When Jesus Prayed: The Glory of God in Election
Pastor Emilio Ramos has been preaching through John 17. After one of the sermons he wrote the following:
In one sense we can say that John 17 takes one from glory to glory. Christ begins by communion with the Father and focusing on their fellowship which leads to Christ’s request for His personal return to the eternal glory which characterized the realm of the Triune God, the realm to which Jesus rightfully belonged (Phil. 2:6-7). The final section of this chapter concludes with Jesus’ request that believers, not only the apostles, but also those “who believe in me through their word” would see and participate in this glory (John 17:20).
This remarkable request by Christ is based upon His own accomplishments. That is, Jesus can confidently intercede for these things knowing the absolute efficacy of His own death, atonement, and resurrection on behalf of His people (John 10:28 cf. Mt. 1:21 | 1 Cor. 15:3-5 | 1 Pet. 3:18). In chapter 17, we are drawn into the fellowship of the Triune God of Scripture to enjoy the glory of God.
…we are drawn into the fellowship of the Triune God of Scripture
It is further remarkable that we are given such an intimate insight into the consciousness of God the Son as He prays to God the Father. The prayer is remarkable for numerous reasons too many to detail here. One amazing glimpse given us by this prayer is Jesus’ concern for the elect of God. Jesus prays for those who were “given” to Him by the Father. The repetition of this concept reinforces the fact that this is no auxiliary topic for Christ (John 17:2, 6, 9, 24). Instead, election is as precious and central to Jesus as the authors of Scripture themselves. Election displays the sovereign glory of God for whom alone it is the prerogative to have mercy on who He wills and harden whom He wills.
Lamentably, the doctrine of election has been despised and rejected by much of the church today. Instead of delighting in what God delights in, namely, His sovereign freedom to choose who He wills, man spirals out into unbiblical philosophical conjecture endeavoring above all things to preserve the freedom and dignity of man. Yet this was not the posture of the apostles.
Paul begins with the doctrine of election and predestination as he writes to the Ephesians. Far from being something Paul relegates to the world of academia, he encourages the local churches with these truths as he explodes in doxology of the glory of God’s grace revealed in them.
Ephesians 1:3–4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love”
John 6:37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Also see, Psalm 135:4 4 “For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own possession.”Romans 8:33 “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies”
2 Thessalonians 2:13 “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (my emphasis).
the glory of God takes utter preeminence
Finally, there is another connection between God’s sovereign election and His glory that we need to see in Jesus’ prayer. Verses 1-5 opens up this prayer which is often referred to as Jesus’ high priestly prayer as He intercedes for His people, yet Jesus has yet to request something on our behalf. This is because the glory of God takes utter preeminence in the heart of Christ. All of God’s chosen people love to have it so. God’s people ought to follow Christ in this.The glory of God ought to be preeminent for us as well. We must like Jesus pray, “Lord not my will but your will be done” (Mt. 26:39 | Lk. 22:42 cf. Phil.1:20).
Soli Deo Gloria
Pastor Emilio Ramos