The Doctrine of Election - Part Five

Extract

The Doctrine of Election- Part Five
A. W. Pink

9. Its Perception

Thus far we have dwelt mainly upon the doctrinal side of election; now we turn more directly to its experimental and practical aspect. The entire doctrine of Scripture is a perfect and harmonious unit, yet for our clearer apprehension thereof it may be considered distinctively in its component parts. Strictly speaking it is inadmissible to talk of “the doctrines of grace,” for there is but one grand and divine doctrine of grace, though that precious diamond has many facets in it. We are not warranted by the Language of Holy Writ to employ the expression the doctrines of election, regeneration, justification, and sanctification, for in reality they are but parts of one doctrine; yet it is not easy to find an alternative term. When the plural “doctrines” is used in the Word of God, it alludes to what is false and erroneous: “doctrines of men” (Col. 2:22), “doctrines of devils” (1 Tim. 4:1), “divers and strange doctrines” (Heb. 13:9) —“divers” because there is not agreement among them. In contrast from the false and conflicting doctrines of men, the truth of God is one grand and consistent whole, and it is uniformly spoken of as “the doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:16), “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Its distinctive mark is described as “the doctrine which is according to godliness” (1 Tim. 6:3)—the doctrine which produces and promotes godliness. Every part of that doctrine is intensely practical and experimental in all its bearings. It is no mere abstraction addressed to the intellect, but, when duly apprehended, exerts a spiritual influence upon the heart and life. Thus it is with that particular phase of God’s doctrine which is now before us. The blessed truth of election is revealed not for carnal speculation and controversy, but to yield the lovely fruits of holiness. The choice is God’s, but the salutary effects are in us. True that doctrine must be applied by the power …