The concept of “the elect” appears throughout the Bible, often connected to God’s sovereignty and grace. Understanding this can deepen our faith. Today, let’s see what Scripture says about who the elect are and what it means to be chosen by God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Spiritual Discipline
What Does The Bible Say About The Elect
Matthew 24:31
“And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
This verse speaks of a future event where Jesus will send His angels to gather His elect from all corners of the earth. It highlights the special distinction of those chosen by God and emphasizes His control over the salvation of His people.
The concept of the elect emphasizes God’s sovereignty in choosing specific individuals for salvation. It reminds believers that their faith is not based on their own efforts but on God’s grace and purpose. This verse brings comfort and assurance to followers of Christ that they have been chosen by God and will be gathered to Him at the appointed time.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Being part of the elect means being chosen by God and set apart as His people. This verse encourages believers to emulate the character of Christ by displaying compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
It reminds the elect that their identity is rooted in God’s love and calls them to live in a manner that reflects their chosen and beloved status. By embodying these qualities, the elect can demonstrate the transforming power of God’s grace to the world.
1 Peter 1:2
“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
This verse highlights the divine order of salvation for the elect. It mentions the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and the obedience to Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that the election of believers is a result of God’s deliberate plan and purpose.
The phrase “sprinkled with his blood” points to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which brings forgiveness and redemption to the elect. It concludes with a prayer for grace and peace to abound for those who are chosen by God.
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
This verse emphasizes the sovereign choice of God in calling and saving the elect. It emphasizes that salvation is not based on human merit or effort but solely on God’s purpose and His grace.
By stating that this grace was given before the beginning of time, it highlights the eternal nature of God’s plan for the elect. It reminds believers that their salvation is secure and rooted in God’s unchanging purposes.
Romans 8:33
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.”
This verse assures the elect that no accusation or condemnation can stand against them because they are chosen by God. It affirms that God is the ultimate judge and justifier of His elect.
The elect can find comfort in knowing that their standing before God is secure, and no accusation, no matter how powerful, can undermine their relationship with Him. It reminds believers that their acceptance and justification come from God alone.
Ephesians 1:4-5
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
This passage highlights the eternal nature of God’s choice and predestination of the elect. It emphasizes that God’s purpose in choosing believers was to make them holy, blameless, and to adopt them as His children through Jesus Christ.
It reveals God’s act of love, predestining the elect for intimate relationship and sonship as a result of His pleasure and will. This verse brings comfort and assurance to the elect, reminding them of their secure position in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.”
This verse affirms the certainty of the Thessalonian believers’ election by God. It acknowledges the love of God for His chosen people and reassures them of their status as the elect.
This verse also highlights the apostle Paul’s conviction in the faith of the Thessalonians, expressing his confidence that they have been called and chosen by God. It serves as a source of encouragement for believers, reminding them of their special standing before God.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
In this verse, Jesus declares to His disciples that He chose and appointed them for a purpose. He explains that they have been chosen to bear lasting fruit and that their requests in His name will be granted by the Father.
By emphasizing His choice and appointment, Jesus highlights the sovereignty of God in selecting His followers. It also serves to remind us that our purpose as the elect is to bring forth the fruit of righteousness and to fulfill God’s calling in our lives.
2 Peter 1:10
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”
This verse admonishes believers to actively pursue the assurance of their calling and election. It encourages them to make every effort to live in a manner consistent with their chosen status.
By confirming their calling and election through godly living, believers can have confidence in their relationship with God and avoid stumbling. This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the reality of being chosen by God.
Titus 1:1
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
This verse highlights the apostle Paul’s mission to serve God’s elect by strengthening their faith and helping them grow in their understanding of the truth. It underscores the importance of nurturing the spiritual growth of the elect.
Paul’s role as an apostle was not only to spread the gospel but also to edify and equip the elect, enabling them to live in godliness. This verse encourages believers to seek a deeper knowledge of the truth that leads to a transformed life.
Romans 11:5
“So too, at the present time, there is a remnant chosen by grace.”
This verse refers to a remnant of believers who have been chosen by God’s grace. It highlights the selective nature of God’s choice and affirms His initiative in extending grace to those whom He has chosen.
The concept of a remnant reiterates the idea that God’s grace is not extended to all but to a specific group whom He has elected. It reminds believers of the undeserved privilege they have received and calls them to live consciously as part of this chosen remnant.
Matthew 24:24
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
This verse warns of the imminent danger of deception targeted towards the elect. It acknowledges the existence of false messiahs and prophets who will aim to mislead and deceive even those chosen by God.
It serves as a cautionary reminder for the elect to remain vigilant, rooted in the truth of God’s Word, and discerning of false teachings or signs. It underscores the need for the elect to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to be alert to protect their faith.
Romans 9:11
“Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand.”
This verse emphasizes that God’s purpose in election is not based on human actions or merit but on His sovereign choice. It refers to the example of Jacob and Esau, showing that God’s divine election was established before their birth or any of their deeds.
By using this example, the verse highlights that election is solely based on God’s purpose and not on human worthiness. It reinforces the truth that God’s choice is rooted in His own wisdom and plan.
1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
This verse reveals God’s paradoxical choice of the elect. It demonstrates that God often selects those whom the world perceives as foolish or weak in order to confound the wise and strong.
It challenges conventional worldly standards and highlights that God’s ways are not the same as human judgments. This verse encourages believers to find confidence in God’s unconventional selection process and serves as a reminder that our value and worth are determined by Him alone.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse reassures the elect that they have been appointed by God to receive salvation through Jesus Christ, sparing them from the wrath of God. It highlights the assurance of eternal security in Christ.
Believers can find comfort in knowing that their ultimate destiny is not condemnation but salvation. This truth encourages them to persevere in their faith, trusting in God’s appointed plan for their lives.
John 17:9
“I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.”
In this verse, Jesus explicitly states that He is praying for those whom God has given Him. He distinguishes His intercession for the elect from His prayer for the world.
This verse emphasizes the special relationship and attention that Jesus has for the elect. It highlights the intimate connection between the Father, the Son, and the chosen ones. It reminds believers of the Savior’s ongoing intercession on their behalf.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse affirms the identity and purpose of the elect. It declares that believers are chosen, set apart as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. It emphasizes their role in declaring God’s praises and testifying to His transformative power.
This verse also reminds the elect of their rescue from darkness and their inclusion in God’s marvelous light. It establishes their unique position as His special possession and motivates them to live a life that reflects this calling.
Romans 8:29-30
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
These verses present the sequential steps of God’s redemptive plan for the elect. It begins with God’s foreknowledge and predestination, continues with the divine call, justification, and ultimately culminates in glorification.
These verses highlight the comprehensive scope of God’s salvation, ensuring every step is accomplished for those He has chosen. They provide a sense of security and assurance to the elect, knowing that their destiny is ultimately to be conformed to the image of Christ and glorified in Him.
Luke 18:7
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”
This verse expresses the expectancy of justice for the chosen ones, emphasizing the certainty of God’s response to their cries. It assures the elect that God is attentive to their pleas and will not delay in bringing about justice.
It encourages believers to persevere in prayer, knowing that God is faithful to answer and vindicate His chosen ones. This verse provides hope and reassurance to the elect, affirming that God is actively working on their behalf.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”
This verse expresses gratitude for the elect, acknowledging them as beloved by God and chosen to be saved. It highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification process and the pivotal role of belief in the truth of the gospel.
It encourages believers to be thankful for their salvation and to recognize their unique position as the firstfruits of God’s redemptive plan. This verse also emphasizes the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the elect, enabling them to grow in holiness.
Matthew 24:22
“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.”
This verse speaks of the end times and the preservation of the elect. It highlights God’s mercy and intervention on behalf of His chosen ones, shortening the duration of the days of tribulation for their sake.
It assures the elect that God is actively involved in their protection and safety, even in the midst of challenging and difficult times. This verse brings comfort and hope, reminding believers of God’s faithfulness to His chosen people.
Matthew 24:31
“And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
This verse speaks of a future event where Jesus will send His angels to gather His elect from all corners of the earth. It highlights the special distinction of those chosen by God and emphasizes His control over the salvation of His people.
The concept of the elect emphasizes God’s sovereignty in choosing specific individuals for salvation. It reminds believers that their faith is not based on their own efforts but on God’s grace and purpose. This verse brings comfort and assurance to followers of Christ that they have been chosen by God and will be gathered to Him at the appointed time.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Being part of the elect means being chosen by God and set apart as His people. This verse encourages believers to emulate the character of Christ by displaying compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
It reminds the elect that their identity is rooted in God’s love and calls them to live in a manner that reflects their chosen and beloved status. By embodying these qualities, the elect can demonstrate the transforming power of God’s grace to the world.
1 Peter 1:2
“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
This verse highlights the divine order of salvation for the elect. It mentions the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and the obedience to Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that the election of believers is a result of God’s deliberate plan and purpose.
The phrase “sprinkled with his blood” points to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which brings forgiveness and redemption to the elect. It concludes with a prayer for grace and peace to abound for those who are chosen by God.
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
This verse emphasizes the sovereign choice of God in calling and saving the elect. It emphasizes that salvation is not based on human merit or effort but solely on God’s purpose and His grace.
By stating that this grace was given before the beginning of time, it highlights the eternal nature of God’s plan for the elect. It reminds believers that their salvation is secure and rooted in God’s unchanging purposes.