Be Conscious of Your Election

Be Conscious of Your Election

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love . . . .” Eph. 1:4.

“I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:2.

This pertains to all the saints with whom the Spirit is working, and then this question presents itself: Are you consciously one of them?

“He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.” John 3:29.

John the Baptist says about himself that he is the Bridegroom’s friend, and there is every indication that he fulfilled that role honorably. It is worthwhile noting that he was that consciously, for everything takes on a different meaning when I am conscious of the fact that it concerns me.

When the Bridegroom’s friend rejoices greatly at hearing the Bridegroom’s voice, what, then, does the bride do? She obviously rejoices even more, because her calling is greater and her relationship to the Bridegroom is stronger.

When we hear a good message, delivered in the Holy Spirit, we are blessed; yet that doesn’t prove that we are conscious of our calling to be in the bride! But when we in a trial turn our ear to hearing the Bridegroom’s voice and rejoice greatly over what He has to say to us so that we act precisely according to His word, this gives us the assurance that we are one of them.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Rom. 8:14. He courted us and has received a “Yes.” We hold on to that by removing everything that wants to come between us. Here we need the mind of Christ.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus . . . .” Phil. 2:5. Our relationship to Jesus is based on love, and all love of ourselves hinders our love for Him and our neighbor. Therefore all self-love must be removed. “He who does not love his brother abides in death.” 1 John 3:14.

Being conscious of your calling to be in the bride will quite naturally urge you on to prepare yourself for His coming.