The Bible speaks of God’s chosen people, the elect, as those who are called according to His purpose. Today, we’ll explore what it means to be part of God’s elect and how this reflects His grace and sovereignty.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Elders In The Church
What Does The Bible Say About Elect
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 highlights God’s mercy towards His chosen people, the elect. Despite the challenges and tribulations that will come in the last days, God will intervene and shorten those days to protect and preserve His elect.
It serves as a comforting reminder that God has a special plan and purpose for His chosen ones, and He will always take care of them even in the midst of difficult times.
Matthew 20:16
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
This verse reveals God’s justice and fairness in His treatment of the elect. In His kingdom, the order of importance and status is reversed, and those who may have seemed insignificant in the eyes of the world will be exalted.
It encourages believers to trust in God’s divine wisdom and timing, knowing that He sees and values the true worth of His elect, and their reward will surpass any earthly recognition.
Romans 8:33
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.”
This verse emphasizes the security of the elect in Christ. No accusation or condemnation can stand against them because God, the ultimate judge, has justified and chosen them.
It provides assurance to the elect that their standing before God is secure and reminds them to find their identity and worth in Him, rather than in the opinions or accusations of others.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
This verse reminds the elect of their unique calling to reflect the character of Christ. Being chosen by God comes with a responsibility to live a life that is marked by love and virtues that align with His nature.
It encourages the elect to cultivate a Christ-like attitude towards others, treating them with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, thus demonstrating the love of God to the world.
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 underscores the privileged position of the elect. They are not only chosen by God but also transformed into a holy and royal priesthood, set apart for His purposes.
It highlights the elect’s primary responsibility of proclaiming God’s praises and reflecting His light to a world trapped in darkness, thereby fulfilling their divine calling.
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.”
This verse reveals the initiative of God in choosing the elect. It is a reminder that salvation and discipleship are not a result of human efforts, but a divine calling.
It encourages the elect to embrace their chosen status and live a fruitful life, knowing that God is faithful to grant their requests when aligned with His will.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.”
This verse affirms the assurance of the elect’s chosen status. It reminds believers that they are loved by God and have been specifically chosen by Him.
It instills confidence and strengthens their faith, knowing that their eternal destiny is secured in God’s loving hands.
Ephesians 1:4
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love”
This verse highlights the eternal nature of God’s election. Before the foundation of the world, God chose the elect to be set apart and made blameless in His sight.
It demonstrates the depth of God’s love and His desire to have a relationship with the elect, inviting them to walk in holiness and righteousness with Him.
2 Timothy 2:10
“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”
This verse reveals the apostle Paul’s commitment to reaching the elect with the message of salvation, even enduring hardships and challenges for their sake.
It reminds believers of the importance of sharing the gospel with others, especially with the hope of seeing the elect come to experience the fullness of salvation and eternal glory in Christ.
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 strengthen the faith and deepen the knowledge of the elect in their pursuit of godliness.
It emphasizes the importance of continually growing in our understanding of the truth and applying it to our lives, allowing it to shape our character and actions.
1 Peter 5:13
“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”
This verse acknowledges the unity and shared experience of the elect, regardless of their physical location or circumstances.
It encourages believers to find encouragement and connection with other believers, knowing that they are part of a larger community of the chosen ones.
Romans 8:29
“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.”
This verse speaks to the divine plan and purpose behind God’s choosing of the elect. God’s foreknowledge allowed Him to predestine the elect to be transformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.
It highlights the familial relationship among the believers, with Christ being the firstborn and the elect being His brothers and sisters, sharing in His inheritance and glory.
John 6:70
“Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!””
This verse reveals that even among the chosen disciples, there was one who would betray Jesus. It serves as a reminder that being chosen does not exempt one from the possibility of falling away or turning against God.
It teaches the importance of remaining faithful and committed to Christ, guarding against the influence of evil and deception.
John 13:18
“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’”
This verse further highlights the specificity of Jesus’ choosing, indicating that not all who followed Him were part of the elect. The betrayal of Judas fulfilled the Scriptures, demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s plan.
It reminds believers to faithfully abide in Christ, maintaining a genuine relationship with Him, and avoiding any form of betrayal or unfaithfulness.
John 13:19
“I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.”
This verse signifies Jesus’ foreknowledge of future events, including the betrayal by Judas. His revelation of this information served as a confirmation of His identity and deity.
It encourages believers to trust in the sovereignty of God and His ability to reveal and fulfill His plans, strengthening their faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah.
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 exhorts believers to actively pursue a life that confirms their calling and election. It calls for diligence in living out the qualities and virtues of a true follower of Christ.
It assures believers that by doing so, they will remain steadfast and secure in their faith, avoiding the pitfalls of stumbling and wavering.
Matthew 22:14
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
This verse highlights the distinction between those who are invited and those who are chosen. It reminds believers that not everyone who hears the invitation of the gospel will respond and be among the elect.
It emphasizes the significance of responding to the call of God and actively seeking to be counted among the chosen ones, rather than assuming one’s inclusion based on mere invitation.
John 10:27-28
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
This verse depicts the intimate relationship between the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and His sheep, the elect. It highlights their ability to recognize His voice, follow Him, and receive the gift of eternal life.
It brings assurance and comfort to the elect, knowing that their salvation is secure in the hands of a loving and powerful Savior who will never let them be snatched away from Him.
2 Peter 2:9
“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”
This verse speaks to the faithfulness of God in delivering the elect from trials and tribulations, while ensuring that the unrighteous will face the consequences of their actions on the day of judgment.
It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and justice, knowing that He is the ultimate judge who will bring justice and deliverance to His chosen ones.
Mark 13:20
“If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.”
This verse reiterates the divine intervention for the sake of the elect, demonstrating God’s mercy and protection towards His chosen ones in times of great difficulty and distress.
It reminds the elect of their special status and the loving care of their Heavenly Father, who intervenes and orchestrates events to ensure their preservation.
1 Timothy 5:21
“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.”
This verse includes a mention of the elect angels, drawing attention to the supernatural realm and its involvement in God’s plan and purpose for the elect.
It serves as a reminder to believers to uphold God’s instructions and live with integrity, treating others impartially and without favoritism.
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 highlights the divine nature and purpose behind God’s election. It shows that His choice is not based on human merit or actions but is entirely driven by His sovereign plan.
It reminds believers that their election is rooted in God’s grace and His desire to fulfill His purposes, encouraging them to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
2 Timothy 2:4
“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
This verse uses the analogy of a soldier to illustrate the single-minded devotion and commitment required of the elect in serving their commanding officer, Jesus Christ.
It calls believers to live a life that is free from worldly distractions and entanglements, focusing instead on honoring and obeying their Lord and Savior.