Election(candidate)
“Choice, selection”
Summary
The doctrine of God's sovereign choice by which He selects individuals and groups for salvation and special purposes according to His eternal purpose and grace.
☩Election in the Old Testament
The doctrine of divine election lies at the very heart of revelation and redemption. Abraham was chosen that in him all families of the earth would be blessed. Through the chosen people, the seed of Abraham, God made His fullest revelation of Himself and prepared the way for the world's redemption. Moses declared to Israel: 'The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any people, for you were the fewest of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you.' Israel was chosen to spread abroad God's glory—'the people which I formed for myself, that they might show forth my praise.'
☩Election in the New Testament
In the New Testament, election denotes God's act of selection bringing people into saving relationship with Himself. It is mysterious, transcending human analysis, yet knowable by its objects, who are exhorted to 'make their calling and election sure.' The elect are in effect the Israel of God, the new regenerate people called to privilege and service. Christ Himself was 'chosen before the foundation of the world' to be Savior. Election encompasses God's choice of Christ as the Messiah, His selection of individuals for particular service (Cyrus, the apostles, Paul), His choice of nations for special religious privileges (Israel), and His personal election of individuals to be children of God and heirs of eternal life.
☩Understanding Election
Christians sometimes find difficulty with this doctrine because they do not see the extent of man's fall and utterly lost condition. Were it not for election and the prevailing grace that follows it, none would be saved. Christ died for all and the gospel is proclaimed to all, but except for God's electing grace, none would respond. The doctrine ensures that God receives all the glory for salvation. Some have erroneously taught that as some are ordained to life, others are foreordained to perdition ('reprobation'), but Scripture does not teach this. 'Many are called, but few are chosen'—to be elected is to be separated from the world and sanctified by the Spirit and the blood of Christ.
Related Verses19 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Election," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Election," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Election," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
- 4.Unknown source, "Election."
- 5.George Morrish, "Election," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).