Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe doctrine of election is a significant theological concept within the writings of the Apostle Paul. It refers to God's sovereign choice in salvation, where He elects individuals to be recipients of His grace and eternal life. This entry explores Paul's teachings on election, primarily found in his epistles, and examines the implications of this doctrine within the broader context of Scripture. Biblical Foundation Paul's understanding of election is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God chose Israel as His covenant people. In the New Testament, Paul expands this concept to include both Jews and Gentiles as part of God's redemptive plan. The doctrine of election is most explicitly discussed in Paul's letters to the Romans and Ephesians. Romans In Romans 8:29-30, Paul outlines the golden chain of salvation: "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" . Here, Paul emphasizes God's foreknowledge and predestination, indicating that election is part of God's eternal purpose. Romans 9 further elaborates on the theme of election, using the example of Jacob and Esau. Paul writes, "Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s purpose in election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' So it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated'" (Romans 9:11-13). This passage underscores the idea that election is based on God's sovereign choice rather than human merit. Ephesians In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul states, "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" . This passage highlights the pre-temporal nature of election and its purpose in bringing believers into a familial relationship with God through Christ. Theological Implications Paul's doctrine of election emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace in salvation. It affirms that salvation is not based on human effort or decision but on God's initiative and mercy. This understanding provides assurance to believers, as their salvation is rooted in God's unchanging purpose. Election also serves as a foundation for Christian humility and gratitude. Recognizing that salvation is a gift from God, believers are called to respond with worship and obedience. Furthermore, the doctrine of election encourages evangelism, as it assures that God has a people whom He is calling to Himself through the proclamation of the gospel. Controversies and Interpretations The doctrine of election has been a subject of theological debate throughout church history. Some interpret Paul's teachings as supporting unconditional election, where God's choice is not based on foreseen faith or actions. Others propose a conditional election, where God's choice is based on His foreknowledge of human response. Despite differing interpretations, Paul's writings consistently affirm the centrality of God's grace in salvation. Election, as presented by Paul, is a profound mystery that ultimately points to the glory and majesty of God in His redemptive work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Death of Paul Bishop of the Novatians, and Election of Marcian as ... The Emperor Constantius Ejects Paul after his Election to the ... Alexander, Bishop of Constantinople, when at the Point of Death ... Chrysostom Evades Election to a Bishopric, and Writes his Work on ... Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ... Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ... Paul's First Prayer The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith. Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29). 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 |
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