Hodge has well remarked that, "rightly understood, this doctrine
1. exalts the majesty and absolute sovereignty of God, while it
illustrates the riches of his free grace and his just
displeasure with sin.
2. It enforces upon us the essential truth that salvation is
entirely of grace. That no one can either complain if passed
over, or boast himself if saved.
3. It brings the inquirer to absolute self-despair and the cordial
embrace of the free offer of Christ.
4. In the case of the believer who has the witness in himself, this
doctrine at once deepens his humility and elevates his
confidence to the full assurance of hope" (Outlines).
