Topical Bible: Election: Ensures to Saints: Acceptance With God

◄ Election: Ensures to Saints: Acceptance With God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Election, within the context of Christian theology, refers to the divine selection by God of certain individuals for a specific purpose or destiny, particularly concerning salvation and eternal life. This concept is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is a significant theme in the understanding of God's sovereign will and grace.

The doctrine of election underscores the belief that God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has chosen certain individuals to be recipients of His grace and to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This divine choice is not based on any foreseen merit or action on the part of the chosen but is solely an act of God's sovereign grace and love.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of election is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love" (Ephesians 1:4). This passage highlights the eternal nature of God's election, emphasizing that it was established before the creation of the world.

Similarly, in Romans, Paul elaborates on the theme of election, stating, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:28-29). Here, the apostle links election with God's purpose and the ultimate transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ.

Acceptance With God

The doctrine of election assures the saints of their acceptance with God. This acceptance is not based on human effort or righteousness but is a result of God's gracious choice. In 1 Peter, the apostle addresses the elect, saying, "To the elect, exiles scattered throughout... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood" (1 Peter 1:1-2). This passage affirms that the elect are set apart by the Spirit and cleansed by the blood of Christ, ensuring their acceptance before God.

Furthermore, the assurance of acceptance is reinforced in the words of Jesus Himself, who declared, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). This promise from Christ provides profound comfort to believers, affirming that those whom the Father has given to the Son are secure in their relationship with Him.

Implications for the Saints

For the saints, the doctrine of election is a source of immense comfort and assurance. It affirms that their salvation is rooted in the unchanging purpose of God, who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. This divine election is not only a call to salvation but also a call to holiness and service, as Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

In summary, the doctrine of election assures the saints of their acceptance with God, grounded in His sovereign choice and the redemptive work of Christ. It is a testament to God's unmerited favor and a call to live in accordance with His divine purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 11:7
What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faith and Life
... made glad the heart of man, hence it ensures the same ... faith," which is the symbol
of our election, the evidence ... is going to Damascus to drag the saints of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/faith and life.htm