Election: As Jesus continues His prayer, He shifts His emphasis from the glory of God to His disciples. He speaks of them as the gift of the Father to Him. Even though the Father has given Him authority over “all flesh” (17:2),[1] there is a people whom the Father has given Him as a special gift out of the world (17:6). We were plucked out of the corrupt world that we might receive the revelation of the Father through the word of Christ[2] and that we might draw near to the LORD relationally and intimately (17:2-3), both in this age and in the one to come (17:24). This work of God began in eternity.[3] God foreknew and predestined us to salvation, then He caused all things to work together, from our birth to our second birth, to bring us to Christ (Rom. 8:28-30).

Action: The tremendous heavenly realities of election and providence do not eliminate human responsibility. We are no mere puppets in the hands of God. We were created from the beginning in God’s likeness with agency and with the ability to act. This is also true in salvation. Those who are chosen of God keep God’s word (17:6). We recognize and receive Jesus’ words as divine (17:7) and we place our trust in Him (17:8). Moreover, we exercise a living faith.[4] We are doers of the word, not merely hearers who delude themselves (Jam. 1:22). We look intently into the law of God and abide by it (Jam. 1:25). We understand, remember, endure, and bear fruit (Matt. 13:19-23; Jam. 1:21-22). All the elect of God strive to enter through the narrow door (Luke 13:24).

[1] This is the resounding testimony of Scripture. Cf. Matt. 11:27; 28:18; John 3:35; Heb. 1:2.

[2] God’s “name” is His glory in His attributes (Ex. 33:18-22; 34:5-7). Cf. also John 1:14, 18; 14:7, 9, 10, 11, 24.

[3] Election is the act of God from eternity. Cf. Matt. 25:34; Acts 15:14-18; Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rev. 13:8.

[4] With the New Covenant and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the twelve also began to exhibit a living faith.