The doctrine of election is a notorious stumbling block for Christians. In his sermon on Ephesians 1:4-6, Calvin sets the discussion up where it ought to be had–on Jesus.

I speak here after the manner of men, for we know that God uses neither paper nor parchment on which to write our names, and I have told you already that, to speak properly, the register in which we are enrolled is our Lord Jesus Christ. …

You see then that the faith which we have in our Lord Jesus Christ is enough to assure us of our election, and therefore, what more do we ask? I told you that Jesus Christ is the mirror in which God beholds us when he wishes to find us acceptable to himself. Likewise, on our side, he is the mirror on which we must caSt our eyes and look, when we desire to come to the knowledge of our election.

The person doubting his salvation does so because he constantly looks at himself. We’re told that God finds cause for his love and election only in his own good will and pleasure, and not in us. If we’re to make our calling and election sure, therefore, we have to look where God does. Just as he sees his children in the mirror of Christ, so he chose them through him. If we look where he does, we find what he gives: Jesus. And there is assurance.