Can a Believer Be Certain of His Election?

The Question

Can a true believer know with certainty that he is one of God’s elect?

Turretin answers: Yes—believers may be certain of their election, though not in an absolute or careless way.

1. What Election Is—and Is Not

Election is God’s eternal choice of certain people to salvation in Christ, made before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

However, Turretin is careful to say:

• We do not know our election by looking into God’s secret decree.

• God has not given us access to His hidden counsel.

• Trying to know election apart from Christ is dangerous and unbiblical.

Election is not known by speculation, but by revelation.

2. The Proper Way to Know Our Election

Turretin teaches that election is known indirectly, not directly.

We know election by its effects.

God’s eternal choice produces visible fruits in time, such as:

• True faith in Christ

• Repentance from sin

• Love for God

• Obedience to God’s commands

• Perseverance in the faith

“We know the cause by the effects.”

This is exactly what Scripture teaches:

• 2 Peter 1:10 — “Make your calling and election sure.”

• 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 — Paul knew they were elect because the gospel came with power and changed their lives.

Election is confirmed by a changed life, not by a feeling or a dream.

3. The Role of Assurance

Turretin distinguishes between election itself and assurance of election.

Important distinction:

• Election is unchangeable.

• Assurance may grow or weaken.

A believer may truly be elect and yet struggle with doubts for a season.

Why?

• Remaining sin

• Temptations

• Spiritual neglect

• Weak faith

Yet this does not cancel election—it only clouds assurance.

 The certainty of election rests in God; the sense of it rests in us.

4. Assurance Is Possible—but Not Equal in All

Turretin rejects two errors:

Error 1: “No one can know they are elect.”

This contradicts Scripture, which calls believers to assurance (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13).

Error 2: “All believers are always fully certain.”

This ignores real spiritual struggle.

The truth is in the middle:

• Assurance is possible

• Assurance grows through faith and obedience

• Assurance may vary among believers

5. The Witnesses That Confirm Election

Turretin identifies three witnesses that together give assurance:

1. The Word of God

God promises salvation to all who believe in Christ.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36).

2. The Spirit of God

The Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).

This is not a voice from heaven, but a spiritual confidence produced by faith.

3. The Fruits of Grace

A life marked by repentance, love for holiness, and perseverance confirms the Spirit’s work.

 Where Christ is trusted, the Spirit is present, and fruits appear, election is assured.

6. Why This Doctrine Does Not Lead to Pride or Carelessness

Turretin strongly denies that assurance of election leads to sin.

Why?

• Election humbles us—it is entirely of grace.

• Assurance encourages holiness, not laziness.

• Those truly elected desire to please God, not abuse His grace.

“God does not choose men because they are holy; He chooses them so that they may become holy.”

7. Practical Use for the Christian Life

This doctrine teaches us to:

• Look to Christ, not to ourselves first

• Examine our faith honestly

• Seek assurance through prayer, Scripture, and obedience

• Avoid despair when assurance is weak

• Avoid presumption when assurance is strong

Summary 

• God’s election is secret, but its fruits are visible.

• Believers may know they are elect—not by guessing God’s decree, but by trusting Christ.

• Assurance is real, biblical, and attainable.

• Assurance may rise and fall, but election never fails.

• This doctrine leads to humility, comfort, and holy living.

Key Scripture to Remember

“I know whom I have believed.”
— 2 Timothy 1:12