1 Thessalonians 1:4

Many persons want to know their election before they look to Christ, but they cannot learn it in this way; it is only to be discovered by looking unto Jesus.

If you desire to determine your own election, this is how you can assure your heart before God: Do you feel yourself to be a lost, guilty sinner?

Go straight to the cross of Christ, and tell Jesus so, and tell him that you have read in the Bible, Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out. Tell him that he has said, This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Look to Jesus and believe in him, and you will prove your election directly, for as surely as you believe, you are elect.

If you will give yourself wholly to Christ and trust him, then you are one of God’s chosen ones. But if you stop and say, “I want to know first whether I am elect,” you do not know what you are asking. Go to Jesus, however guilty you may be, just as you are.

Leave all curious inquiry about election alone. Go straight to Christ and hide in his wounds, and you will know your election. The assurance of the Holy Spirit will be given to you, so that you will be able to say, I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him. Christ was at the everlasting council: he can tell you whether you were chosen or not, but you cannot find it out in any other way. Go and put your trust in him, and his answer will be—I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. There will be no doubt about his having chosen you, when you have chosen him.

“Sons we are through God’s election,
Who in Jesus Christ believe.”