Election of Saints, Is: Irrespective of Merit
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The doctrine of the election of saints, particularly the concept that this election is irrespective of human merit, is a profound and often debated topic within Christian theology. This doctrine asserts that God's choice of certain individuals for salvation is based solely on His sovereign will and purpose, rather than any foreseen merit or action on the part of the chosen.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of election is deeply rooted in Scripture, with numerous passages highlighting God's sovereign choice. In the Old Testament, God's election of Israel as His chosen people serves as a foundational example. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 states, "The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers."

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul elaborates on the doctrine of election in his epistles. Romans 9:11-13 speaks of God's choice of Jacob over Esau: "Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls—she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' So it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'" This passage underscores the principle that God's election is not based on human actions or merits but on His divine purpose.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of election, particularly as it relates to the idea that it is irrespective of merit, emphasizes the grace and sovereignty of God. 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 that God's choice is rooted in His love and sovereign will, not in any inherent worthiness of the individuals chosen.

Furthermore, the doctrine of election underscores the concept of grace. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9 , "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." The election of saints is a testament to God's unmerited favor, as salvation is a gift that cannot be earned by human effort.

Historical Context and Interpretation

Throughout church history, the doctrine of election has been a point of significant theological discussion and debate. The early church fathers, such as Augustine, emphasized the sovereignty of God in salvation, arguing that God's grace is the decisive factor in the election of individuals. During the Reformation, figures like John Calvin further developed the doctrine, asserting that God's election is unconditional and not based on any foreseen faith or merit.

This view, often associated with Reformed theology, contrasts with other interpretations that suggest God's election is based on His foreknowledge of who would choose to believe in Christ. However, the emphasis on election being irrespective of merit remains a central tenet for many who hold to a high view of God's sovereignty.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the doctrine of election can be a source of great comfort and assurance. It affirms that salvation is secure, not because of human effort, but because of God's unchanging purpose and promise. Romans 8:29-30 provides encouragement: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son... And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified."

The understanding that election is irrespective of merit also fosters humility and gratitude among believers. Recognizing that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace leads to a life of worship and service, as believers respond to God's love with obedience and devotion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Election
... what the doctrine of election will make saints do under ... First, I think election,
to a saint, is one of ... and that alone unites to the Lamb, irrespective of works ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm

The Universality of Actual Grace
... reserves the term predestination for the election of the ... according to his purpose,
are called to be saints. ... names of all the faithful, irrespective of their ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the universality of.htm

V. ...
... this further, and said that this election should be ... So we read of many saints, that
they were ... good to their neighbor with cheerfulness, and irrespective of its ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

The Life of Cassian.
... their position, "to treat predestination as irrespective of foreseen ... an iota of the
contention that election and rejection ... all the merits of the saints to the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter i the life of.htm

V. ...
... our wills, but in the will and election of God ... Peter, our blessed Virgin, and all
the Saints. ... hear the Gospel,"namely, that faith alone, irrespective of works ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... and that pardon is given according to merit), that, without ... God freely chooses, by
a sovereign election, some out of ... and so the number of the saints has always ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Resources
What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.org

Unconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What is corporate election? | GotQuestions.org

Election: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Election

Election of Christ, As Messiah

Election of Churches

Election of Good Angels

Election of Grace

Election of Grace of Christ As Messiah

Election of Grace of Churches

Election of Grace of Good Angels

Election of Grace of Israel

Election of Grace of Ministers

Election of Israel

Election of Ministers

Election of Rulers by Lot

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 God

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: Abram

Election: Apostles

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: Isaac

Election: Jacob

Election: Paul

Election: Rufus

Election: Saints May Have Assurance of

Election: should be Evidenced by Diligence

Election: should Lead to Cultivation of Graces

Election: Zerubbabel

Electioneering by Absalom

Electioneering by Adonijah

Elections

Related Terms

Predestination

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Return (499 Occurrences)

Chosen (197 Occurrences)

Choose (116 Occurrences)

Foreknow (1 Occurrence)

Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences)

Lady (37 Occurrences)

Matthias (2 Occurrences)

Poll (5 Occurrences)

Saul (371 Occurrences)

Electrum (3 Occurrences)

Beloved (117 Occurrences)

Calling (145 Occurrences)

Judicial (2 Occurrences)

Empire (8 Occurrences)

Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence)

Unchangeable (4 Occurrences)

Bishop (4 Occurrences)

Zealous (40 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Gibeah (52 Occurrences)

Worthless (103 Occurrences)

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)

Forordination

Foreordain

Twins (9 Occurrences)

Thomas (12 Occurrences)

Tiberius (1 Occurrence)

Remnant (157 Occurrences)

Regards (43 Occurrences)

Rebekah (31 Occurrences)

Refer (4 Occurrences)

Electing (1 Occurrence)

Enemies (317 Occurrences)

Doctor (5 Occurrences)

Diligent (33 Occurrences)

Military (44 Occurrences)

Precinct (1 Occurrence)

Blinded (15 Occurrences)

Courts (59 Occurrences)

Calls (62 Occurrences)

Concerned (45 Occurrences)

Calleth (261 Occurrences)

Confirm (39 Occurrences)

Campaign (3 Occurrences)

Carry (246 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Asiarch

Sakes (35 Occurrences)

Scrutiny (3 Occurrences)

Standpoint (1 Occurrence)

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)

Andrew (12 Occurrences)

Ordination (12 Occurrences)

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)

Ordain (13 Occurrences)

Diligence (31 Occurrences)

Continue (144 Occurrences)

Touching (121 Occurrences)

Kings (350 Occurrences)

Judas (42 Occurrences)

Eager (43 Occurrences)

Either (152 Occurrences)

Apostle (25 Occurrences)

Bad (129 Occurrences)

Abide (162 Occurrences)

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)

Roman (26 Occurrences)

Heavens (548 Occurrences)

Stumble (89 Occurrences)

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)

Loved (249 Occurrences)

Earth (10501 Occurrences)

Born (228 Occurrences)

Father's (251 Occurrences)

Tidings (169 Occurrences)

Sake (241 Occurrences)

Fathers (572 Occurrences)

Election of Saints, Is: Eternal
Top of Page
Top of Page