Question 20

Are some Persons chosen to salvation, and others left?

Yes: God hath chosen some to salvation, and passed by others; as the Scriptures speak. See^a Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And^b For there are certian men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, &c.

Did God chuse some because he foresaw they would be better than others?

No: God’s choice was not on foreseen works; but meerly of his grace, and good pleasure of his will.^c Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Iesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace.

Is this Election of God made in time, and that according as men use their free will, or from Eternity?

Election is an Eternal act of God before the world was, and depends not on Man’s using his free-will; as appears from^d According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love.

Shall all that be Elected, be called, and saved?

Yes, the Scripture is full and plain for it.^e And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were ordained to eternal life, believed.^f Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called, &c.

By whom are the Elect saved?

By Christ the only Redeemer.^g But after that the kindness, and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, through Iesus Christ our Saviour.

Is there no other way of Salvation but by Christ?

No, no other way is revealed in Scripture.^h Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

What learn you from God’s Election?

What cause we have to admire Free-grace in our choice, who were no better than others.ⁱ And were by nature children of wrath, even as others.

What is the second Instruction?

It teaches us humility, we made not our selves to differ; but the free grace of God made the difference.^j For who maketh thee to differ from another?

What is the third Instruction?

It teaches us diligence to make our Election sure to our selves, by our calling.^k Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.

What is the fourth Instruction?

It is matter of comfort to God’s Elect, amidst all dangers in the world.^l Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.