TO THE ELECT
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
📖Scripture: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect…” – 1 Peter 1:1a
🔎Reflection: The Apostle Peter didn’t write a generic letter to everyone. He wrote “to the elect”—those chosen by God before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). This reality is both humbling and empowering. God’s choice isn’t based on our inherent “worthiness,” merit, works, or future potential (Rom. 9:11-16). We were spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1-5), hostile to God (Rom. 8:7), and wholly incapable of saving ourselves. Yet, in His mercy, God reached into the grave and slimy pit of our sinful rebellion and made us alive in Christ Jesus!
Election is not a doctrine of arrogance, passivity, or theological arm-wrestling for doctrinal camps. The Apostle Peter treats election as a settled fact… an immutable truth with Christ as our souls’ anchor in a hostile world. The elect are called to holiness (1 Pet. 1:15-16), mission (Matt. 28:19-20), and perseverance (Heb. 10:36). This is not about sitting comfortably on the laurels of our salvation, smugly content with our “Get Out of Hell Free” card. Instead, it’s about living joyfully surrendered and savory lives as salt and light for the glory of our King in a perpetually decaying and dark culture (Matt. 5:13-16).
Election is exclusive in the sense that it is specific—God chooses His people—but it is also radically inclusive in its global scope: every tribe, tongue, and nation (Rev. 7:9), and God not desiring that any would perish (2 Pet 3:9). God initiates election (Titus 3:5–7), but Scripture also calls everyone to believe (Mark 16:15). Therefore, we submit to and uphold this divine revelation form God’s WORD, and simultanously affirm this apparent paradox: A) God’s sovereign choice in election, and B) undeniable human responsibility.
God’s revelation through creation has made Him known and available to everyone, therefore all are without excuse (Rom 1:20). King Jesus calls us to enter through Him, the “Narrow Gate,” but despite His gracious offer… many choose instead the wide path, every other path that is not Christ, leading to eternal destruction (Matt 7:13). Therefore, to be “elect” is to be chosen and set apart for God’s glory and to God’s purposes (1 Pet 2:9). This is a call to ongoing surrender, adoration, worship, thanksgiving, endurance, and unwavering joyful allegiance to King Jesus.
🤺Action: Prayerfully consider what your identity is built upon. Review your recent social media posts, expenditures, and investments of time, talents, and treasure. Are your firstfruits, the best you have to offer of everything, going to God? Consider how long you’ve been a Christian… and whether your identity is truly “in Christ” as one chosen by God and advancing His kingdom (Acts 1:8), or if you’ve allowed the stuff of the world to creep in and choke out the love you had at first (Matt 13:22; Rev 2:4). Repent of the lies of “passive” and “private” Christianity. The only litmus test of authentic Christianity (2 Cor 13:5) isn’t that of “once saved, always saved;” it’s about “once saved, always commissioned.” Authentic salvation isn’t idle; it’s always purposeful and missional for the glory of Christ in the Church. That’s the only kind ever revealed in Scripture.
🙏Prayer: Heavenly Father, You chose me not because of who I am, but despite it. Please forgive my pride in ever believing I deserve Your grace. LORD Jesus, please forgive my apathy and arrogance in regarding your love, sacrifice, grace, humility, and kindness as mundane. Holy Spirit, please establish me in the joy of Your presence. Almighty God, please strengthen me to live as one of Your elect, set apart for Your purpose and glory. May my life be a reflection and testimony of Your mercy, power, and truth. All glory and honor be to Christ Jesus, my Redeemer and King. Amen.
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Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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