The Election of Grace
Choose you This Day
Published by Deborah Negron
February 21,2021
Romans 11
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Speaking to someone regarding the events of the last few weeks and being able to see them with clarity and with the wisdom that the Lord provides is how this topic came.
First to clarify Elias is the same as Elijah in the Greek language. Therefore when we read in the Old King James version, we will see Elias. But these are one in the same.
Now, in 1 Kings chapter 18,
We find the historical events as recorded in scripture of the account according to the prophet of God unto Isreal at that time. The Prophet Elijah (Elias) and the 450 Prophets of Baal.
A bit of historical data, Isreal had become polarized, they had lived in captivity and due to their lack of adherence to their faith, they were easily drawn by other belief systems. They became enamored with the magicians of their day. They were enticed by what their eyes saw.
Power is an enticing thing. It can lure the very one called to be enlightened. Those who have had the truth can be lured away if they are not aware of the enemy’s tactics. If they are not constant in their faith and persevering in singleness of heart and mind and soul in faith.
This is what happened to Israel.
But let me talk to you about grace.
Let me give you some details about mercy. Let me expand on the Love that goes above and beyond our understanding.
The prophet Elijah was caused by God to go over in action to put a stop to the enemies hold on God’s people.
The prophet called out a challenge. He drew the majicians and prophets of Baal, as it were to a duel, a confrontation and yes, a battle.
I want us to be clear, God is over all things. Nothing occurs without his knowledge. He allows things to happen. All the while, he uses all things to draw us to himself.
He challenges our faith. He asks us to reason together.
We do not serve a God who allows us to drop our faculties and our ability to have our eyes opened. On the contrary, God allows us to go into battle so we may see his sovereignty, his power and his mercy.
The stand off-
On the battlefield were the prophets of Baal. Elijah called them out to cry out to their God Baal. The people watched. Observing with curiosity, with wonder, with an elevated mood.
They had no idea what to expect.
1 Kings 18
20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
There Are Times That the People Are In confusion. They have fallen captive under the bondage of the enemy.
For some position, fame or fortune has lured them into a state of complacency.
For others pain, loss sorrow and grief has made them captive to a different gospel. They have become easy prey for Satan to entice them with witchcraft and pagan belief systems. They have been blinded because they have not adhered and continued in their walk.
When one is weary, tired, frail and hurt the mind and body are subject to allow anything that can apparently seem to bring some relief.
The alcohol becomes the numbness one may need to forget pain.
The drugs may cause a sense of euphoria that gives one a moment of calmness or an escape. Or they can cause one to feel powerful invincible and not so helpless.
The addiction begins.
Well in the flock, there come some wolves to confuse and entice the sheep..
The wolf has quick instincts. It seeks to catch the lonely, weak, frail lamb. The one out of focus. Perhaps hungry, having lost strength. The little one who did not stay close to the rest.
We are not exempt. Jesus said, as recorded in John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
You see, we have tribulations. We face battles. We experience weakness and life stressors that can make us vulnerable.
The enemy then as that wolf, comes in and attacks.
But on that day on Mount Carmel, God gave his people an eye view, a visual aid as it were. He challenged them to choose.
We too must choose the truth of God over the lies of the enemy.
We too must not be swayed by those alluring propositions.
We too must decide, if we believe in the report of the world or or the Lord
That day the prophet defeated and killed the prophets of Baal. The people were delivered from their blindness.
Today, the Lord longs to deliver his people from the enticing words of the enemy. The Lord wants to remove the bonds of confusion, division, pain and suffering. Yet, the suffering may lead some to the place where they give up, give in and stay in derision.
We have to make a Decision.
His gospel is not one of easiness. His truth has caused the world to become affected and has effected freedom for many.
God’s word comes today to free us from all falsehoods.
The bible says that when we come to Christ we are challenged to forego our sinful ways. Our old traditions and practices. He challenges us to trust in him. To have faith in the one who paid the highest price for our redemption.
He chose to give his own life. It was not taken from him. The Father sent him to take our place of punishment, in order that our blind eyes could see.
We were lost and undone and we were wanderers.
We are no longer wanderers. We have a destiny, a purpose and an objective in Christ.
We have a Savior that has paid it all for us.
We must not be entangled again in the pagan paths. But we must choose this day whom we must serve.
We have to make a Decision.
Religion is not the answer. Transendental meditation and self introspection is not the answer. Looking back into our failures and trying to save ourselves will only draw us to despair.
The only truth and the only deliverance is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
We do not need sessions of liberation.
We do not need mystical practices and emulations. WE NEED JESUS.
We, who believe in Christ, scripture declares, 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
His coming from a Virgin’s birth, His Death and His Resurrection demonstrate his Redemptive Power.
Jesus is the one True God. The one that was from the begining and is, present with us and is, to come do for us in victory.
The enemy is defeated. Christ rules and reigns. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Christ calls you to that place of decision. His mercy draws to that battle ground where we must face the facts.
I pray you choose rightly. My hope is that all would be drawn to the foot of the Cross, the empty tomb and the Resurrected Savior. Be free in Christ. Choose life.
The prophets of Baal, with all their rituals and traditions…
With all their methods and magic failed. They died in their sin.
Scripture tells us that the prophets of Baal cried out. They cut themselves. They performed every ritual they new to cause the fire to come and consume their sacrifice.
The Prophet Elijah waited. Then he prepared the altar of the Lord. He even had a water trench made surrounding it. Then the Lord sent fre from heaven. He consumed the sacrifice with fire from above. No tricks, no magic. Just the power of the one true God.
Then the peoples eyes were opened. They understood they had been following the wrong path. The Lord destroyed the grip of the enemy on them.
They were able to choose.
Jesus has given the Ultimate sacrifice for you and me. He has poured out himself. He has died and like that fire, his love has been able to destroy the works of the enemy. Today his Resurrection affords us the Liberty to be called children of God. His love is here and now to restore justo a right relationship with God.
The Decision is yours.
Choose Jesus.
Then Freedom will be yours.
Then Peace will be evident in your life even in the midst of the trials of this life you will be able to stand. Having the power to stand firm knowing your position, your election and your assurance and foundation is in Christ Jesus. The only one who can give us Salvation.
Choose you This Day
Whom you will serve.
Life and Faith By Deb 
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