Knowing that we have been elected by grace gives us a fundamental sense security. “But this does not imply automatic salvation,” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider says. What do we have to do to secure our election?
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: Bernhard Holdener
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
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Photo: NAK Schweiz
“For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22: 14). This was the Bible text used by the Chief Apostle in a divine service on 13 March 2016 in Zurich-Albisrieden in Switzerland. Participating in the divine service were all the District Apostles and District Apostle Helpers. They were in Zurich for a conference.
A sovereign decision by God
“Calling and election are key terms in the history of the kingdom of God,” the Chief Apostle said. “This is something we cannot understand nor can it be explained. It is a sovereign decision by God. He has made the decision and we have to accept it.”
But man is called upon to respond to this election, something the Chief Apostle made clear by means of the people of Israel. “They were to believe in the election and to commit themselves to it by having themselves circumcised and keeping the Sabbath holy; they were to live in accordance with the Law and serve God out of gratitude.”
A double sign
“God chose us because He wants us to have a special relationship with Him. We have been elected to be children of God and co-heirs with Christ.” But: “The elect are not better than anyone else. They have not earned it, they are not more righteous than others.” When it comes to election there are personal and public signs—as with the people of Israel. Specifically he mentioned Holy Sealing and, as the sanctification of the Sabbath, our attendance of the divine services.
“Through the rebirth out of water and Spirit, God has given us His seal, which means: ‘You are mine,’” Chief Apostle Schneider said. “We want to commit ourselves to and profess our election as children of God, the first sign of which is our attendance of the divine services.” But this also has to have an effect in our everyday life and be revealed: “It is out of sheer gratitude that we lead our lives as close to the gospel as possible.”
No guarantee, only grace
Yet: “Salvation is not automatic.” There is no such thing as a guarantee that states: “You have been sealed and will go to heaven. This is not how things work,” the Chief Apostle said. “Those who will be accepted on the day of the Lord have God to thank for this.”
God grants this grace only to those who make their calling and election sure. “We long for a very personal and close relationship with God and, if necessary, are prepared to give up everything for it. We dedicate our lives to the service of Jesus Christ and are aware that, no matter what happens, we are servants of God, sent by God to profess Him in word and deed.”
“The elect understand this,” the Chief Apostle made clear: “Out of thankfulness to God they feel obliged to commit themselves to God and dedicate their lives to His service.”