God's Election Program (John 5:16-30) September 18, 2005
God’s Election Program
John 5:16-30
Today is the day in which the Germans went to the polls and voted for their next Chancellor. We have all been seeing signs all over Bremen about the different parties that have run for office. Not only the Chancellor’s job, but also the different parties had people whom they wanted elected.
I have been fascinated by this election for many reasons. First, when I was young, I was involved in politics when my father ran for Mayor of Texas City. Then later, I was asked to apply for a position in the Texas Government of Governor Ann Richards. Finally, when I finished my Bachelor’s Degree, one of the jobs I applied for was in the Texas state government. So for many reasons, I have had interest in politics. I like the process and I find it fascinating. Politicians and pastors are not much different. We both give out a message that we want people to hear. Therefore, we have heard the different political parties here in Germany.
Now each party has their own political platform (or program). This is a plan that describes what the party will do for the people who elect them. In Germany, there are many political parties – many more than in the US. So that has fascinated me. There is the “Zentrum” party – the oldest party in Germany. There is the party of women or feminists – “Die Frauen.” There is a party for older folks – “Die Grauen Panthers” (Grey Panthers). The Republicans in the US are conservative to an extreme – but they are nothing like the Republican Party in Germany. This party is very extreme. The Republican Party is in the same group with two other parties – DVU and NPD – the former Nazi party. Then you have the main six – Social Democrats, the Green Party, the Free Democratic Party, the Christian Democrats (which is not Christian) and the Christian Socialists (which is basically the party of the state of Bavaria.) And then there is the new Links PDS – a combination of people from the former Communist East Germany and a group of disaffected folks from the SPD. All in all, it should be a fascinating election.
Each party has a group of people for whom they represent. The SPD represents more blue-collar workers, and the CSU – Bavarians. Each party makes promises that they intend to keep about certain programs. For example, we have heard much about taxes, retirement, unemployment benefits, promises for families with children, environmental issues, and foreign policy.
Each party has a candidate that they have chosen to become chancellor. Now I know that in Germany, as in many other countries, this is a parliamentary system. Therefore, the parties come together to form a coalition. The two main groups are the SPD and the Greens, and the CDU/CSU and the FDP. Each group has a candidate that they will choose for Chancellor. For the SPD it is Gerhard Schröder, and for the CDU it is Angela Merkel.
But you know, God has an election party? It is a heavenly one. He has a candidate for Chancellor of Eternity and His name is Jesus Christ.
Like the parliamentary system, when you choose the party, you must choose that candidate that comes with that party. If you choose God, you have to choose Jesus as your candidate. God and His election party do not come with another candidate.
For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.
(John 5:20-21 NKJV)
What does God and His party provide for you and I when we choose His candidate Jesus Christ?
RESULTS OF CHOOSING JESUS AND HIS ELECTION PROGRAM
Retirement program – eternal life
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
(John 5:24 NKJV)
There is no retirement program. God gives us eternal life. Life that lasts forever with Him, that is what God promises. But this is conditional – you won’t get it from the SPD or the CDU, you can only get it when you believe in God, through His Son Jesus Christ.
Health Insurance program – eternal security
Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.
(John 5:25-27 NKJV)
This eternal life does not end. Unlike the German government, who might go broke helping you pay for your health insurance, God’s health insurance program is secure. It is a spiritual health insurance. It is not a life-term policy, but an everlasting life-term policy. This means that your spiritual health will never go out with God. He will keep you secure for eternity.
Foreign Policy – believers and unbelievers
For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
(John 5:26-29 NKJV)
There will be two groups of people in God’s election program. There will be people who are not His – foreign to Him and His ways – which the Bible calls evil. They are evil because they have not chosen God and His Son Jesus. As a result, God has a Foreign Relations Policy, and it is a judgment that will come. Unlike the US Foreign Policy that has tried to judge Iraq, God’s judgement is fair.
Notice also that God’s Party will still stand at the end of time, and you will have to make a decision. You won’t be able to stay down in the grave. God’s going to call you up and He will take you somewhere – depending on whom you chose.
Here are some benefits for choosing Jesus Christ as your candidate for Life Chancellor that you get in this life:
Clear Conscience
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(Romans 8:1 NKJV)
Life and Peace
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
(John 10:10 NKJV)
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(Romans 8:6 NKJV)
Help with our weaknesses
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
(Romans 8:26 NKJV)
Purpose
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(Romans 8:28 NKJV)
Confidence
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
(Romans 8:31 NKJV)
Security
nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:39 NKJV)
Power and Strength
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
Fulfilment and Satisfaction
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:19 NKJV)
Freedom
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
(John 8:32 NKJV)
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
(John 8:36 NKJV)
God is calling an election today. He is calling for us to cast a spiritual ballot and He wants us to choose. You can choose something or someone else, but the consequences to you and your life are disastrous. Instead, cast your ballot for Jesus Christ. Let Him fulfil God’s election program and purpose in your life. Your vote won’t be wasted, and it unlike most politicians, Jesus will keep His word to you. Choose Jesus today.
