Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints is a profound theological concept that underscores God's sovereign choice in the salvation and sanctification of believers. This election is not merely a selection for salvation but is intrinsically linked to the purpose of conforming believers to the image of Jesus Christ. This entry explores the biblical foundation and implications of this doctrine, emphasizing its role in the believer's spiritual journey toward Christlikeness.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is rooted in the Scriptures, where it is presented as an act of God's sovereign will. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates this doctrine with clarity. 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." This passage highlights the divine purpose behind election: conformity to Christ. Conformity to Christ The election of saints is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end—conformity to the image of Christ. This transformation is both positional and progressive. Positionally, believers are seen as righteous in Christ through justification. Progressively, they are being sanctified, growing in holiness and Christlikeness through the work of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:4-5 further elucidates this purpose: "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." Here, election is linked to holiness and adoption, emphasizing the relational aspect of being conformed to Christ. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey toward conformity with Christ. Through the Spirit's indwelling, believers are empowered to live out their calling. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is an ongoing process, marked by increasing glory as believers grow in their relationship with Christ. Practical Implications The election to conformity with Christ carries significant practical implications for the believer's life. It calls for a life of obedience, holiness, and love, reflecting the character of Christ. Believers are encouraged to "work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), knowing that it is God who works in them "to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose" (Philippians 2:13). Moreover, this doctrine provides assurance and comfort, as it rests on the unchanging nature of God's will and purpose. Believers can have confidence that He who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Conclusion The election of saints to conformity with Christ is a central theme in the Christian faith, emphasizing God's sovereign grace and purpose in the believer's life. It calls for a response of faith, obedience, and a commitment to growing in the likeness of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of the Saints Proved. Andover Orthodox Creed. Personal Characteristics. Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Christian Conversation Daily Blessings for God's People Index of Subjects. Caspar Schwenckfeld and the Reformation of the "Middle Way" 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 |
    |