The Hidden God

by Ty Andor

One of the most irksome topics in understanding the Christian life has been the notion of divine election, or predestination; the idea that God sat down before all time and made a decision about who would go to heaven and who would go to hell. One begins to wonder how they might figure out whether they are one of the chosen. What would be the sign of such a status?

Regardless of what signs one might find, an additional difficulty with such an approach is that it is not likely there will be a shortage of signs to the contrary. In this regard we find that God has hidden himself from our sight (II Corinthians 5:7). And he has done so in order to be found where and in what manner he desires to be found, where he is electing and predestining people for his kingdom in time, though the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is in Christ alone one may find comfort regarding matters of eternity.

Here is a brief letter on how this plays out in our daily thoughts about such things, from Martin Luther, written to an unknown recipient:

My dear friend N has informed me that you are at times troubled by the question of God’s eternal election, and he has requested me to write you this brief letter, etc.

To be sure, it is a serious thing to be so troubled. But you should know that we are forbidden to concern and worry ourselves about this question, for we ought to be willing to remain in ignorance about things which God chooses to keep hidden. This is the apple of which Adam and Eve and all their descendants ate to their destruction, for they wished to know what they were not supposed to know. Just as murder, theft, and cursing are sins, so it is also a sin to trouble oneself about this question. And like all other sins, it is the work of the devil.

To counteract this, God has given us his Son, Jesus Christ. We should think of him daily and follow him. In him we shall find our election to be sure and pleasant, for without Christ everything is peril, death, and the devil, while in Christ is pure peace and joy. Nothing but anxiety can be gained from forever tormenting oneself with the question of election. Therefore avoid and flee from such thoughts, as from the temptation of the serpent in paradise, and direct your attention to Christ.

(Note: for a fuller development of this theme, see Steven Paulson’s Luther on the Hidden God)