Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of election in the Bible refers to God's sovereign choice in selecting individuals or groups for a specific purpose or destiny. Abram, later named Abraham, is a quintessential example of divine election, as he was chosen by God to be the father of a great nation and a pivotal figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Divine Call and Promise Abram's election is first introduced in Genesis 12:1-3, where God calls him to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He would show him. The Berean Standard Bible records God's promise to Abram: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This divine call marks the beginning of Abram's journey of faith and obedience. God's election of Abram is not based on any merit or prior achievement but solely on God's sovereign will and purpose. Covenant with Abram The election of Abram is further solidified through the covenant God establishes with him. In Genesis 15, God reassures Abram of His promise by making a covenant, symbolized by the cutting of animals and the passing of a smoking firepot and a flaming torch between the pieces. This covenantal act signifies God's unbreakable commitment to fulfill His promises to Abram. Genesis 15:6 highlights Abram's response to God's promise: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse underscores the importance of faith in the context of divine election, as Abram's belief is foundational to his relationship with God. Name Change and Further Promises In Genesis 17, God reaffirms His covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations." This name change signifies the expansion of God's promise, as Abraham is destined to be the progenitor of a multitude of nations. God also institutes the sign of circumcision as a perpetual covenant between Him and Abraham's descendants. Genesis 17:4-5 states: "As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." Testing and Fulfillment Abraham's election is further tested in the narrative of Genesis 22, where God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. This test of faith demonstrates Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. God's intervention and provision of a ram as a substitute for Isaac further affirm His faithfulness to His covenant. Legacy and Significance The election of Abram has profound theological significance, as it sets the stage for the development of the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. Through Abraham, all nations of the earth are blessed, as his lineage ultimately leads to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reflects on Abraham's election and faith in Romans 4 and Galatians 3, emphasizing that believers are spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith in Christ. This connection highlights the enduring impact of Abraham's election on the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:7You are the LORD the God, who did choose Abram, and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave him the name of Abraham; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book v. Cchap. I. --On Faith. Concerning Abraham, Bishop of Nisibis The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. The General Conference of 1836 Difficulties and Objections The Immaculate Conception 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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