a clear statement of sovereign election

I love God's Word. It is so clear.

Acts 13:48 Ἀκούοντα δὲ τὰ ἔθνη ἔχαιρον καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν λόγον τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἐπίστευσαν ὅσοι ἦσαν τεταγμένοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον·

Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard these things they rejoiced and glorified the Word of the LORD and as many who were appointed (τεταγμένοι) unto eternal life believed.

God's Word is so clear. God had already appointed (τεταγμένοι) and marked out whom he would elect. Those whom he elected believe when they hear the Gospel—in God's sovereign timing.

Some qualm at the idea of God's sovereignty and human responsibility and say that they are irreconcilable truths. The better way to see the issue is that they beautifully go together because Scripture puts them together—not as foes, but as friends. Those whom God has already appointed (sovereignty, unconditionally, determinatively) to eternal life will believe the Gospel at the moment God ordains.

In other words: those who believe the Gospel show that they are those who have been appointed unto eternal life.

Praise God for His sovereignty in our election.