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. Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative of election. His life and role in the Abrahamic covenant highlight the divine selection and promise that God extends to His chosen people. Isaac's Birth and Divine Promise Isaac's birth is a direct result of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. Despite their old age and Sarah's barrenness, God assured Abraham that he would have a son through whom the covenant would be established. Genesis 17:19 states, "But God replied, 'Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.'" This promise underscores the theme of election, as Isaac was chosen by God to be the heir of the covenant, not through human effort or merit, but through divine intervention and promise. Isaac and the Covenant Isaac's role in the Abrahamic covenant is pivotal. After Abraham's death, God reaffirmed the covenant with Isaac, ensuring the continuation of His promises. Genesis 26:3-4 records God's words to Isaac: "Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed." Isaac's election is evident in God's reaffirmation of the covenant, highlighting the divine choice and the continuation of the promise through Isaac's lineage. Isaac and the Lineage of Promise Isaac's election is further emphasized in the New Testament, where he is recognized as a child of promise. In Romans 9:7-8 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, 'Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.' So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring." This passage underscores the theological significance of Isaac's election, distinguishing between natural descent and divine promise. Isaac represents the line through which God's redemptive plan unfolds, culminating in the coming of the Messiah. Isaac and the Test of Faith The narrative of Isaac's near-sacrifice by Abraham on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22) further illustrates the theme of election and faith. God's command to Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering tests Abraham's faith and obedience. However, God's intervention, providing a ram as a substitute, reaffirms Isaac's role as the chosen heir of the covenant. This event foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Conclusion Isaac's life and role in the biblical narrative exemplify the doctrine of election. Chosen by God to be the heir of the Abrahamic covenant, Isaac's account highlights the themes of divine promise, faith, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of promise. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:12And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your female slave; in all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Election Sovereign and Free. Rom. 9:20-23. Election Excludes Boasting. 1 Cor. 1:26-31. Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ... The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... Election Excludes Boasting, 1 Cor. 1 26-31. Election Sovereign and Free, Rom. 9 21 22 23 20 Election. Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays. Free Grace Resources Who are the elect of God? | GotQuestions.orgMonergism vs. synergism-which view is correct? | GotQuestions.org How can I know if I am one of the elect? | 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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