Topical Encyclopedia The concept of choosing is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The act of choosing is often associated with God's selection of individuals, nations, and paths, as well as the choices humans make in response to God's will.Divine Choice God's sovereign choice is a foundational aspect of biblical theology. In the Old Testament, God's choice of Israel as His people is a central theme. Deuteronomy 7:6-7 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples." This passage highlights that God's choice is based on His love and purpose, not human merit. In the New Testament, the concept of divine election is further developed. Ephesians 1:4 declares, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This choice is rooted in God's eternal plan and grace, emphasizing His initiative in salvation. Human Choice While God's sovereign choice is paramount, human choice is also emphasized in Scripture. The Bible presents humans as moral agents responsible for their decisions. Joshua 24:15 famously challenges the Israelites, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." The call to choose is a recurring theme, urging individuals to align their lives with God's will. In the New Testament, Jesus calls people to make decisive choices about following Him. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." Interplay of Divine and Human Choice The interplay between divine and human choice is a profound mystery in Scripture. Romans 9:15-16 illustrates this tension: "For He says to Moses: 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Yet, Scripture also affirms human responsibility, as seen in Romans 10:9 : "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Conclusion The biblical theme of choosing underscores the relationship between God's sovereign will and human response. It calls believers to trust in God's gracious election while actively choosing to follow Him in obedience and faith. Greek 2135. eunouchos -- a eunuch ... a eunuch' " (Souter); (figuratively) someone who (sexual relations) to be -- as in Mt 19:12 where 2135 () refers to someone who voluntarily chooses a life of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2135.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2984. Yibchar -- "He chooses," a son of David... 2983, 2984. Yibchar. 2985 . "He chooses," a son of David. Transliteration: Yibchar Phonetic Spelling: (yib-khar') Short Definition: Ibhar. ... /hebrew/2984.htm - 6k 977. bachar -- to choose Library Whether Man Chooses of Necessity or Freely? Acknowledgment that Divine Providence Chooses Our Lot. Any One, Indeed, who Chooses, May Relate How the Various Quarters ... He Dismisses one Mistress, and Chooses Another. Christ Heals the Nobleman's Son. --Chooses Capernaum for His A Wise Desire You See How He Represents These Opinions as Things which are Held ... Whether Choice is of those Things Only that are done by Us? Whether the Subject of Continence is the Concupiscible Power? Whether one who Sins through Certain Malice, Sins through Habit? Thesaurus Chooses (36 Occurrences)...Chooses (36 Occurrences). ... John 3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. ... /c/chooses.htm - 17k Chosen (197 Occurrences) Proof (38 Occurrences) Wherever (107 Occurrences) Shows (42 Occurrences) Choose (116 Occurrences) Question (153 Occurrences) Gales (1 Occurrence) Gall (17 Occurrences) Whichever (8 Occurrences) Resources What should a believer do if his or her spouse chooses to live a transgender lifestyle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is corporate election? | GotQuestions.org Who are the elect of God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Chooses (36 Occurrences)Matthew 11:27 Matthew 19:3 Luke 10:22 John 3:8 John 7:17 Romans 9:18 James 3:4 James 4:4 Leviticus 16:2 Numbers 16:5 Numbers 16:7 Deuteronomy 12:14 Deuteronomy 12:21 Deuteronomy 12:26 Deuteronomy 14:23 Deuteronomy 14:24 Deuteronomy 14:25 Deuteronomy 15:20 Deuteronomy 16:2 Deuteronomy 16:6 Deuteronomy 16:7 Deuteronomy 16:11 Deuteronomy 16:15 Deuteronomy 16:16 Deuteronomy 17:8 Deuteronomy 17:10 Deuteronomy 17:15 Deuteronomy 18:6 Deuteronomy 23:16 Deuteronomy 26:2 2 Samuel 15:15 Job 7:15 Psalms 47:4 Psalms 68:16 Isaiah 40:20 Isaiah 41:24 Subtopics Related Terms |