Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

July 17– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Knowing, dear brothers, your election by God.” 

—1 Thessalonians 1:4

Many people want to know whether or not they have been chosen by God before they look to Christ, but they simply cannot learn it that way. It is only something to be discovered by actually “looking unto Jesus.” If you want to ascertain whether or not you have been chosen, this is the only way to assure your heart before God. Let me ask you, “Do you sense that you are a lost and guilty sinner? If so, then go immediately to the cross of Christ and confess that to Jesus. Remind him of his own promise that, “Whoever comes unto me, I will in no way cast out.” Look to Jesus and believe on him, and you will prove your election immediately.

Go, then, to Jesus, as guilty as you are– just as you are, leaving all curious questions about your choosing alone. Go straight to Christ and hide in his wounds, and you will know that you have been chosen. The Holy Spirit will give you the assurance you need.

Christ was at the everlasting council, so he knows whether or not you were chosen; but you cannot find it out any other way than to simply put your trust in him. When you do, his answer will be, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving-kindness I have drawn you.” There will be no doubt about his having chosen you when you have chosen him. [M&E]