Election in Christian theology refers to God’s sovereign choice in salvation, where He chooses certain individuals to be recipients of His grace, leading to their salvation. This concept is central to discussions about predestination, God’s sovereignty, and human responsibility. From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, election underscores the grace of God in salvation and highlights the doctrine that God’s purposes stand regardless of human merit or action.

Biblical Foundations of Election

Old Testament Background

The concept of election is present throughout the Old Testament, where God chooses specific individuals or groups to accomplish His purposes.

• Election of Israel:
  • Deuteronomy 7:6-8: “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” This passage reflects God’s choice of Israel as His chosen people, not based on their merit but solely out of His love and faithfulness.
• Election of Individuals:
  • Genesis 12:1-3: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'” God’s call of Abram (later Abraham) is an example of individual election, where God chooses a specific person to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament expands and clarifies the doctrine of election, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul.

• Jesus’ Teachings on Election:
  • John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” Jesus emphasizes that His disciples were chosen by Him, underscoring the idea that election is God’s initiative.
  • Matthew 22:14: “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” This verse, spoken by Jesus, reflects the distinction between those who are called and those who are ultimately chosen, a key element in the doctrine of election.
• Paul’s Teachings on Election:
  • Romans 8:29-30: “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. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Paul outlines the process of salvation, which begins with God’s foreknowledge and predestination, leading to calling, justification, and glorification.
  • Ephesians 1:4-5: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” This passage highlights that election is rooted in God’s eternal purpose and is a demonstration of His love and grace.

Theological Perspectives on Election

Calvinist Perspective

In Reformed theology, particularly in the tradition of John Calvin, election is understood as unconditional, meaning that God’s choice is not based on any foreseen merit or action on the part of the individual.

• Unconditional Election:
  • According to Calvinist theology, election is solely based on God’s sovereign will and purpose. Those who are elected are chosen by God before the foundation of the world, and this election is not contingent upon human actions or decisions.
  • Romans 9:15-16: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” This passage supports the Calvinist view that election is entirely an act of God’s sovereign grace.
• Perseverance of the Saints:
  • Calvinism also teaches that those who are truly elected will persevere in faith until the end, as their salvation is secured by God’s sovereign will.
  • John 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” This assurance of security for the elect is central to the doctrine of perseverance.

Arminian Perspective

The Arminian perspective, associated with Jacobus Arminius, offers a different view of election, emphasizing human responsibility and the conditional nature of election.

• Conditional Election:
  • In Arminian theology, election is based on God’s foreknowledge of who will respond in faith to the gospel. God’s choice is thus conditioned upon the individual’s response to His grace.
  • 1 Peter 1:1-2: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, 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.” This passage is often cited by Arminians to argue that election is based on God’s foreknowledge.
• Universal Offer of Salvation:
  • Arminians also emphasize that God’s grace is available to all, and that Christ’s atoning work is sufficient for all people, though only effective for those who believe.
  • 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 verse supports the Arminian view that God’s desire is for all to be saved, and that election does not exclude anyone from the possibility of salvation.

The Mystery of Election

Both Calvinist and Arminian perspectives acknowledge the mystery of election, recognizing that while Scripture provides insights into God’s sovereign choice, there remains an element of mystery that is beyond human comprehension.

• Romans 11:33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” This doxology from Paul reflects the awe and reverence with which Christians should approach the doctrine of election, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than human understanding.

Practical Implications of Election

Assurance of Salvation

For believers, the doctrine of election provides assurance of salvation, knowing that their faith is rooted in God’s eternal purpose and not in their own efforts.

• Confidence in God’s Sovereignty:
  • Believers can find comfort in knowing that their salvation is secure because it is based on God’s sovereign will and not on their own fluctuating faith or actions.
  • 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 reassures believers that the God who initiated their salvation will bring it to completion.

Humility and Gratitude

The doctrine of election should lead to humility and gratitude, recognizing that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace and not something earned or deserved.

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, leaving no room for human pride.

Motivation for Evangelism

Despite the mystery of election, Christians are called to share the gospel with all people, trusting that God will use their witness to bring His elect to faith.

• Romans 10:14-15: “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? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” This passage underscores the importance of evangelism, as God uses the preaching of the gospel to bring people to faith.

Conclusion

From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, Election is a profound doctrine that highlights the sovereignty of God in salvation. It teaches that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, chooses individuals to be saved, not based on their merit but according to His purpose and will.

Biblically, the doctrine of election is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where God’s sovereign choice is evident in His dealings with Israel, His calling of individuals, and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Theologically, election is understood in different ways, with Calvinist and Arminian perspectives offering distinct interpretations, yet both affirming the central role of God’s grace.

Practically, the doctrine of election provides believers with assurance, humility, and motivation for evangelism. It encourages Christians to rest in God’s sovereignty, to live with gratitude for His grace, and to actively share the gospel, trusting that God’s purposes will be accomplished.

Ultimately, election is a reminder of the mystery and majesty of God’s redemptive plan, calling believers to worship and trust in the One who works all things according to the counsel of His will.