purpose of God. Dan. 7:27; Rev. 21:1. There will “be no more curse.” Rev. 22:3. Sin and death shall be forever banished. “Affliction shall not rise up the second time.” And the people who inhabit that land will be “all righteous.” 2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 60:21.5Then, and not till then will God’s purpose be complete. ["The Fulness of God’s Purpose" in our next issue.]