Topical Bible: Holiness: Saints: Elected To

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of holiness is deeply intertwined with the notion of election, particularly concerning the saints. The term "saints" refers to those individuals who have been set apart by God for His divine purposes, and their election is a testament to God's sovereign will and grace.

Biblical Foundation

The election of the saints is a theme that runs throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's initiative in choosing individuals for holiness and service. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the concept of election in his epistles. For instance, 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 several key aspects of election: it is an act of divine choice ("He chose us"), it is rooted in eternity ("before the foundation of the world"), and it has a specific purpose ("to be holy and blameless"). The election is not based on human merit but is an expression of God's love and sovereign will.

Holiness as a Calling

The election to holiness implies a calling to live a life that reflects God's character. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , believers are exhorted, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is both a privilege and a responsibility, as the saints are to embody the moral and ethical standards that reflect God's nature.

Sanctification and the Role of the Holy Spirit

The process of becoming holy, known as sanctification, is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul states, "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 an integral part of the believer's election, facilitated by the Holy Spirit's transformative power.

The Community of Saints

The election to holiness is not an individualistic concept but is experienced within the community of believers. The saints are collectively called to be a "holy nation" and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), signifying their corporate identity and mission. This communal aspect underscores the interconnectedness of the saints as they support and encourage one another in their pursuit of holiness.

Implications for Daily Living

The election to holiness has practical implications for the daily lives of believers. It calls for a separation from worldly values and behaviors, as well as a commitment to living according to God's standards. In Romans 12:1-2 , Paul urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

In summary, the election of the saints to holiness is a profound theological truth that underscores God's sovereign grace and the believer's call to live a life that reflects His holiness. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and within the community of faith, the saints are empowered to fulfill their divine calling.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 8:29
For 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

Ephesians 1:4
According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... admonish them that, although called and elected, still their ... in grace, and perseverance
in holiness to the ... Again: Christians and saints, and the children and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to ... godly sincerity; that
perseverance in holiness is the ... that the final perseverance of saints, though it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... grace, and piety, and virtue, and holiness, and goodness ... Miss Despondency are just
as much elected as Great ... the feeble saints cost Christ as much suffering as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... making you co-heirs with the saints elected for his ... saints, intimating that there
are two classes of saints. ... the Jews, for instance, with their holiness of the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Election and Holiness
... and with few exceptions, where are the saints who denied ... the elect of God, bowels
of compassion, holiness and love ... do not know whether I am elected." You cannot ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... Such are the factious spirits and monastic saints, who base their holiness and
uprightness solely on an external, peculiar life and on self-elected works. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

Perseverance
... elected to glory, cannot fall away finally; but every true believer is elected
to glory ... (3.) See whence it is that saints persevere in holiness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

The Unchangeableness of God
... With him there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning.' The best saints have
their eclipses and changes. ... We are not elected for holiness, but to holiness ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm

The Image of the Beast.
... power, introduced the worship of the saints, and of ... AD500, two Popes were simultaneously
elected, when Theodoric ... Apostolic chair, and to your Holiness, as has ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm

Election
... He has elected you to holiness, if you love holiness. ... In like manner to say that
God elected men because ... apart from the virtues which the saints have afterwards ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm