Our Blessed Father Who Blessed Us

Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundations of the world, He hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of His own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault from their primitive state of rectitude into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom He from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of salvation. —Canons of Dort, Article 7 The doctrine of election has sometimes acquired a harsh reputation, particularly if you were introduced to this doctrine by a "cage-stage" Calvinist. But this doctrine, taught so clearly in passages like Deuteronomy 7:6–8 and Ephesians 1:3–6, should inspire gratitude rather than haughtiness. Paul himself erupts in thanksgiving as he explains election, proclaiming "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3). We imitate Paul's gratitude this morning in the hymns we sing, acknowledging that blessings abound wherever Jesus reigns (Jesus Shall Reign) and marveling at how blessed those of us are who fear the Lord (Alleluia! How Blessed The Man—Psalm 112). Because we are His people, His "chosen flock," we come into His gates with thanks (In All The Land Rejoice—Psalm 100). Because Christ calls us to gain His everlasting hall, we rejoice with heart, soul, and voice (Good Christian Men, Rejoice). Because Jesus lives to bless us with His love, we can shout "glory, hallelujah" (I Know That My Redeemer Lives). —Henry C. Haffner