One of the most
common criticisms of the doctrine of unconditional election and God’s
sovereignty in salvation is the charge of unfairness. Sadly this critique is
almost always from believers, those who have, professedly and presumably, come
to faith and into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. When confronted with
statements indicating God has chosen to save some but not all (e.g. John 6:37;
10:26-27; Rom. 11:5-6; Eph. 1:4), many of these Christians will complain that
such a doctrine is unfair and makes God guilty of showing favoritism.
There are
several things that ought to be said in responding to such criticisms. First,
the true nature of human depravity ought to be emphasized and the extent of our
corruption made clear (Rom. 3:9-20; Eph. 2:1-3). The Bible says we all are
justly under God’s wrath, and no one desires or deserves salvation. Second, the
impartiality of God must be defined and defended (Rom. 2:11-16; Col. 3:25). He
is just in His judgments, but grace
is always unmerited and dispensed as He chooses, not under obligation (1Cor.
12:18; 2Thess. 2:13). Third, the clear and repeated statements of Scripture
pointing to God’s sovereignty in election and predestination must be considered
carefully and given appropriate weight (John 17:1-8; Rom. 9:6-24; Eph. 1:3-12).
In addition to
these answers, however, is the basic injustice of criticizing God’s administration
of grace. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, the Master answered
his critics, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a
denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker
as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?
Or do you begrudge my generosity?” (Matt. 20:13-15) Is God allowed to do as He
wishes? Is He free to make choices, or is His freedom limited by man? He did
not have to save any of us. We certainly do not deserve it. The fact He chose
to save anyone at all is marvelous. How much more marvelous that He chose even
to save Christians who criticize Him? Rather than object to the sovereignty of
grace, as though He owed it to every person, let us remember how undeserving
each of us are and celebrate the free gift He gave us. -JME
