Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Election of Israel" refers to the belief that the nation of Israel was chosen by God for a special purpose and relationship. This election is a central theme in the Bible, highlighting God's sovereign choice and covenantal relationship with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.Biblical Foundation The election of Israel is rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant, where God promises Abraham that he will be the father of a great nation. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's call to Abram: "Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This covenant is reiterated and expanded in Genesis 15 and 17, where God promises land, descendants, and blessings. The election is further affirmed in the covenant with Isaac and Jacob. In Genesis 26:3-4 , God tells Isaac, "Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham." Similarly, in Genesis 28:13-14 , God appears to Jacob, saying, "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying." Purpose and Responsibility The election of Israel is not solely for privilege but also for responsibility. Israel is chosen to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This calling involves being a light to the nations, demonstrating God's holiness, and upholding His laws. Deuteronomy 7:6 emphasizes this unique status: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." Prophetic Fulfillment and Continuity The prophets of the Old Testament often remind Israel of their election and call them back to faithfulness. Despite Israel's frequent disobedience, God's election remains steadfast. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future restoration and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Isaiah 49:6 declares, "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the election of Israel is affirmed and expanded through the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, fulfills the promises made to Israel and extends the blessings to all nations. The Apostle Paul addresses the election of Israel in Romans 9-11, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Romans 11:29 states, "For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable." Paul also explains that Gentiles are grafted into the rich root of Israel's olive tree, sharing in the blessings of the covenant through faith in Christ (Romans 11:17-24). This inclusion does not nullify Israel's election but rather fulfills God's plan to bless all nations through Abraham's seed. Theological Implications The election of Israel underscores God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and grace. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The election serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises, offering hope and assurance to believers of all nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 7:6For you are an holy people to the LORD your God: the LORD your God has chosen you to be a special people to himself, above all people that are on the face of the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 45:5 Library The Song of Solomon. Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ... It is in the Power of Evil Men to Sin; but to do this or that by ... Predestination is Sometimes Signified under the Name of ... Election Election. Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls Salvation to the Jews Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election. Argument from the Prayer of Joseph, to Show that the Baptist May ... Resources What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of election? | GotQuestions.org How are predestination and election connected with foreknowledge? | 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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