Conditional Election is a doctrine in Christian theology, particularly associated with Arminianism, that asserts God’s election (or choosing) of individuals for salvation is based on His foreknowledge of their faith. In contrast to the Calvinist doctrine of Unconditional Election, which teaches that God’s choice is not based on any foreseen merit or action, Conditional Election posits that God elects individuals to salvation based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to believe in Christ. This view upholds the importance of human free will and the universal offer of grace.

Biblical Foundations of Conditional Election

God’s Foreknowledge and Human Response

The doctrine of Conditional Election is rooted in the biblical concept of God’s foreknowledge, where God’s election is based on His knowledge of who will respond to His call in faith.

• Romans 8:29: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” This verse is often cited to support Conditional Election, suggesting that God’s predestination is based on His foreknowledge of who will believe.
• 1 Peter 1:1-2: “To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” Peter connects election with God’s foreknowledge, indicating that God’s choice is informed by His knowledge of future events, including human responses.

The Universal Offer of Salvation

Conditional Election aligns with the biblical teaching that God desires all people to be saved and offers grace to everyone, making salvation available to all who choose to accept it.

• 1 Timothy 2:3-4: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” This passage reflects God’s universal salvific will, suggesting that His election is conditioned on individuals’ response to His offer of salvation.
• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The phrase “whoever believes” supports the idea that salvation is conditioned on faith, which God foresees.

The Role of Human Free Will

Conditional Election emphasizes the role of human free will in responding to God’s grace. It teaches that while God’s grace enables salvation, individuals must freely choose to accept it.

• Deuteronomy 30:19: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” This call to choose life reflects the importance of human free will in responding to God’s offer of grace.
• Joshua 24:15: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” This verse highlights the necessity of individual choice in matters of faith and obedience to God.

Warnings Against Falling Away

The Bible contains warnings against falling away from the faith, which are often interpreted within the framework of Conditional Election as evidence that continued faith is necessary for maintaining one’s status as elect.

• Hebrews 6:4-6: “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.” This passage suggests that initial election does not guarantee final salvation without continued faith, aligning with the conditional nature of election.
• Matthew 24:13: “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Jesus emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith, implying that election is conditional upon continued belief and faithfulness.

Theological Implications of Conditional Election

God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will

Conditional Election upholds both God’s sovereignty and human free will, teaching that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen to elect individuals based on their free response to His grace.

• Romans 10:9-10: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” This passage emphasizes the role of personal faith in salvation, supporting the idea that election is conditioned on faith.

Assurance and Security in Salvation

While Conditional Election emphasizes the role of faith, it also provides assurance to believers that God is faithful to His promises and that those who continue in faith are secure in their salvation.

• Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse offers assurance that God will complete the work He began in believers, provided they continue in faith.
• John 10:27-28: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” While this passage is often cited in support of eternal security, within a Conditional Election framework, it is understood that this security applies to those who continue to follow Christ.

The Universal Call to Evangelism

Conditional Election strongly motivates evangelism, as it teaches that salvation is available to all who respond in faith. This doctrine encourages believers to share the gospel widely, trusting that God’s grace is available to all.

• Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The Great Commission reflects the belief that God’s grace is available to all and that evangelism plays a crucial role in calling people to respond in faith.

The Relationship Between Grace and Free Will

Conditional Election teaches that while God’s grace is necessary for salvation, it does not override human free will. Individuals must cooperate with God’s grace and respond in faith.

• 2 Peter 1:10: “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” This verse encourages believers to actively participate in their faith, reflecting the conditional nature of election.

Historical Development of the Doctrine

Early Church and Patristic Thought

In the early church, the concept of free will and human responsibility was widely affirmed, though the specific doctrine of Conditional Election was not fully developed until later.

• Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 AD): Justin emphasized the importance of free will in responding to God’s grace, arguing that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who will believe.
• Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202 AD): Irenaeus taught that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of human decisions, laying the groundwork for later Arminian views.

Medieval and Scholastic Theology

During the medieval period, theologians like Thomas Aquinas discussed the relationship between God’s grace and human free will, setting the stage for later developments in Conditional Election.

• Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274): Aquinas taught that God’s foreknowledge includes His knowledge of who will respond to His grace, and that this foreknowledge plays a role in election. While Aquinas did not fully develop the doctrine of Conditional Election, his views on grace and free will influenced later theological thought.

Reformation and Post-Reformation Development

The doctrine of Conditional Election was fully articulated during the Reformation, particularly within Arminian theology, in opposition to the Calvinist doctrine of Unconditional Election.

• Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609): Arminius argued against the Calvinist view of Unconditional Election, teaching instead that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to believe. This view became foundational to Arminian theology.
• Remonstrance of 1610: The followers of Arminius, known as the Remonstrants, formally articulated the doctrine of Conditional Election in the Remonstrance of 1610. This document set forth the Arminian position on election, grace, and free will, in contrast to Calvinism.

Modern Perspectives

In the modern era, Conditional Election continues to be a central tenet of Arminian theology and is widely accepted in many Protestant denominations, particularly those influenced by Wesleyan and Methodist traditions.

• John Wesley (1703-1791): Wesley, the founder of Methodism, strongly affirmed Conditional Election, teaching that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who will believe. Wesley’s emphasis on free will and the universality of grace has had a significant impact on Protestant thought, particularly in the Methodist tradition.
• Contemporary Evangelicalism: Many evangelical traditions embrace Conditional Election, emphasizing the importance of human responsibility in responding to the gospel and the need for ongoing faith and perseverance.

Practical Applications of Conditional Election in the Christian Life

Evangelism and Mission

Conditional Election motivates evangelism and mission, as it teaches that salvation is available to all people and that everyone has the potential to respond to the gospel in faith.

• Romans 10:13-14: “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel to all, reflecting the universal offer of salvation and the need for people to respond.

Assurance and Perseverance in Faith

Conditional Election encourages believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that God’s promises are sure and that continued faith is necessary for final salvation.

• Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God’s faithfulness.

The Inclusivity of the Christian Community

Conditional Election fosters an inclusive view of the Christian community, emphasizing that the gospel is for everyone and that the church should reflect this inclusivity.

• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The universality of the gospel is reflected in the unity and inclusivity of the church, which transcends cultural and social barriers.

The Responsibility to Respond to God’s Grace

Conditional Election emphasizes human responsibility in responding to God’s grace. Believers are called to continue in faith, remain vigilant, and actively participate in their relationship with God.

• Hebrews 4:7: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” This verse calls for a response to God’s offer of salvation, reflecting the belief that while election is based on foreknowledge, it requires a willing response.

Conclusion

From a Christian worldview, the doctrine of Conditional Election asserts that God’s election of individuals for salvation is based on His foreknowledge of their faith. Rooted in Scripture and developed through the history of Christian thought, particularly within Arminian theology, this doctrine emphasizes the balance between God’s sovereignty and human free will. In practical terms, Conditional Election encourages evangelism, personal responsibility, and perseverance in faith. It also offers a framework for understanding the role of human choice in responding to God’s grace and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith. Ultimately, Conditional Election reflects the belief that God’s grace is powerful and sufficient, but it also honors the dignity and responsibility of human freedom in the process of salvation.