Topical Encyclopedia Election, within the context of Christian theology, refers to the divine selection by God of certain individuals for salvation and eternal life. This doctrine is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereign will and grace, emphasizing that salvation is not based on human merit but on God's mercy and purpose. The concept of election is intricately linked to the blessedness of the saints, as it assures them of their secure position in Christ and the eternal blessings that accompany this divine choice.The blessedness ensured to the saints through election is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, eternal, and present aspects of the believer's life. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, highlights the spiritual blessings that flow from being chosen by God: "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" (Ephesians 1:4-5). This passage underscores the profound nature of election as a source of spiritual identity and purpose, affirming the believer's status as a child of God. The assurance of eternal life is another aspect of the blessedness that election guarantees to the saints. In Romans 8:29-30, Paul elaborates on the golden chain of salvation, which begins with foreknowledge and predestination and culminates in glorification: "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 of divine actions assures believers of their ultimate glorification, a future reality that is as certain as their present justification. The present blessedness of the saints, as a result of election, is also evident in the peace and security they experience in their relationship with God. Jesus, in His discourse on the Good Shepherd, provides comfort to His followers by affirming the security of those given to Him by the Father: "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" (John 10:27-28). This assurance of divine protection and eternal security is a profound source of comfort and joy for the believer. Moreover, the blessedness of election is reflected in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Spirit's role in sanctification is a testament to the ongoing work of God in those He has chosen. As Paul writes to the Thessalonians, "But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13). This process of sanctification is both a present reality and a future hope, as the Spirit conforms the believer to the image of Christ. In summary, the doctrine of election assures the saints of a profound blessedness that encompasses their spiritual identity, eternal security, present peace, and ongoing sanctification. This divine selection is a testament to God's sovereign grace and love, providing believers with a deep sense of assurance and hope in their walk with Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 33:12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 65:4 Library Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Resources What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of election? | GotQuestions.org How are predestination and election connected with foreknowledge? | 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 |