Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the election of saints, understood as an act of divine grace, is a significant theological concept within Christian theology. It refers to God's sovereign choice in selecting individuals for salvation, not based on their merit or actions, but solely on His grace and purpose. This doctrine emphasizes the unmerited favor of God and His sovereign will in the salvation of humanity.Biblical Foundation The concept of election is rooted in various passages throughout the Bible, where God's sovereign choice is highlighted. In the Old Testament, God's election of Israel as His chosen people serves as a foundational example. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 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. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers." In the New Testament, the doctrine of election is further developed, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 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." This passage underscores the pre-temporal nature of God's election and His loving intention to bring believers into His family. Grace as the Basis of Election The election of saints is fundamentally an act of grace. Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor, and it is this grace that underlies God's choice. Romans 11:5-6 articulates this principle: "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." This passage highlights that election is not based on human effort or righteousness but solely on God's gracious will. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:9 reinforces this idea: "He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began." This verse emphasizes that the calling and salvation of believers are rooted in God's eternal purpose and grace, independent of human actions. The Purpose of Election The purpose of election is ultimately to bring glory to God and to fulfill His redemptive plan. Ephesians 1:11-12 states, "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." The election of saints serves to magnify God's grace and sovereignty, demonstrating His power and love in the redemption of humanity. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty While the doctrine of election emphasizes God's sovereign choice, it does not negate human responsibility. Scripture maintains a tension between divine sovereignty and human response. Romans 10:13 affirms, "for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" This verse indicates that while God elects, individuals are still called to respond to the gospel message. Conclusion The election of saints as an act of grace is a profound and mysterious doctrine that underscores the unmerited favor of God in salvation. It highlights God's sovereignty, love, and purpose in choosing individuals for eternal life, while also affirming the necessity of human response to His gracious call. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 11:5Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of the Saints Proved. Perseverance of Saints. A Treatise on the Predestination of the Saints, The Perseverance of the Saints Election Election and Holiness That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ... Rejection of Errors Particular Election Election is for the Purpose of Holiness. 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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