Mark 3:7-21

“And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.” (Mark 3:13, NKJV)

Our election is a mystery. Why are some chosen and others are not? Why do some respond to the Gospel and others do not? Here we see Jesus going to higher ground and calling to Himself the ones He wanted. And those who were called came to Him. Who called? Jesus. Who came? The people who were called. What was the evidence that they were called? They came.

Jesus chooses whom He wills. But which ones does He choose? The ones whom the Father gives Him.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37, NKJV)

Therefore, if you have followed Jesus to higher ground, then it is evidence that the Father has given you to His Son. But when did this happen?

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” (Ephesians 1:4, NLT)

How does that make you feel? Personally, knowing that God chose me before the world was formed to be holy and without fault in His eyes gives me great comfort. My salvation and sanctification are not contingent on my performance but on God’s election and justification. I know that because I have gone to Jesus, He will never cast me out. Moreover, Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” (John 10:27–29, NKJV)

Let these Gospel truths sink deep within you. Remember them when the devil comes accusing you that you are not good enough or that God cannot use you. In God's eyes you are holy and without fault because of what Jesus did for you. His blood cleanses you from all sin (1 John 1:7). And you are accepted in the Beloved Son of God (Ephesians 1:6). Blessed assurance!