Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints is a profound theological concept that has been a subject of considerable discussion and interpretation within Christian theology. It refers to the belief that God, in His sovereign will, chooses certain individuals to be recipients of His grace and salvation. This election is understood to be through faith, emphasizing the role of belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the means by which individuals are brought into this divine selection.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is rooted in various passages throughout the Bible, where it is depicted as an act of God's sovereign choice. In the Old Testament, the election of Israel as God's chosen people serves as a foundational example. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." In the New Testament, the doctrine is further developed with a focus on individual believers. Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, "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." Election Through Faith The New Testament emphasizes that election is realized through faith in Jesus Christ. This is not to suggest that faith is a work that earns salvation, but rather the means by which God's electing grace is received. Romans 10:9-10 articulates this relationship: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, underscores that faith itself is a gift from God, further highlighting the divine initiative in the process of election. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." The Role of Grace and Sovereignty The election of saints is intrinsically linked to the grace of God. It is an expression of His unmerited favor and love towards humanity. Romans 11:5-6 explains, "So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace." God's sovereignty is central to the doctrine of election. It affirms that God's purposes and plans are ultimately beyond human understanding and control. Romans 9:15-16 quotes God saying to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." Consequently, "it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." The Assurance of Election Believers are encouraged to find assurance in their election through faith. The Apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:10 , "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble." This assurance is not based on human effort but on the faithfulness of God who calls and sustains His elect. Conclusion The election of saints through faith is a testament to the mysterious and gracious work of God in salvation. It underscores the importance of faith as the means by which believers are united with Christ and become partakers of the divine promise. Through faith, believers are assured of their place in God's eternal plan, resting in the confidence of His sovereign and loving choice. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Thessalonians 2:13But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of the Saints Proved. The Perseverance of the Saints Perseverance of Saints. Rejection of Errors The Confessional Statement of the United Presbyterian Church of ... Andover Orthodox Creed. Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity. A Treatise on the Predestination of the Saints, The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Election 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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