“The Role of Grace in Divine Election.”

Introduction: 

I’ll integrate insights from Steven Lawson’s book “Foundations of Grace.” Lawson presents grace as central to divine election, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in salvation and how it operates through grace alone. The narrative begins with God's sovereign choice, a theological concept emphasizing that God, in His omniscience and omnipotence, has the authority to create and govern all things according to His will.[1] This decision to create a new world marks humanity's initiation, reflecting His desire for a relationship with humanity.

The "divine election decree" refers to God's predetermined plan for humanity, where He chooses individuals for salvation based on His grace rather than human merit. This highlights the belief that salvation is not earned but a gift from God, illustrating His sovereignty in the redemption process.

The "process of regeneration" involves the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, which brings individuals to spiritual rebirth, enabling them to respond to God's call. Here and only after regeneration is a person fully capable of making a saving faith decision. This regeneration is essential for entering into a relationship with God, affirming that human beings cannot achieve salvation alone.[2] Therefore, regeneration provides the spiritual insight necessary to comprehend the Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 10.14). The natural mind cannot grasp spiritual truths without the Holy Spirit’s intervention. This understanding is vital for genuine faith, as it allows individuals to recognize their sinfulness and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

Therefore, the world's creation, divine election, regeneration, and the unique role of Jesus Christ in salvation collectively illustrate the intricate workings of God’s sovereignty in the narrative of human existence.[3] Each step reflects a deliberate and purposeful plan designed by God to foster a relationship with humanity.

Here are some notable examples from the Bible:

1. Abraham: God chose Abraham to be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). This election established the covenant relationship through which God's promises would unfold. Regeneration: Abraham's journey begins with his call in Genesis 12. Though he initially worshiped other gods (Joshua 24:2), God intervenes, calling him to leave his past and embrace a new identity. This call signifies a spiritual rebirth as he enters into a covenant with God, marked by faith (Hebrews 11:8).

2. Israel: In Deuteronomy 7:6-8, God declares Israel as His chosen people, not because of their numbers or merits, but because of His love and faithfulness to the patriarchs. Regeneration: The nation of Israel's identity is shaped through the Exodus and the covenant at Sinai. In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God promises to give them a new heart and spirit, indicating a transformative process that regenerates their relationship with Him, leading to obedience and faithfulness.

3. David: God chose David to be king over Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd, God anointed him, demonstrating His sovereign choice. Regeneration: David's regeneration is evident when he is anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, marking his transformation from a shepherd to a king. This anointing signifies God’s empowering presence in his life, shaping his heart to lead Israel.

4. The Apostles: Jesus selected the twelve apostles, as noted in Mark 3:13-19. This election highlights how God chose specific individuals to spread the Gospel and lead the early church. Regeneration: The apostles’ transformation is evident during their time with Jesus, especially after His resurrection. In Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks a significant moment of regeneration. They receive empowerment for the ministry, indicating a profound internal change and commissioning for their mission.

5. Paul: In Acts 9, God chose Saul (later Paul) as a vessel to spread the message of Christ to the Gentiles. His dramatic conversion showcases God's sovereign intervention and election for a specific mission. Regeneration: Saul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) is a clear example of regeneration. Encountering the risen Christ transforms him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle. This spiritual rebirth is marked by his baptism, symbolizing his new identity and commitment to Christ.

6. Jacob and Esau: In Romans 9:10-13, Paul references the election of Jacob over Esau, emphasizing that God's choice was made before they were born, illustrating His sovereignty and purpose. Regeneration: The story of Jacob, particularly in Genesis 32:22-32, shows a pivotal moment of transformation. After wrestling with God, Jacob receives a new name, Israel, symbolizing his new identity and relationship with God. This event signifies a spiritual awakening and commitment to God’s covenant.

   
   

Challenges:

1. Human Notions of Fairness and Justice:

Steven Lawson emphasizes that grace in the divine election is unmerited and undeserved.[4] These challenges many people because they often expect God to operate. According to human ideas of fairness. People ask, “Why does God choose some and not others?” From a human perspective, this may appear arbitrary, but Lawson insists that God’s Grace expresses His sovereign will, which cannot be earned. The challenge lies in helping people see that divine justice and grace coexist in God’s plan of salvation (Romans 9:15–16).

2. Balancing Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:

Like other Reformed theologians, Lawson stresses the interplay between divine: sovereignty and human responsibility. The doctrine of grace underscores that no one can come to God apart from His enabling grace, but humans are still responsible for rejecting or accepting the Gospel. This balance can be difficult to communicate without falling into theological extremes, such as denying human accountability or diminishing God's sovereign role in salvation (Phil. 2:12–13).

3. The Scandal of Exclusivity:

Divine election and grace highlight the exclusivity of God's saving plan, which can be perceived as divisive or elitist in contemporary culture. According to Lawson, the concept of election can be scandalous to those who misunderstand it because it contradicts the idea of equality. However, the challenge is to communicate that grace is entirely a gift, and no one is entitled to it (Eph. 2:8–9). This forces a reevaluation of entitlement and personal merit in salvation.

Opportunities:

1. Proclaiming the Sovereignty and Mercy of God:

Lawson sees grace in divine election as an opportunity to magnify God's sovereignty and mercy. It provides a framework to showcase God’s unsearchable wisdom in choosing sinners for salvation, not based on foreseen merit but on His free grace alone (Eph.1:4–6). This understanding allows believers to rest securely, knowing their salvation depends entirely on God, not human effort or chance.[5]

In the vast tapestry of Scripture, few stories illustrate this profound truth of divine election and God's unmerited grace quite like Jonah's. His journey reveals the depths of human rebellion and showcases God's staggering mercy, emphasizing that salvation truly belongs to Him alone.

Jonah, a prophet God chose, was tasked with a monumental mission: to go to Nineveh and proclaim its impending judgment due to their wickedness. Yet, instead of obeying, Jonah fled in the opposite direction, boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. His attempt to escape God’s calling highlights a critical truth: even the chosen can resist God’s will. This rebellion serves as a backdrop for understanding how grace operates within the framework of divine election.

In Ephesians 1:4–6, Paul writes, “For he chose us in him before the world's creation to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, by his pleasure and will—to praise his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Here, God’s choice is not based on any foreseen merit or human endeavor but demonstrates His free grace. Just as Jonah was chosen despite his flaws, every believer is called not due to their righteousness but God’s sovereign will.

The Storm and the Fish

As Jonah attempted to flee from God, a great storm threatened the ship and its crew. This tempest is a potent reminder that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Jonah’s disobedience led to chaos in his life and the lives of those around him. When the sailors cast lots to determine the cause of their trouble, the lot fell on Jonah, who then confessed his rebellion. This moment illustrates that God’s sovereign hand guides all events, even during human failure.

Jonah was thrown overboard during the storm and swallowed by a great fish. Here, we witness a profound act of mercy. Rather than allowing Jonah to perish, God provided a means of salvation, illustrating that even in our darkest moments, His grace abounds. Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish was a transformative experience, leading him to repentance and prayer. As he cried out to God, he realized that salvation belongs to the Lord (Jonah 2:9).

Jonah’s Mission and the Ninevites’ Repentance

After three days, God commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land. Renewed and refocused, Jonah finally obeyed and went to Nineveh. His message was simple: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned” (Jonah 3:4). Remarkably, the Ninevites responded with repentance, demonstrating that God’s mercy extends beyond His chosen people to those who heed His call.

This scene further underscores the idea of divine election. Despite their sinful ways, God’s choice to extend grace to the Ninevites highlights His unsearchable wisdom and the expansive reach of His mercy. In Romans 9:15, Paul writes, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” This is a potent reminder that God’s grace cannot be confined but freely given according to His will.

Resting Securely in God’s Grace

Jonah’s story culminates in a lesson not just for him but for all believers: salvation is entirely the work of God. Our standing before Him is not based on our merit or efforts but on His sovereign choice and grace. As believers, we can rest securely in this truth. Our salvation is not a product of chance but a result of God’s deliberate, loving election.

Jonah’s journey—from rebellion to repentance and ultimately to understanding God’s mercy—reflects the experience of many believers. We may wander, but God is relentless in His pursuit. His sovereignty ensures that His plans will be fulfilled, and His mercy offers hope to even the most unlikely candidates for salvation.

As we reflect on Jonah’s life, we may recognize the profound truth that salvation belongs to God alone. Let us rejoice in His sovereignty, trust in His mercy, and proclaim His grace to a world in need of the hope found in Christ. Just as Jonah was given a second chance, so too are we called to extend that same grace to others, proclaiming the message of salvation to all who will listen.

2. Cultivating Humility and Worship:

A central theme in Lawson’s treatment of grace is that it leads to humility. Recognizing that salvation is entirely a gift from God fosters deep humility and gratefulness. This creates an opportunity for believers to respond in worship, seeing their salvation as divine mercy rather than human achievement. Grace as unearned favor transforms how Christian's approach God, recognizing their dependence on His sovereign will (Titus 3:5–7).

3. Empowering Evangelism with Confidence in God’s Plan:

Contrary to misconceptions that divine election undermines evangelism, Lawson argues that it strengthens it. The doctrine of grace empowers believers to share the Gospel, knowing that God will call His elect to faith. This removes the burden of "results-based" evangelism and grounds it in the confidence that God will use human means to fulfill His purposes (2 Tim. 2:10). This understanding offers excellent hope for evangelists, knowing their work is not in vain.

Risks:

1. Risk of Fatalistic Thinking:

Lawson cautions against the risk of interpreting grace in divine election as fatalism—the idea that, since God has already chosen who will be saved, human effort is irrelevant. This distortion neglects the biblical teaching that election and evangelism are essential to God’s plan. As Lawson emphasizes, grace compels believers to act, knowing that God ordains their efforts to share the Gospel as the means to bring the elect to faith (Rom.10:14–17).

2. Overemphasis on Election Leading to Neglect of Evangelism:

Another risk is the potential for overemphasizing the election so that evangelism is neglected. Lawson’s perspective underscores that God’s grace works through human agents—preachers, missionaries, and believers—to bring salvation to the elect. If the doctrine of grace is misunderstood or overstated, it may lead some to a passive attitude. If God has chosen the elect, there’s no need for Gospel outreach (Acts 18:9–10).

3. Misinterpretation of God’s Justice:

Steven Lawson notes that some might view the election as a violation of God’s justice or as arbitrary. The risk here is that without proper teaching, people may perceive divine grace as unfair or incompatible with God’s righteous character. Lawson argues that grace must be understood considering God's holiness, justice, and mercy. Election is not a denial of justice but a magnification of grace, as no one deserves salvation (Rom. 9:18). The risk is allowing people to frame the election outside of the context of grace, thereby fostering doubts about God’s fairness.

Embracing the Role of Grace in Divine Election: A Positive Point

One of the most potent aspects of embracing the role of grace in the divine election is the deep assurance it provides for believers. When we understand that salvation is based entirely on God's grace and not on human merit, it removes the fear and uncertainty that often accompany the question of salvation. This truth fosters an unshakable confidence in God’s promises. As Steven Lawson emphasizes, grace ensures that believers are eternally secure in Christ because their salvation does not depend on their fluctuating efforts or moral failures but solely on the sovereign grace of God (John 10:28–29). This leads to profound peace and joy in the Christian life, as believers rest in the certainty of God’s electing love.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, understanding regeneration and divine election within the context of God's grace provides a profound insight into the Christian faith. Steven Lawson’s treatment of grace in divine election is a valuable framework for navigating these theological concepts' complexities. By focusing on God's sovereignty, we recognize that salvation is ultimately rooted in His mercy and divine will. This perspective allows us to appreciate the beauty of grace as unmerited favor—something we cannot earn but receive through faith.

Lawson's approach also addresses common challenges that arise in discussions about election. For instance, questions about fairness and human responsibility often surface. By emphasizing that while God is sovereign in His election, He also honors human responsibility, we can affirm that each person is called to respond to the Gospel. This balance helps us seize powerful opportunities for evangelism, reminding us that God uses believers as instruments to spread His message of salvation.

Moreover, understanding that God works through ordained means—such as preaching, teaching, and personal witness—highlights the importance of active participation in His redemptive plan. While salvation is entirely by grace, it is essential to recognize that God has chosen to involve humanity in this process. This involvement does not diminish His sovereignty but enriches the relationship between God and His creation.

By communicating the complexities of divine election with clarity and compassion, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the role of grace in our lives. In this light, regeneration becomes a theological concept and a transformative experience, enabling individuals to embrace their identity as children of God. Ultimately, this understanding encourages believers to live out their faith actively, knowing they are part of a divine narrative emphasizing God’s sovereignty and human participation in His glorious plan of salvation.

[1] Lawson, Steven J. “Foundations of Grace” Reformation Trust Publishing. Crawfordsville, Indiana, 2006,39.

[2] Ibid, 458.

[3] Ibid, 39.

[4] Lawson, Steven J. “Foundations of Grace” Reformation Trust Publishing. Crawfordsville, Indiana, 2006,24.

[5] Ibid, 314.