How Do We Know If We Are Elect Westminster Catechism

How Do We Know If We Are Elect According to the Westminster Confession of Faith?

The question of election, whether one is chosen by God for salvation, is a deeply theological one, central to the Westminster Confession of Faith. This confession doesn't offer a simple checklist, but rather explores the assurance of salvation based on faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Understanding how to ascertain election requires careful consideration of several key aspects:

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The Westminster Confession emphasizes both God's sovereign choice in salvation (election) and humanity's responsibility to respond to God's grace (faith). This is not a contradiction but a paradox central to Christian theology. God chooses, but we must choose Him in return. This means that while election is a gift from God, we cannot know with absolute certainty before salvation whether we are among the elect. The focus should instead be on the evidence of God’s work in our lives.

The Role of Faith and Good Works

The Confession teaches that good works are fruits of faith, not the cause of salvation. Simply performing religious acts does not guarantee election. However, genuine faith will inevitably produce a change of heart and life. This transformation manifests in several ways:

• Repentance: A sincere turning away from sin and a heartfelt sorrow for offending God.
• Love for God and Neighbor: A genuine desire to please God and to love others as oneself.
• Obedience to God's Word: A committed effort to live according to God's commandments.
• Perseverance in Faith: A continued walk with God despite trials and temptations.

These are not merely outward actions, but evidence of an inward transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit. The presence of these fruits strongly suggests, but doesn't definitively prove, election.

Evidences of Election: Signs of Grace

While we cannot definitively know we are elect, the Westminster Confession points towards evidences which suggest God's saving grace at work:

• A Genuine Faith: This is not a mere intellectual assent but a heartfelt trust and reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation. It's characterized by a deep conviction of sin and a reliance on God's grace.
• Conversion Experience: A profound turning point in one's life marked by repentance and a new commitment to Christ.
• Spiritual Growth: A progressive development in holiness, faith, and love, reflecting a consistent effort to live according to God's will.
• Fruit of the Spirit: Demonstrating the qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
• A Desire for God's Word: A genuine hunger for Scripture and a desire to understand and apply it to life.

The Importance of Humility and Trust

The process of discerning election should be undertaken with humility and trust in God's grace. It's not a matter of intellectual analysis but of relying on the testimony of the Holy Spirit within the heart of a believer. Doubts are normal, but persistent, heartfelt prayer and seeking to live a life pleasing to God are key components.

Conclusion: Focus on Faith and Obedience

Ultimately, the Westminster Confession points us away from a preoccupation with knowing our election and towards a life of faith and obedience. The focus should be on living a life that honors God, trusting in His promises, and relying on the work of the Holy Spirit. The evidences of God's grace in our lives are stronger indicators than any attempt to definitively prove election. The assurance of salvation comes from faith in Christ, not from a self-assured conviction of being chosen.