We've heard it a million times, and we've likely said it as many, "God loves you unconditionally", so, do we believe it or not?
The "U" in TULIP stands for Unconditional Election. It simply means that God sets His saving love on His elect, based on nothing they have done, or will do. His election is unconditional. That's easy, right?
Do you believe that God's love and His sovereignty in election are both unconditional?
God’s Electing Love
Though God’s sovereign election of some sinners unto salvation is hated by the natural man, those who must have their sovereignty over their eternal state, it is actually one of the most humbling and peace giving truths taught in the Scriptures. When the Scriptures speak of God choosing a people unto Himself in sovereign election it is always in the context of electing love.
We must remember that God is not nor ever has been under any obligation to save a single sinner. He could have just as easily damned all of Adam’s race to everlasting torment. For Him to have done so would not have in any way disturbed His sufficiency in Himself. He would remain as satisfied and content in Himself if He had never saved any of us.
But God, who is rich in mercy, grace and love, determined, in infinite wisdom and power, to glorify Himself in sovereign mercy toward chosen sinners. Though there was nothing about any of us to draw His wondrous love for we are all doomed, damned sinners by nature, He set His infinite love on some and gave them in covenant mercy to His Son.
The Son, at the appointed time, came as their Redeemer, Savior and Lord to accomplish all that covenant love required. He stood as Surety for them making all their debt of sin His debt. He made Himself responsible for all their sin and the stood as their substitute on the cursed tree.
As their firstborn brother He rose from the grave and ascended to sit on the throne of all majesty and power as their Intercessor and living King. He does all things for their sakes.
In love the Spirit comes to each chosen sinner by the preaching of the Gospel and gives them life and faith in Christ Jesus the Lord. He lovingly makes them see their need of Him and then reveals the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ.
The elect are an innumerable multitude who are as the sands of the sea and the stars of the sky. What a wonder that the majestic Sovereign of all Creation should set His love on a people who deserve nothing from Him but wrath and punishment. To the sinner who needs saving God’s electing love is a wonder and a joyous truth.
