God Ordains Both the Ends and the Means (Chapter 3, Paragraph 5)

“Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God, before the foundation of the world, was pleased to choose in Christ unto everlasting glory…”

This beautiful truth reminds us that election is not some cold or abstract decree—it is in Christ. From eternity past, God chose a people in union with His Son. Jesus is not only the Savior—He is the chosen Mediator, the One through whom and in whom all blessings flow. We are not saved apart from Him but because of our spiritual union with Him (Eph. 1:4).

The goal of this choice? Everlasting glory. God’s purpose in election is not merely to rescue us from hell but to bring us into His eternal joy. Salvation is not just about escaping judgment—it’s about beholding the glory of God in the face of Christ forever (John 17:24).

“…out of His mere free grace and love, without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto.”

Once again, the Confession highlights that election is unconditional. There was nothing in us that moved God to choose us. No future faith, no goodness, no worthiness. It was solely because of His grace and love. Romans 9:11 teaches that God's purpose in election “was not because of works but because of Him who calls.” He loved us because He loved us (Deut. 7:7–8). That is the glory of sovereign grace.

“And all to the praise of His glorious grace…”

Ephesians 1:6 echoes here. The ultimate aim of election is the glory of God’s grace. His choice of sinners to be saved is meant to show just how merciful and generous He is. No one in heaven will boast of their decision—we will all boast in the Lord. Our song will forever be: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Rev. 5:12).

“…by the means which He hath appointed.”

This phrase is vital: God does not simply choose who will be saved; He also ordains how they will be saved. He appoints the means: the preaching of the gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, the power of prayer, the reading of Scripture, the witness of believers. God’s ends are always accomplished through God’s appointed means.

This truth guards us from two errors:

1. Hyper-Calvinism, which wrongly says, “If God elects, we don’t need to preach.”

2. Synergism, which says, “God can’t save unless we cooperate first.”

Instead, the biblical view says: God ordains salvation by grace and uses means to carry it out. That’s why Paul says, “How will they believe in Him of whom they have never heard?” (Rom. 10:14). The elect will believe—but they must hear the gospel first. And they will.

“Therefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ…”

Election doesn’t remove the need for the gospel—it makes the gospel certain. The elect are still fallen sinners by nature, under the curse of Adam. But God’s plan includes their redemption by Christ. Jesus died specifically and effectually to save His sheep (John 10:15). His blood did not make salvation possible—it actually secured it.

“…are effectually called unto faith in Christ by His Spirit working in due season…”

Here is the effectual call. Not everyone who hears the gospel is saved. But when the Spirit works in the heart of the elect, they are irresistibly drawn to Christ. God calls them in due season—not one day early or late. At just the right time, He sends His Spirit to open their eyes and awaken their hearts. This is regeneration, and it is entirely a work of God’s grace.

“…are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by His power through faith unto salvation.”

God’s plan doesn’t stop at conversion. The elect are justified (declared righteous), adopted (made children), sanctified (made holy), and kept (preserved) until final salvation. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The God who chose us also sustains us. His grace will not fail.

Application for the Believer:

This doctrine leads to confidence, not complacency. God has chosen you, not randomly, but in Christ. And He is actively working through His Word and Spirit to fulfill His plan in your life. Trust Him. Obey His Word. Proclaim His gospel. When you witness to others, pray, or preach the Word, you are participating in the very means God ordained to call His people to Himself. And when you doubt, remember: He who chose you also keeps you. His plan will not fail, and His grace will bring you home.