Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints is a profound theological concept rooted in the sovereignty of God and His divine purpose. It refers to God's choosing of certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, a choice that is realized in and through Jesus Christ. This election is not based on human merit or foreseen faith but is an act of God's grace and mercy.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly 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 underscores that election is "in Him," meaning in Christ, and is an expression of God's love and sovereign will. Similarly, in Romans 8:29-30 , Paul elaborates on the process of election, 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." Here, the sequence of foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification highlights the comprehensive nature of God's salvific plan, all centered in Christ. Christ-Centric Election The election of saints is inherently Christ-centric. It is through Christ's redemptive work—His life, death, and resurrection—that the elect are brought into a saving relationship with God. In 2 Timothy 1:9 , Paul affirms, "He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began." This grace, granted in Christ, is the basis of the believer's election and calling. Furthermore, in 1 Peter 1:1-2 , Peter addresses the elect as "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood." This passage highlights the Trinitarian involvement in election, with the Father choosing, the Spirit sanctifying, and the Son providing the means of redemption through His blood. Purpose and Assurance The purpose of election is not only the salvation of individuals but also their transformation into the likeness of Christ, as seen in Ephesians 2:10 : "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." The elect are called to live out their faith through good works, which are the fruit of their union with Christ. Election also provides believers with assurance of their salvation. In John 10:27-29 , Jesus declares, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand." This assurance is rooted in the security of being chosen and held by both the Father and the Son. Conclusion The election of saints, as revealed in Scripture, is a testament to God's sovereign grace and His eternal purpose in Christ. It is a doctrine that calls believers to humility, gratitude, and a life of holiness, reflecting the character of the One who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 1:4According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of the Saints Proved. Election is for the Purpose of Holiness. Election Chrysostom Evades Election to a Bishopric, and Writes his Work on ... Perseverance of Saints. Particular Election The Perseverance of the Saints Hymns and Spiritual Songs Election and Holiness Rejection of Errors 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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