The doctrine of election refers to the biblical teaching that God, in His sovereign grace, has chosen people to salvation. This doctrine is found throughout Scripture and has been affirmed by many Christian confessions and creeds throughout church history.
The doctrine of election begins with the truth that all people are sinners deserving of God’s judgment (Romans 3:23). Left to ourselves, none of us would seek after God or desire salvation (Romans 3:10-18). But in His great mercy, God chose to save a people for Himself (Ephesians 1:4-6). This choice was not based on anything good in us, but solely according to God’s gracious will (2 Timothy 1:9).
Election is unconditional – it is not based on anything God foresees in a person. We do not choose God or earn our way into His favor. Rather, God chooses us and sets His favor upon us. Passages like Romans 9 make it clear that God’s election is not based on anything in us, not even our faith. Instead, our faith is itself a gift that flows from God’s unconditional election.
The doctrine of election is Christ-centered. The Bible teaches that we are chosen in Christ (Ephesians 1:4), so that election is first and foremost unto salvation, not service. We are not saved because we are elect, but elected in order that we may be saved. Election is a wonderful truth intended for the praise of God’s glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).
Election is presented in Scripture as both corporate and individual. God has chosen a people for Himself (Titus 2:14), and within that corporate body He has also chosen individuals to salvation (Acts 13:48). While fully embracing God’s sovereignty in salvation, Scripture also teaches that human responsibility must be maintained. We are called upon to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).
The doctrine of election provides great assurance for Christians. Believers can have confidence that their salvation is not based on themselves, but is firmly grounded in the eternal, electing love of God. Election also gives assurance that God will indeed save all those He has chosen and grant them eternal life. No one the Father has chosen will be lost (John 6:39).
Some common questions about the doctrine of election include:
– Isn’t election unfair? Why does God choose some but not others? Scripture does not answer every question about election. But it does make clear that God is perfectly just and loving in all His ways. We finite humans should not presume to accuse an infinite God of injustice. While some are chosen for salvation, no one deserves salvation in the first place (Romans 9:14-24).
– Doesn’t election limit human free will? Again, there is mystery here. But Scripture presents both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. While God chooses us, we must also repent and believe the gospel ourselves. How God’s sovereignty and human free will work together exactly is not fully revealed to us.
– If election is true, why evangelize? Election does not cancel out the necessity of preaching the gospel. Scripture connects election with the means of spreading the gospel to all people (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). The gospel is the instrument God uses to call His elect to salvation. Since we do not know who the elect are, we must preach the good news to all.
– Can the elect fall away or lose their salvation? No. Jesus assured His sheep that no one can snatch them out of His or the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). God will preserve all those He has chosen. But this does not mean Christians have a license to sin. Those who live in unrepentant sin reveal they were likely never saved to begin with (1 John 2:19).
In summary, the biblical doctrine of election teaches that God, based solely on His grace, has chosen people from all eternity to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Election humbles us, exalts God’s grace, and provides us assurance. While there are difficulties, apparent paradoxes, and unanswered questions about it, election remains a dear doctrine clearly taught in Scripture.
Some key Bible passages on election include:
– Ephesians 1:3-6 – Chosen by the Father in love before the world was made to be holy and blameless
– Romans 8:29-30 – Those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to Christ’s image
– Romans 9 – God has mercy on whom He has mercy; election not based on man’s effort or will
– John 6:37-39 – The will of the Father is that Jesus lose none of those given to Him but raise them up
– Acts 13:48 – Those appointed to eternal life believed
– 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – Salvation comes to those who are chosen by God
– 1 Peter 1:1-2 – The elect are chosen according to God’s foreknowledge and sanctified by the Spirit
The doctrine of election has been affirmed by various church creeds and confessions over the centuries, including:
– The Canons of Dort
– The Westminster Confession of Faith
– The London Baptist Confession of Faith
– The Heidelberg Catechism
– The Augsburg Confession
In conclusion, the doctrine of election humbles us before God’s grace, encourages us in salvation’s certainty, and impels us to proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. While full understanding remains elusive, we can rejoice that our sovereign God has chosen us in love from before time began.