The doctrine of unconditional election is one that has been debated amongst Christians for centuries. At its core, it refers to the belief that God, in His sovereignty, chose certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, not based on any foreseen faith or merit in them, but solely by His grace and according to His divine will. This doctrine is most closely associated with Calvinism and the Reformed tradition of Protestantism. But is this doctrine truly biblical? Let’s explore what Scripture has to say.
Evidence for Unconditional Election
There are several passages in Scripture that are often cited in support of unconditional election:
- Ephesians 1:4-6 says that God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” This indicates God predestined believers in Christ before the world began.
- Romans 8:29-30 says “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” This passage presents a “golden chain” of salvation, originating with God’s predestination before time.
- Romans 9 discusses God’s sovereign choice in election using the example of Jacob and Esau. Verse 11 says that before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, God chose Jacob not Esau in order that “God’s purpose of election might continue.”
- John 6:37,39 Jesus says “All that the Father gives me will come to me….And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” This indicates the Father selected certain individuals to be given to the Son.
- John 15:16 Jesus told His disciples “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” Salvation originated in Christ’s sovereign choice, not human decision.
- Acts 13:48 says that “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Their belief was predicated on God’s prior appointment.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:4 says “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.” Paul indicates their election by God preceded their faith.
These and other verses point to an unconditional divine election – God chose who would be saved based solely on His predetermined plan, not anything He foresaw in an individual. Now let’s look at the biblical evidence against this view.
Evidence Against Unconditional Election
While the doctrine of unconditional election is supported by some Scripture, there are also verses that challenge it:
- 2 Peter 3:9 says God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” This indicates God desires all people to be saved.
- 1 Timothy 2:3-4 calls God “our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” God wants all to be saved, not just the elect.
- Ezekiel 18:23,32 God says “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” This reveals God’s desire for all to turn and live, not just certain pre-chosen ones.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says Christ died for “all” so that “those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” The atonement was for all people.
- 1 Timothy 4:10 God is “the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” Salvation is offered to all, not just the elect.
- Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” Grace is freely given to all.
- Revelation 22:17 invites “whoever desires” to come and take the free gift of salvation. It is offered to all.
These verses present tension with unconditional election – they indicate God’s desire is for all to be saved and the offer of salvation through Christ is freely made to all. Now let’s look at some problem passages.
Problem Passages
Both sides of this debate have “problem passages” that present challenges. Here are a few key ones:
John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
For election supporters, this verse indicates that the Father specifically draws certain people enabling them to come to Christ. It supports election being unconditional and originating solely with the Father.
Those who oppose unconditional election point out this verse does not say only some are drawn, but that drawing is required for anyone to come to Christ. They argue it supports a calling that can be resisted or accepted by human response.
John 12:32
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
This verse has Jesus promising to draw all people to Himself, not just certain elect individuals. Supporters of election suggest this means all kinds of people, not every individual. Others see it as evidence Christ’s death provides atonement and an opportunity for salvation to all.
Romans 9
As mentioned above, Romans 9 has been used to defend unconditional election. However, some point out that Romans 9-11 is about God’s working through Israel as a nation – it does not directly address individual election to salvation. The example of Jacob and Esau has been said to illustrate God’s sovereign choice of Israel, not necessarily individuals for eternal salvation.
Ephesians 1:4
“…he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…”
Election supporters take “us” to mean certain individual believers that God chose. Others argue “us” here refers to the corporate church or community of faith as a whole that God predestined.
As can be seen, both sides face challenges with certain verses. There are good arguments from Scripture on both sides of this issue. Next we’ll look at some logical and theological issues to consider.
Logical and Theological Considerations
Looking beyond specific verses, there are several logical and theological issues worth considering regarding the doctrine of unconditional election:
- Sovereignty of God – Does unconditional election magnify God’s sovereignty – His absolute freedom and control in choosing who will be saved? Or does it actually limit sovereignty by denying God the freedom to offer salvation to all?
- Justice of God – Is it just for God to elect some but not all? Supporters say justice depends on God’s sovereign will. But would unconditional election contradict God’s character as revealed in Scripture?
- Human free will – Does electing only some undermine the free will of humans to respond to the gospel? Or is human freedom compatible with God’s election as the one who changes hearts to enable a free response?
- Assurance – Does election provide assurance of salvation for the elect? But what about those not chosen who earnestly seek after God? How can they have assurance?
- Evangelism – Unconditional election has led some Calvinists to de-emphasize evangelism and global missions. They argue the elect will be saved regardless. But wouldn’t knowing those who are elect be impossible? Scripture commands spreading the gospel to all.
These are just some of the many issues to wrestle with theologically regarding this doctrine. Reasonable perspectives can be argued from various viewpoints. In the end, there are good arguments from Scripture and logic on both sides.
Differing Perspectives Within Christianity
Given the complexities around unconditional election, it’s not surprising that Christians throughout history have differed in their perspectives:
- Calvinism – Affirms unconditional election of individuals based solely on God’s sovereign predestination. A key belief within Reformed theology.
- Arminianism – Denies unconditional individual election. Believes God’s predestination is based on His foreknowledge of an individual’s future free will faith in Christ.
- Molinism – God predestines individuals to salvation based on His middle knowledge – His foreknowledge of what they would do in any set of circumstances (a view between Calvinism and Arminianism).
- Open Theism – Denies God’s certain foreknowledge of future events. Election based on God’s present knowledge at the point individuals accept or reject salvation.
- Universalism – Believes God will ultimately bring all people to salvation. Election is therefore conditional upon accepting God’s universal grace.
- Pluralism – Multiple perspectives on election can faithfully interpret Scripture. The doctrine may remain mysterious this side of eternity. Human logic insufficient to fully reconcile it.
This diversity of viewpoints shows unconditional election is far from settled doctrine across Christianity. There is room for discussion and debate between sincere believers seeking to understand biblical truth on this topic.
Conclusion
In closing, the doctrine of unconditional election finds support in Scripture but also faces challenges from other biblical passages. Logical and theological considerations yield good arguments both for and against it. Sincere Christians have interpreted this issue differently for centuries. While Calvinism and Reformed theology vigorously affirm individual unconditional election, other orthodox perspectives offer alternative views that also claim biblical fidelity. This makes unconditional election a complex issue to fully resolve.
In the end, no human system or logic can fully reconcile the mysteries of God’s sovereignty over salvation with human free will and responsibility. Election will likely remain a tension-filled doctrine on this side of eternity. Scripture alone must guide our perspective. We can have unity in the essentials while allowing for diversity in these secondary matters. The common ground for Christians is salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone – thankfully this good news remains open to all who believe.