Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints is a profound and intricate aspect of Christian theology, deeply rooted in the Scriptures. It refers to God's sovereign choice of certain individuals for salvation, a decision made before the foundation of the world. This election is not based on any foreseen merit or action on the part of the chosen but is solely an act of divine grace and mercy. The process of election is intimately connected with the sanctification of the Spirit, which plays a crucial role in the believer's journey toward holiness and ultimate salvation.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is woven throughout the biblical narrative, with numerous passages highlighting God's sovereign choice. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses this doctrine. In Ephesians 1:4-5 , Paul writes, "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 underscores the eternal nature of God's election and its purpose: to bring believers into a state of holiness and adoption as His children. Sanctification of the Spirit Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, set apart for God's purposes. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms the hearts and minds of the elect, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul emphasizes this connection: "But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are 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." Here, sanctification is presented as both a means and evidence of God's election, highlighting the Spirit's role in bringing about the believer's salvation. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of sanctification, working within the hearts of the elect to produce spiritual growth and maturity. This transformative work is essential for the believer's conformity to the image of Christ. In Romans 8:29-30 , Paul writes, "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." The Spirit's sanctifying work is integral to this process, ensuring that the elect are progressively molded into Christlikeness. Evidence of Election The evidence of one's election is manifested through a life of holiness and obedience, made possible by the sanctifying work of the Spirit. In 1 Peter 1:2 , Peter addresses believers as "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood." This passage highlights the purpose of election: to produce a people who are obedient to Christ, living lives that reflect their status as God's chosen. The Assurance of Election Believers can have assurance of their election through the witness of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of sanctification in their lives. In Romans 8:16 , Paul assures, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." This internal testimony, coupled with the outward evidence of a transformed life, provides believers with confidence in their election and standing before God. The doctrine of the election of saints, through the sanctification of the Spirit, is a testament to God's sovereign grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation and the ongoing work of the Spirit in the lives of believers, guiding them toward holiness and eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, to obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, be multiplied. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of the Saints Proved. Election Sanctification The Sovereignty of God in Salvation Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ... The Confessional Statement of the United Presbyterian Church of ... Andover Orthodox Creed. Effectual Calling Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Presbyterian Church of England. 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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