Election
The theological concept of election refers to God's sovereign and gracious choice of individuals for salvation and service. It is a foundational doctrine that underscores God's initiative in human redemption. The English word "election" comes from the Latin *electio*, meaning "a choosing" or "selection."
In the Greek New Testament, the primary term is *eklogē* (choice, selection) and the verb *eklegomai* (to choose out, select). The Hebrew Old Testament uses *bachar* (to choose).
Technically, election is God's eternal, unchangeable purpose by which He, out of His sheer grace, chose a multitude out of fallen humanity for salvation through Christ. In simpler terms, it means God chose us before we chose Him, demonstrating His profound love and sovereignty in our lives.
What the Bible Teaches About Election
The Bible consistently presents God as the one who chooses, both in the Old and New Testaments. This concept is not merely a philosophical idea but a central theme woven throughout the fabric of Scripture, highlighting God’s active involvement in human destiny.
Old Testament Foundations
In the Old Testament, God’s election is primarily seen in His choice of Israel. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you."
This passage clearly shows that Israel's election was not based on their merit or size but purely on God's love and sovereign will. They were chosen for a specific purpose: to be His treasured possession and a light to the nations.
Other Old Testament verses about election, such as Isaiah 43:10, reinforce this idea: "You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he." Israel was chosen to bear witness to God’s character and power.
New Testament Revelation
The New Testament expands the doctrine of election, applying it to individual believers in Christ and the church. Ephesians 1:4-5 is a foundational passage: "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
This verse reveals that God’s choice is eternal, made "before the foundation of the world," and is "in him" (Christ). It is for a specific purpose—"that we should be holy and blameless"—and is rooted solely in God's loving "purpose of his will," not human merit.
Romans 8:29-30 presents what is often called the "golden chain of salvation": "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."
Here, election (implied in foreknowledge and predestination) is part of God's comprehensive plan for salvation, leading from eternity past to eternity future. God's foreknowledge is not merely passive observation but active, intimate knowledge that involves His setting His love upon individuals.
Further biblical passages like 2 Thessalonians 2:13 state, "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." This highlights God's initiative ("chose you from the beginning") and the means through which election works ("sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth").
The connection between Old and New Testament election is clear: God's sovereign choice of a people for Himself, based on His love and purpose, culminates in the church, comprised of individuals from every tribe and nation, chosen in Christ. This continuity underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.
The History of the Doctrine of Election in the Christian Church
The doctrine of election has been a subject of significant theological discussion and development throughout Christian history. Its understanding has shaped major theological traditions and sparked important controversies.
Patristic Period and Augustine
In the early centuries of the church, discussions about election often centered on the interplay between divine grace and human free will. The most significant development came in the 5th century with the Pelagian controversy. Pelagius taught that humans could initiate their salvation through their own free will and good works, minimizing the need for divine grace.
Augustine of Hippo vigorously combated Pelagianism, arguing for the absolute necessity of God's sovereign grace in salvation. He developed a robust doctrine of unconditional election, asserting that God chooses individuals for salvation solely based on His own will, not on any foreseen merit or faith in them. Augustine's views laid the groundwork for future Reformed thought.
Middle Ages and Scholasticism
During the Middle Ages, theologians like Thomas Aquinas affirmed the concept of predestination, understanding it as God's eternal plan for those He wills to save. However, Aquinas also sought to reconcile this with human free will, suggesting a form of cooperation (synergy) between divine grace and human response, though grace remained primary.
Semi-Pelagian views, which held that humans could make the first move toward God, continued to influence theological thought, often leading to a more conditional understanding of election.
The Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation brought a renewed emphasis on God's sovereignty and grace, largely drawing from Augustinian insights. Martin Luther, in his work *On the Bondage of the Will*, forcefully argued for the absolute inability of fallen humanity to choose God, asserting that salvation, including election, is entirely a work of God (*sola gratia*).
John Calvin further systematized the doctrine of election. In his *Institutes of the Christian Religion*, he articulated unconditional election, where God's choice is not dependent on foreseen faith or works, but on His eternal purpose. Calvin also taught "double predestination," meaning God eternally decreed both the elect for salvation and the non-elect (reprobate) for just condemnation.
The controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism in the early 17th century led to the Synod of Dort (1618-1619). The Synod formally affirmed the "Five Points of Calvinism," with unconditional election as a central tenet, in response to the Remonstrants' (Arminians) conditional view of election.
Confessions and Creeds
The doctrine of election has been formally codified in many historic Christian confessions. The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), a key document for Reformed churches, dedicates an entire chapter (Chapter III) to "Of God's Eternal Decree," clearly stating God's sovereign and unconditional election of some to eternal life.
Similarly, the Canons of Dort (1619) explicitly define God's election as "the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, He has out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of His own will, chosen from the whole human race... a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ." These formulations underscore the enduring significance of election within historical Protestantism.
Different Christian Views on Election
While election is a widely accepted concept in Christianity, the precise understanding of how God chooses and the role of human will varies significantly across different traditions.
Roman Catholic Perspective
The Roman Catholic Church affirms predestination, but typically understands it in a way that emphasizes human cooperation with grace. God predestines some to grace and glory, but this predestination is often seen as conditional on God's foreknowledge of an individual's free response to grace.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end." This perspective highlights the importance of human free will, merit, and the sacraments in the process of salvation, viewing election as a synergistic process where God's grace enables a human response.
Historical Protestant Perspective
This perspective, primarily represented by Lutheran and Reformed traditions, emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in election.
* Reformed (Calvinist): Teaches **unconditional election**. God's choice of individuals for salvation is based solely on His own sovereign will and good pleasure, not on any foreseen faith, merit, or works in the person (Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 9). Salvation is entirely a monergistic work of God. This view often includes "double predestination," where God also decrees the non-elect to just condemnation.
* Lutheran: Also affirms God's monergistic salvation and predestination to salvation. Lutherans teach that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation by grace through faith in Christ. However, they typically do not embrace the concept of double predestination, maintaining that God earnestly desires all to be saved, and that those who are lost are lost due to their own resistance to God's grace.
Pentecostal/Charismatic Perspective
This tradition is diverse, but many Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations lean towards an Arminian understanding of election. This view often teaches **conditional election**, where God chooses those whom He foresees will freely choose Him.
God, in His omniscience, knows who will respond to the gospel, and His election is based on that foreknowledge of faith. While acknowledging God's initiative in offering salvation, this perspective strongly emphasizes human free will and the individual's decision to accept or reject Christ.
Eastern Orthodox Perspective
Eastern Orthodoxy generally emphasizes a synergistic view of salvation, where both divine grace and human free will are necessary. God foreknows who will freely cooperate with His grace and respond to His call.
Predestination is understood as God's foreknowledge, but not as a deterministic decree that negates human freedom. God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), and while He initiates salvation through grace, human beings must freely assent and participate in their own salvation through repentance and faith.
Why Election Is Important for Your Faith
The doctrine of election, while complex, offers profound spiritual benefits and practical implications for a believer's daily life. Understanding it correctly can deepen your faith and reshape your perspective on God, yourself, and the world.
First, election provides immense **assurance of salvation**. If God chose you before the foundation of the world, your salvation is not dependent on your fluctuating feelings, performance, or strength. It rests securely on God's unchangeable purpose and faithfulness, bringing peace and security in Christ.
Second, it fosters profound **humility**. There is no room for boasting in our salvation, as it is entirely a gift of God's sovereign grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). This humility leads to greater worship and gratitude for His undeserved love.
Third, election **empowers evangelism and missions**. Knowing that God has a people He will bring to Himself, and that He uses human instruments, motivates us to share the gospel with zeal and hope. We are not merely trying to persuade people but are participating in God's redemptive plan.
Fourth, it cultivates **perseverance in faith**. The God who began a good work in you through election will surely bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). This doctrine strengthens believers to endure trials and remain steadfast, trusting in God’s unfailing grip.
Finally, it leads to a deeper **worship and devotion**. Reflecting on God's eternal choice of you, an unworthy sinner, should elicit awe and adoration for His wisdom, power, and mercy. It calls us to live lives worthy of our calling, striving for holiness and blamelessness.
However, it's crucial to avoid distortions. Election should not lead to fatalism (thinking your actions don't matter) or pride (believing you are inherently superior). Instead, it should drive you to Christ, to humble service, and to a passionate love for God and neighbor.
Conclusion: Living in Light of Election
The doctrine of election reveals God as the sovereign initiator of salvation, choosing individuals out of pure grace before time began. It is a mystery that humbles us, assures us, and motivates us to live lives of gratitude and purpose.
Understanding election underscores that our salvation is not of our own doing but is entirely God’s gracious work. This truth should lead us to greater worship, deeper assurance in Christ, and renewed zeal for sharing the good news with others, knowing God is at work.
We are called to respond to this amazing truth not with intellectual pride, but with humble obedience and joyful service. Continue to study these biblical passages, praying for wisdom and understanding.
How does the doctrine of election impact your understanding of God's love and sovereignty? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or consider sharing this article to encourage others in their faith journey.