The Passing Over of the Rest—God’s Justice Displayed (Chapter 3, Paragraph 6)

“As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so He hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto.”

This echoes the truth already taught in Paragraph 5: God not only ordains the end (glory) but also the means (calling, justification, sanctification). For the elect, all things are working together for good (Rom. 8:28–30). God's grace initiates and completes every step of their salvation. This plan flows from His “eternal and most free purpose”—not based on human merit or foreseen decisions.

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

Again, the elect are not naturally better than others. They, too, are born in sin. Their salvation is entirely due to Christ's redeeming work. This statement eliminates any idea that election makes salvation automatic apart from Christ. No one is saved without the cross. Redemption is always through Christ and never apart from Him.

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

This reiterates that God brings the elect to salvation in real time, through the preaching of the gospel and the powerful, inward work of the Holy Spirit. God’s decree does not bypass means; it empowers them.

“…working in due season…”

God’s timing is perfect. Some are called early in life, others much later. But none are forgotten. At the right time, the Spirit brings life to dead hearts. Salvation is not accidental—it is sovereignly and lovingly appointed.

“…are justified, adopted, sanctified…”

This is the full package of salvation: we are justified (declared righteous), adopted (made sons and daughters), and sanctified (made holy). All these blessings flow from God’s eternal purpose and are secured by Christ’s work.

“…and kept by His power through faith unto salvation.”

God does not merely begin the work—He completes it. The elect are kept—not by their strength, but by God’s power (1 Pet. 1:5). True believers persevere because God preserves them. This is why the doctrine of election gives security, not fear.

“Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.”

This is perhaps the clearest statement of particular redemption (sometimes called “limited atonement”): Christ’s atonement was designed to redeem the elect. His death is sufficient for all, but it was intended to save those the Father gave Him (John 6:37–39). Christ did not merely make salvation possible—He accomplished redemption for His sheep (John 10:15).

This also reminds us that salvation is never universal. Not all are saved. Only those chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and regenerated by the Spirit are brought to eternal life. This sharpens our understanding of grace and moves us to grateful awe.

Application for the Believer:

This truth is sobering: some are passed over. But it is also humbling: we were no better than they. If you are in Christ, it is only because of mercy. You were chosen, called, justified, and are being kept—not because of who you are, but because of who God is. Let this truth kill pride, fuel compassion for the lost, and stir worship. When you share the gospel, know this—God has His people, and He will save them through your faithful witness. And when you feel weak, remember: His power is keeping you, and His plan cannot be undone.