Divine Choice

The concept of divine choice, often referred to as election, is a significant theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's sovereign will in selecting individuals or groups for specific purposes. This choice is not based on human merit but on God's grace and purpose. In the Old Testament, divine choice is evident in God's selection of Israel as His chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6 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 New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in salvation. Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage highlights the eternal nature of God's choice, rooted in His love and purpose.

Divine choice is also evident in the calling of individuals for specific roles. For example, God chose David to be king over Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:12-13 : "So Jesse sent for him. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.' So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

Promise

The concept of promise in the Bible is closely linked to God's covenants and His faithfulness to fulfill His word. Divine promises are commitments made by God to His people, often involving blessings, protection, and the assurance of His presence. One of the earliest and most significant promises is found in Genesis 12:2-3 , where God promises Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you."

The promise to Abraham is foundational, as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through his descendants. This promise is reiterated and expanded upon throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. Galatians 3:16 explains, "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, 'and to seeds,' meaning many, but 'and to your seed,' meaning One, who is Christ."

God's promises are characterized by His unwavering faithfulness. Numbers 23:19 affirms, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" This assurance of God's reliability is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, who trust in His promises for their lives.

In the New Testament, the promise of the Holy Spirit is a key aspect of God's covenant with His people. Acts 2:38-39 records Peter's words, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call."

The interplay of divine choice and promise underscores the narrative of Scripture, revealing a God who is both sovereign and faithful, working out His purposes through His chosen people and fulfilling His promises across generations.