"Christ teaches us the doctrine of election" Trinity 20 — October 13, 2024
13. October 2024
Trinity 20
Matthew 22:1-14
The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
In the holy Name of + Jesus. Amen.
Christ teaches us the doctrine of election in today's parable of the Wedding feast. Those with ears to hear and eyes to see will know the comfort and consolation of their election in Christ. God has given His Son to be your bridegroom and you his bride. Splendidly, all those who come to the wedding feast are not merely guests but the chosen bride. None of them are worthy of the Son but are redeemed and reconciled by His faultless obedience, suffering, and death. This righteousness is given to you in a spotless and brilliant wedding garment. Joined to the eternal Son of God, you will live eternally.
All that He did for us and every benefit of this matrimony of Christ and His church are shown, offered, and given through His Word and Sacraments. God works salvation in us by His Holy Spirit through this Word when it is preached, heard, and pondered. Christ works on us, converting our hearts to repentance and preserving them in true faith. By this gracious working, we are justified before God, receiving the adoption of sons and the promised inheritance [Gal 3:19].
Also, His Spirit will sanctify us, making us holy in love and all good works [Eph 1:4]. He will protect us from the devil, the world, and our flesh. He will rule and lead us, lift us when we stumble, comfort us when under cross or in temptation, and preserve us forever. In this work, which He began in us at Holy Baptism, He strengthens and supports those who cling to His Word, pray at all times, abide in God's goodness, and use the gifts they have received [Matthew 25:14-30]. Finally, He will eternally save and glorify in life eternal all whom He has elected, called, and justified.
The elect, whose names are written in the Book of Life, are saved [Revelation 21:27]. We turn to his revealed will made clear in Christ [Eph 1:9]. Those who refuse to hear the Word and receive the Sacrament can no longer find comfort in election. Those who reject the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit will find no help when they refuse to repent. Those who deny their baptism will show up to the feast ashamedly naked and damned. How can we know and why, or how can we perceive who the elect are and thus receive this doctrine for their comfort?
St. Paul tells us that "those whom He predestined [elected] He also called" (Romans 8:30). God calls through His Word when repentance and forgiveness of sins are proclaimed in His name [Luke 24:47]. In today's parable, the King called the guests He wants to have at His Son's wedding through the ministers He sent out. He calls at the first, second, third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hour.
While God foresees and foreknows who will receive Him in faith, the source of this saving faith is His gracious will and pleasure in Christ Jesus. The Holy Scriptures say God predestines or elects us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ [Eph 1:4-5]. This means God himself causes and works everything needed for our salvation, from start to finish. But this doctrine of election is not to strengthen self-confidence without repentance ("Look at what I did! I accepted Jesus!") nor is to leave you hopeless and in despair ("No one could save me!")
Many people say they are Christians and that God will save them no matter who they are or what they do, acting as if they are invincible. They sin without repentance. They ignore the Word preached and the Holy Sacraments. Prayer, faith, and a godly walk are forgotten. Others fall into the latter category, claiming that no matter how much they go to church, repent, believe, and receive the Sacrament, they could be lovely to God.
The Holy Spirit calls, enlightens, and converts the elect through the Word [Romans 10:7]. He justifies and saves those who, in genuine faith, receive Jesus. In the same way, He hardens and condemns those who reject the Word and resist the Holy Spirit, even while the Holy Spirit is working in them through the Word. They are like the man of the parable who wants the benefits but does not desire to be clothed in Christ's grace. Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit effective through the Word preached, heard, and considered, all are unbelievers.
The Holy Scripture is inspired by God and is given for reproof, correction, and training in righteousness [2 Tim 3:16]. It is not given to drive us to despair but rather that we have hope [Romans 15:4]. When these Scriptures speak of our election in Christ, they drive us to the Word, encouraging us to repentance and godliness and to strengthen our faith with the assurance of salvation. His purpose, will, and counsel are revealed in Christ Jesus, crucified for you.
The preaching of repentance and the promise of the Gospel are universal and belong to all people. Thus, we preach to all nations. For God so loved the world, He gave His only son (John 3:16). Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the world's sin (John 1:29)! Jesus is the propitiation for our sins. Not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). He does not wish any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God will work through His Word in the people He calls to enlighten, convert, and save them. The Holy Spirit wills by the Word to work salvation. It is God's will that all receive the Word, believe it, and obey it.
You hear His voice. He knows you, and you follow Him. You gladly hear the Gospel, believe in Christ for salvation, pray and give thanks, and are made holy in love, with hope, patience, and comfort in suffering. You hunger and thirst for righteousness. He has begun the good work in you. He will preserve it to the end, granted that you do not turn from Him but hold firmly to Him until the end. This is God's revealed will in Jesus Christ.
Christ said, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate" (Luke 13:24). And in today's Gospel parable, He said: "Many are called, but few are chosen." This does not mean that while God calls everyone, He only means to save a few. He desires all to come to the knowledge of salvation and faith. He desires none to be damned. Our God is loving, and He is merciful in Jesus. This is certain and true. This is His will and promise for you. This is why He not only gives you the promise of salvation in the Gospel in general but attaches it to the testaments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. As the baptized, you know the Gospel is for you. As you eat the bread of life that is His flesh, you receive the life of the world (John 6:51). The blood of Christ cleanses you of all sin (1 John 1:7).
This is as much as the Scriptures reveal to us the mystery of election. As we abide by this teaching, it is useful, saving, and consoling. We are justified and saved without works or merits of our own but purely out of God's grace for Christ's sake. Even before the foundation of the world was laid—even while we could do no good—we were chosen by Christ for salvation according to God's purpose. God wants to know He is greatly concerned about your salvation. He provided for it from before the world was made and will preserve it in you until the end. Even while weak in spirit, tempted by evil, or tormented by the devil and the world, you can be sure that this eternal purpose cannot be overthrown. Your salvation is sure in Jesus Christ, from whom no one can snatch you. Jesus will give you patience, consolation, and hope, always working for the good, even amid a wicked and perverse generation. Not even the gates of hell can topple the church nor you, His bride.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Rev. Christopher R. Gillespie
St. John Ev. Lutheran Church & School - Sherman Center
Random Lake, Wisconsin
