Topical Encyclopedia Election, within the context of Christian theology, refers to the divine selection of individuals or groups for a specific purpose or destiny, particularly concerning salvation. This concept is deeply rooted in the sovereignty of God and His eternal plan. The doctrine of election is a significant theme in the Bible, emphasizing God's initiative in the salvation of believers.Biblical Foundation The doctrine of election is prominently featured in the New Testament, where it is closely associated with the belief in Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the concept of election as it pertains to the saints—those set apart by God for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 1:4-5 , Paul writes, "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 pre-temporal nature of election, indicating that God's choice of believers was made before the creation of the world, underscoring His sovereign will and purpose. Election and Belief in Christ The relationship between election and belief in Christ is integral to understanding the assurance it provides to the saints. Election is not based on human merit or foreseen faith but is an act of God's grace. However, it is through belief in Christ that the elect come to experience the reality of their election. In Romans 8:29-30 , Paul elaborates on the process of salvation, stating, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This sequence demonstrates that election leads to a calling, which results in justification and ultimately glorification, all of which are realized through faith in Christ. Assurance for the Saints The doctrine of election provides profound assurance to believers, affirming that their salvation is secure in Christ. In John 6:37 , Jesus declares, "Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away." This promise assures the saints that those whom the Father has elected and given to the Son will indeed come to faith and will be preserved by Christ. Furthermore, in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers, saying, "But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth." This verse underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctifying the elect and the necessity of faith in the truth of the Gospel. Conclusion While the doctrine of election can be complex and has been the subject of theological debate, it remains a source of comfort and assurance for believers. It emphasizes God's sovereign grace and the certainty of salvation for those who are in Christ. Through election, believers are assured of their place in God's eternal plan, secured by their faith in Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of their salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Universality of Actual Grace The Necessity of Increased Faith Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Resources What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.orgUnconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is corporate election? | GotQuestions.org Election: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Election of Christ, As Messiah Election of Grace of Christ As Messiah Election of Grace of Good Angels Election of Grace of Ministers Election of Saints, Is by Christ Election of Saints, Is for the Glory of God Election of Saints, Is in Christ Election of Saints, Is of Grace Election of Saints, Is: According to the Foreknowledge of God Election of Saints, Is: According to the Purpose of God Election of Saints, Is: Eternal Election of Saints, Is: Irrespective of Merit Election of Saints, Is: Personal Election of Saints, Is: Recorded in Heaven Election of Saints, Is: Sovereign Election of Saints, Is: Through Faith Election of Saints, Is: Through Sanctification of the Spirit Election of Saints, Is: To Adoption Election of Saints, Is: To Conformity With Christ Election of Saints, Is: To Eternal Glory Election of Saints, Is: To Good Works Election of Saints, Is: To Salvation Election of Saints, Is: To Spiritual Warfare Election: Ensures to Saints: Acceptance With God Election: Ensures to Saints: Belief in Christ Election: Ensures to Saints: Blessedness Election: Ensures to Saints: Divine Teaching Election: Ensures to Saints: Effectual Calling Election: Ensures to Saints: Protection Election: Ensures to Saints: The Inheritance Election: Ensures to Saints: Vindication of Their Wrongs Election: Ensures to Saints: Working of all Things for Good Election: Saints May Have Assurance of Election: should be Evidenced by Diligence Election: should Lead to Cultivation of Graces Related Terms |
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