Sometimes the doctrine of election is taught (or understood) in such a way as to create doubt in the minds of sincere believers. The thinking goes something like this: God elects (chooses) people by his sovereign will; I have no control over this sovereign choice of God, so even if I have done everything within my power to believe and obey the gospel, I may not be one of the elect, and I may ultimately be lost; I can only hope for the best.
Let me emphasize: this is a completely unbiblical way of understanding election. The biblical teaching, as it is presented in 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 is that we can be sure of our election. Paul writes, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you...in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction.” Paul expresses confidence in the Thessalonians’ election on the basis of the change that has come about in their lives, namely their turning from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven.
Paul’s example in 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 teaches us that a person’s repentance and trust in God should be regarded as evidence of his or her election. That is why the apostles can express such confidence about the election of those to whom they write.
Those who are sincerely trusting in Christ should therefore be assured that their salvation does not depend on them, but on God’s sovereign will, expressed in his love toward them in Christ (see Deuteronomy 4:37; Deuteronomy 7:7–8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalm 47:4; Psalm 78:68; Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 12:18; Romans 11:28; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12). Just as nothing and no one can move the earth out of its orbit around the sun, so no one can tear God’s children from his hand or cause him to stop loving them (Jeremiah 31:35–36; Romans 8:28–30, Romans 8:37–39). We must be greatly encouraged!
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,