Loved and Called by God

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus...to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 1:1; 7

The everyday first century Jew believed he was loved by God based on his nationality. The Jews were God's chosen people. He had promised to create the Jewish people from faithful Abraham. This people had been called to be set apart from the other nations of the world. Thus, they had certain dietary and lifestyle restrictions, they had to perform bloody sacrifices to atone for their sin, and they had to follow the law of God. The fact that one had Abraham's, Issac's, Jacob's, and David's blood flowing through their veins was a source of pride for a Jew. Thus, many Jews believed that God had a greater love for them because, of course, they were His chosen people. So the fact that Paul opens the letter by calling the Roman Gentiles "loved by God" would have been sure to make any Jewish reader gasp. But the fact is that God does not make a distinction between races, as we will discuss in further detail in the coming chapters. God loves His own. He loves those who put their trust in Him, no matter whose blood is flowing through their veins. He loves His people, His chosen elect.

Not only does Paul note that God loves the Gentile Romans, he says that God has called them. In essence, God had chosen them to be His saints, thus reiterating the fact that God makes no racial distinctions but chooses whom He pleases. God's election is mysterious, but wonderful. God effectually calls His people, drawing them near to Him by faith. 

Finally, Paul extends his usual standard of greeting to the Roman believers, wishing them grace and peace which only God can provide through the death of His Son. God has set His elect apart from sin, drawing them near to Him so that they are called holy, regardless of their race.

The Blessedness of Election and Adoption

 "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

-Ephesians 1:4-6

The doctrine of election is one that has seemed to be a divisive issue among believers for many years. Proponents for and against election are both ardent in their views on the subject. While those who stand against this doctrine claim to have scriptural proof against it, it is hard for anyone to argue against God’s sovereign election from Ephesians 1:4-6.

Paul states clearly, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, that God had chosen His people before He had even created the world. But why would God choose me? This has been the question asked by everyone who understands this doctrine. The fact of the matter is that God chose His people, not because of any merit of their own, for we are all sinners, but He chose His elect for the purpose of living holy and blameless lives before Him. Once the Lord opens one's mind to the doctrine of God’s electoral grace, this person should not respond in arrogance. We should not lord our election over everyone’s head, so to speak. The Lord’s people should respond to their election with humility so that they can be blameless before Him.
 

But this passage goes on to describe much more than God’s election. Not only did God elect His people for salvation, He has also adopted His people through Christ. This means that we are royalty. We have been adopted into the royal family through the selfless sacrifice of the Prince of Peace. We have inherited every blessing that Christ the Son has inherited, which is eternal life through His death and resurrection.

Let us not respond to these doctrines in arrogance, nor with ignorance. But let us respond in a spirit of humility. And let us not spend precious time hotly debating these doctrines with other believers, but let us calmly encourage each other, praying that the Lord would open minds to a proper understanding of His word. Oh what blessed doctrines these are. Thank the Lord for your election and adoption!