Election, Useful

July 9th, 2023 Sermon – Trinity Reformed Church – Canons of Dort 12,13, 18

Article 12
The elect in due time, though in various degrees and in different measures, attain the assurance of this
their eternal and unchangeable election, not by inquisitively prying into the secret and deep things of God,
but by observing in themselves with a spiritual joy and holy pleasure the infallible fruits of election pointed
out in the Word of God – such as, a true faith in Christ, filial fear, a godly sorrow for sin, a hungering and
thirsting after righteousness, etc.

Article 13
The sense and certainty of this election afford to the children of God additional matter for daily humiliation
before Him, for adoring the depth of His mercies, for cleansing themselves, and rendering grateful returns
of ardent love to Him who first manifested so great love towards them. The consideration of this doctrine
of election is so far from encouraging remissness in the observance of the divine commands or from
sinking men in carnal security, that these, in the just judgment of God, are the usual effects of rash
presumption or of idle and wanton trifling with the grace of election, in those who refuse to walk in the
ways of the elect.

Article 18
To those who murmur at the free grace of election and just severity of reprobation we answer with the
apostle: Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? (Rom. 9:20), and quote the language of
our Savior: Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with Mine own? (Matt. 20:15). And therefore with holy
adoration of these mysteries, we exclaim in the words of the apostle: O the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor? or who hath first given to
Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and unto Him are all
things. To him be glory for ever. Amen (Rom. 11:33-36).