Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

The Most Important Election In History

Today is Election Day in the United States of America. The rhetoric of candidates vying for a place in government suggests this election will change the world dramatically and profoundly in ways never seen before. Whether it is the highest office in the land to the local council seat, the process of an election day is a time of pitting ideas and philosophies against one another in the hopes of gaining the favor of the majority. The frenzy of campaigning is fueled by the idea this election is the most important of all elections. History points out the same rhetoric in every election since George Washington. All the candidates believe their time and their positions are paramount to earth changing and world-shattering decisions being made in their respective elections. The candidates for this year have emphasized the fearful expectation of consequence if they are not elected. When the dust settles after every election the world continues on its frantic pace of commerce, industry, and entertainment, and while things change in time, little of the fearful expectations of doom come to pass. The sun rises the day after the election.

There have been 58 presidential elections with 45 Presidents elected before today. There are four former Presidents still living including Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) who is 96 years old. The administrations of all the Presidents have carved their niche into the fabric of the American historical narrative and if the Lord wills, others will take their place in the years to come. One constant in all of these historical events is that one administration takes power and then another takes their place. Elections occur every four years and some men only serve one term while others serve two. Their elections are historical but short. Except for Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to four terms (dying in April 1945), all Presidents are limited to eight years. Each election is temporary. Monuments and libraries are established to commemorate the achievements of the election but in time are forgotten in the dust of history. The self-proclaimed “most important election in history” becomes only a passing page in the history of the United States.

There is one election that has eternal consequences and rewards. If this election is lost there are dire consequences. When this election is gained, there is the eternal reward. Jesus describes God’s people as the elect. Throughout the writings of the apostle Paul, the elect of God is spoken of as those who have obtained salvation in Christ Jesus. Peter and John include in their epistles the reference of a Christian as the elect. Peter exhorts the saints to follow after the graces of truth and righteousness to make their calling and election sure. He urges Christians to work hard to prove they are among the called of God and those chosen by His grace. Seeking after the eternal election will secure a place in Heaven, the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. If there was an election that had earth-shattering and eternal consequences, the election of grace is the most important election in history.

Elections of men come and go with time. The choice of whether one chooses to follow Jesus Christ has an impact far beyond this world. God sent His Son to open a way for all men to come to the truth and be saved. This salvation is not granted automatically or loosely. All those who desire to place their names on an election ballot must be qualified. To be a child of God a person must qualify themselves worthy of the blood of Jesus Christ. Without faith that God is and that He is a reward of those who seek Him, there is no election. Hearing the word of God is what brings about a heart of faith to believe and accept the teachings of Jesus, the Son of God. Through the message of the gospel, a man recognizes his sinful state and his need for the mercy of the Lord. With a humble heart and contrite spirit, the heart seeks forgiveness through the avenue of repentance. Acknowledging the need for grace, a man confesses with his mouth his allegiance that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Obedience is not yet full and his election is not yet complete. By the will of God and through faith leading to obedience, the man is baptized for the remission of sins where his sins are washed away. Rising from the watery grave of baptism, the man is now one of the elect of God. He is a chosen vessel sanctified to be a saint, a Christian, a disciple, and a follower of Christ.

The spiritual election of a man becoming a Christian is the most important in history – the history of the man. This is the most impactful decision he will make in his life. What happens after death will be determined whether a man has become one of the elect of God or not. Applying the Christian graces to his life, he will make certain and sure his election to eternal life. The spiritual election in Jesus Christ has an eternal reward that will never go away. Those who elect in God will reign as kings and priests in the presence of God. Sadly, most men will never be elected to the grace of God and Jesus told His followers that most men follow the broad and easy path. God’s gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. If those who are so concerned about the election today would be as concerned about their spiritual election, the world would be a different place to live. This election will pass and the world will continue if the Lord wills. Elect of God will never die. Eternity awaits them.