Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints, often referred to as "sovereign election," is a theological concept rooted in the belief that God, in His sovereignty, chooses certain individuals for salvation. This doctrine is primarily associated with the teachings of Reformed theology and is supported by various passages throughout the Bible.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is prominently featured in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 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 emphasizes that God's choice is made before the creation of the world and is based on His will and pleasure, not on any foreseen merit or action on the part of the individual. Similarly, in Romans 8:29-30 , Paul states, "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 underscores the divine initiative in the process of salvation, highlighting God's foreknowledge and predestination. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament also provides insights into the concept of election. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 speaks of God's choice of Israel: "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 the peoples on the face of the earth. 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." Here, God's election of Israel is portrayed as an act of love and faithfulness, independent of Israel's size or strength. Theological Implications The doctrine of sovereign election raises significant theological questions about human free will and responsibility. While God's election is portrayed as unconditional and based solely on His sovereign will, Scripture also affirms human responsibility in responding to God's call. This tension is evident in passages such as Philippians 2:12-13 , where Paul exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." Contemporary Understanding In contemporary Christian theology, the doctrine of election is often discussed in the context of debates between Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinists typically emphasize God's sovereignty and unconditional election, while Arminians stress human free will and conditional election based on foreseen faith. Despite these differences, both perspectives seek to uphold the biblical witness to God's sovereign grace and the call to faith and obedience. Conclusion The doctrine of the election of saints as sovereign is a profound and complex aspect of Christian theology. It underscores the majesty and mystery of God's saving work, inviting believers to trust in His sovereign purposes and to live in gratitude for His gracious choice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 9:15,16For he said to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:27 Ephesians 1:11 Library Election Of the Sovereign Degree of Union by Suspension and Ravishment. Election and Holiness Contents. Lecture I. The Canons of Dort. The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. The Confession of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. AD 1829 ... Concerning God's Purpose 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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