The doctrine of election has a way of stirring hearts. For some, it evokes confusion or even resistance. Others receive it with joy and deepened worship. But how we respond to this truth says much about how we see God—His nature, His purposes, and His grace.

The Right Heart Toward God’s Electing Grace

When we open Scripture, we find election not tucked away in some obscure corner, but standing openly in the pages of God’s Word. It’s in the prayers of Christ, the letters of Paul, and even in the worship of heaven. And yet, when it is taught or discussed, it often brings varied responses. Let’s consider some of those responses—both the ones to guard against and the ones to cultivate.

Some folks get upset. “Why do we even need to talk about this?” they ask. “It just stirs up trouble.” Maybe you’ve felt that way. But notice how Jesus responded to the reality of God’s sovereign choosing: “At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight’” (Matthew 11:25, BSB; cf. Luke 10:21). Jesus wasn’t upset—He was thankful.

Others get angry. “I won’t believe this!” they declare. “I won’t let you teach this either!” But that posture isn’t just against a doctrine—it’s against the God who reveals Himself as sovereign and gracious. Our calling isn’t to resist what God says, but to yield, to learn, and to worship.

Still others are shocked. “I’ve never heard such a thing before!” And yes, the first time a person hears that salvation is rooted in God’s free and sovereign grace—not human will or effort—it can be startling. But isn’t this the heartbeat of the gospel? Paul calls us to bless God because “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ephesians 1:4–5, BSB). That’s not cold doctrine—it’s the language of praise.

Then there are those who grow complacent. “It doesn’t matter what you believe.” But that’s not what Paul thought. He wrote, “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10, BSB). Far from stifling evangelism, the doctrine of election gave Paul fuel for the mission. It gave him confidence that his labor wasn’t in vain.

Some are simply confused. “How can it be? What does this mean?” And that’s understandable. Election isn’t easy to grasp. But confusion should never lead to pride or rejection. Paul reminds the Corinthians that “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…so that no one may boast in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29, BSB). The right response to a hard truth isn’t to discard it—but to sit humbly beneath it.

Others take a hush-hush approach. “Let’s not talk about this. It causes division.” But Peter urges us to “be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10–11, BSB). This truth is meant to be known, not silenced.

Some grow fearful. “What if I’m not one of the elect? What if someone wants to be saved but God won’t let them?” But such fear misunderstands God’s character. The invitation of the gospel is real: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13, BSB). And the assurance that follows is solid ground: “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, BSB). Confidence in God’s faithfulness should overshadow fear.

Thy Will Be Done

The biblical posture is not to shrink back, but to lift our eyes and worship. Election is not a puzzle to solve; it’s a window into the grace of a God who calls, redeems, and keeps His people. How does this truth speak to you? Do you find your heart stirred to gratitude? Do you marvel that He set His love on you before time began?

Let’s be people who respond not with cold detachment, nor angry defiance, but with worship and joy. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3, BSB). May that blessing lead us to confidence, zeal, and humble thanksgiving.

Cross References: John 6:37–39, Romans 9:10–24, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Revelation 13:8