Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints to adoption is a profound theological concept rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's sovereign choice and grace in the salvation and sanctification of believers. This doctrine is intricately linked to the themes of predestination, divine foreknowledge, and the believer's identity as children of God.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 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 highlights the pre-temporal nature of God's election, underscoring that believers were chosen in Christ before the creation of the world, with the purpose of being adopted as His children. Adoption as Sons and Daughters Adoption is a key metaphor used in Scripture to describe the believer's new relationship with God. In Roman culture, adoption conferred the full rights and privileges of sonship, a concept that Paul uses to illustrate the believer's new status in Christ. Romans 8:15 states, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father!'" This verse emphasizes the intimate and personal relationship believers have with God, made possible through the Holy Spirit. The Role of Jesus Christ The election to adoption is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4-5 explains, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection are central to the believer's adoption, as they provide the means by which believers are redeemed and brought into the family of God. The Assurance of Election The doctrine of election provides believers with assurance of their salvation and identity in Christ. In 2 Peter 1:10 , believers are exhorted to "be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure." This assurance is not based on human effort but on the unchanging nature of God's promise and purpose. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming this assurance, as seen in Romans 8:16 : "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Practical Implications The election of saints to adoption carries significant implications for the believer's life. It calls for a response of gratitude, holiness, and obedience, as believers live out their identity as children of God. Ephesians 1:11-12 further elaborates, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory." This passage underscores the purpose of election: to bring glory to God through the lives of His chosen people. Conclusion The election of saints to adoption is a testament to God's sovereign grace and love, inviting believers into a transformative relationship with Him as His children. Through Christ, believers are assured of their place in God's family, called to live in a manner worthy of their divine calling. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 1:5Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Election is for the Purpose of Holiness. Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays. The Perseverance of the Saints Election Perseverance of Saints. The Interpretation of the Articles. Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... Andover Orthodox Creed. On Divine Predestination The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Resources What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.orgUnconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is corporate election? | 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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