Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Election, within 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, who, according to His will and purpose, chooses certain individuals to be recipients of His grace and eternal life. The doctrine of election is closely linked to the idea of effectual calling, which is the process by which those elected by God are brought to faith in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Biblical Foundation: The doctrine of election is supported by numerous passages in Scripture. 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, emphasizing that God's choice is not based on human merit but on His sovereign will. Effectual Calling: Effectual calling is the means by which God's election is realized in the lives of individuals. It is distinct from the general call of the Gospel, which is extended to all people. Effectual calling, however, is specific and powerful, ensuring that those whom God has elected will respond in faith. Romans 8:30 states, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This verse outlines the unbreakable chain of salvation, beginning with predestination and culminating in glorification, with effectual calling as a critical link. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in effectual calling, as it is through His work that the hearts of the elect are regenerated and enabled to respond to the Gospel. In John 6:44 , Jesus declares, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." This drawing is understood to be the work of the Spirit, who convicts of sin, enlightens the mind, and renews the will, making the call of God irresistible to the elect. Assurance and Perseverance: The doctrine of election and effectual calling provides profound assurance to believers. Since salvation is initiated and completed by God, those who are called can have confidence in their eternal security. Philippians 1:6 affirms this, stating, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." The certainty of God's purpose ensures that the saints will persevere in faith until the end. Practical Implications: Understanding election and effectual calling encourages humility and gratitude among believers, recognizing that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace. It also motivates evangelism, as believers trust that God will use their witness to call His elect to faith. Additionally, it fosters a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that their salvation is anchored in the unchanging will of God. Key Scriptures: · Ephesians 1:4-5 · Romans 8:30 · John 6:44 · Philippians 1:6 These passages, among others, form the biblical basis for the doctrines of election and effectual calling, underscoring the sovereignty of God in salvation and the assurance it provides to the saints. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Faith and Life God's People in the Furnace 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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