So many people want to know if they're chosen by God before they even look to Christ. But friend, it doesn't work that way! You can only discover your election by looking to Jesus.

Do you want to know if you're one of God's elect? Here's how you can settle it in your heart before God. Do you feel like a lost, guilty sinner? Then go straight to the cross! Tell Jesus exactly that. Tell him you've read his promise: "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out." Remind him of his own words: "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

Look to Jesus. Believe in him. And right there—you will have your proof of election. For as surely as you believe, you are chosen. If you will give yourself wholly up to Christ and trust him, then you are one of God's elect. But if you stop and say, "Wait, I need to know first if I'm chosen," you ask you know not what.

Go to Jesus! However guilty you are, go just as you are. Leave all curious inquiry about election alone. Go straight to Christ and hide yourself in his wounds, and you shall know your election. The Holy Spirit will give you such assurance that you'll be able to say, "I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him."

Christ was there at the everlasting council. He can tell you whether you were chosen or not—but you cannot find out any other way. Go and put your trust in him, and his answer will be this: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness."

There will be no doubt about his having chosen you once you have chosen him. Sons and daughters we are through God's election—we who believe in Jesus Christ.