The topic of election in the Bible raises deep questions about God’s sovereignty and grace. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about this profound and often misunderstood doctrine.
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What Does The Bible Say About Election
Romans 8:33
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
This verse reminds us that as believers, we have been chosen by God, and no one can bring charges against us because God has justified us. Our election is secure in His hands.
God’s election is not based on our own merits or works, but on His grace and sovereign choice. It is a comforting reminder that God has chosen us for His purposes and that we can trust in His plan for our lives.
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 highlights our identity as believers in Christ. We are chosen by God to be His people, set apart for His purposes. We are called to declare His praises and reflect His light to the world.
Understanding our election helps us embrace our unique role as representatives of God’s kingdom. It reminds us that we have been called out of darkness and into the light, and we have a responsibility to live out our chosen-ness before others.
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 emphasizes the timeless nature of God’s election. Before the world even existed, God chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. It is a testament to His love and graciousness that He predestined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ.
Our election is not based on our own efforts or accomplishments, but on God’s pleasure and will. This should bring us great assurance and confidence in our relationship with Him.
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 reminds His disciples that it was He who chose them, not the other way around. He appointed them to go and bear lasting fruit, indicating that our election carries a purpose.
When we understand that we have been chosen by Jesus, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that when we ask in His name, the Father will give us what we need to fulfill our calling and bear fruit for His kingdom.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Being God’s chosen people entails a responsibility to live in a manner that reflects His character. This verse encourages us to embrace qualities such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
When we recognize our election, it should lead us to live lives that are marked by these virtues. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, demonstrating His love and grace to those around us.
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 that our salvation and calling are not based on our own actions or worthiness but on God’s purpose and grace. He chose us and gave us His grace in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Understanding our election should humble us and fill us with gratitude for God’s unmerited favor in our lives. It is a reminder that our purpose is to live for Him and walk in holiness.
John 6:44
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
This verse emphasizes that our ability to come to Jesus is initiated by the Father’s drawing. It is a reminder that our election is not dependent on our own will or efforts but on God’s sovereign choice.
Recognizing our election should lead us to rely on the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing and transforming hearts. It is a reminder of our dependence on God for our salvation.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.
This verse is a reassurance to the believers in Thessalonica that they have been chosen by God. It is a reminder of His love for them and His deliberate action in their lives.
Our knowledge of our election should bring about a deep sense of security and encouragement. It reminds us that we are loved by God and that He has a specific purpose for each of our lives.
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.
In this verse, Jesus describes His followers as His sheep who listen to His voice and follow Him. He affirms that He knows His sheep, gives them eternal life, and assures their security.
Understanding our election should strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus. We can have confidence that we are securely held in His hand and that nothing can separate us from His love.
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 encourages believers to actively confirm their calling and election. It implies that our response to God’s choosing should be a life of faithfulness and obedience.
Recognizing our election should motivate us to live intentionally for Christ, seeking to please Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, we can have confidence that we will remain firm in our 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 highlights that God’s purpose in election is not based on our works or deeds but on His sovereign choice. It emphasizes that our election is part of God’s greater plan and purpose.
Understanding this truth should humble us and cause us to rely on God’s grace and sovereignty. We can trust that His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled and that He is working all things together for our good.
Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
This verse speaks to the Israelites, reminding them that God has chosen them to be His special people and treasured possession. It is a reminder of His love and favor towards His chosen ones.
As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that we too have been chosen by God. We are His treasured possession, and He delights in us as His children.
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.’
In this verse, Jesus acknowledges that not all of His disciples were chosen by Him. He quotes a scripture to fulfill a prophecy, highlighting the specific ones He had personally chosen.
Understanding that not everyone is chosen by Jesus reminds us of the importance of individual response to His call. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are following Him wholeheartedly.
Acts 13:48
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
In this verse, we see that those who believed and honored the word of the Lord were appointed for eternal life. It shows that God’s election is connected to the response of faith in receiving His word.
Our understanding of election should not lead to complacency but should fuel our desire to proclaim the Gospel and share the good news with others. It is a reminder of the vital role of faith in our salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This verse assures believers that God has appointed them to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that our election is not for punishment but for salvation and redemption.
Understanding this truth should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to live lives dedicated to honoring and serving God. We have been chosen by Him for a purpose and have the assurance of eternal life in Him.
Titus 1:1-2
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— in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
In this passage, Paul addresses his role as an apostle, emphasizing that his purpose is to strengthen the faith and knowledge of God’s elect. He highlights the hope of eternal life that God promised before the beginning of time.
Knowing that we are among God’s chosen ones should encourage us to pursue deeper understanding of the truth and to grow in godliness. It reminds us of the eternal hope that awaits us in Christ.
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 role of the triune God in our election. We have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and called to be obedient to Jesus Christ through His redemptive sacrifice.
Understanding our election should lead us to live in obedience to Christ and grow in dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is a reminder of the abundant grace and peace that are available to us through our relationship with Him.
Matthew 20:16
So the last will be first, and the first will be last.
This verse highlights the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom. It reminds us that, in God’s economy, those who may appear last in the eyes of the world can be first in His sight.
Understanding our election should humble us and break down any sense of pride or entitlement. It challenges us to shift our perspective and align our priorities with God’s values rather than the world’s standards.
Matthew 22:14
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that while many are invited to the kingdom of God, only a few are chosen. It speaks to the reality of personal response and individual choice in accepting God’s invitation.
Recognizing that only a few are chosen should motivate us to live in a way that honors and pleases God. It should stir in us a sense of urgency to share the Gospel and invite others to experience God’s grace and salvation.
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.
Paul expresses his willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the elect, desiring that they may obtain the salvation found in Christ Jesus. It highlights his commitment to sharing the Gospel and seeing others come to faith.
Understanding our election should ignite a similar passion within us to share the good news and strive for the salvation of others. It should compel us to endure, persevere, and invest in the lives of those around us.
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 refers to a future time of tribulation, with the days being cut short for the sake of the elect. It reveals God’s care and provision for His chosen ones.
Knowing that we are among God’s elect should bring comfort and reassurance, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It is a reminder that God is sovereign and has a plan to preserve and protect His people.
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.
Similar to Matthew 24:22, this verse highlights God’s intervention for the sake of the elect during times of tribulation. It emphasizes His sovereign power and desire to preserve His chosen ones.
Understanding our election should fill us with hope and trust in God’s faithfulness. Even in the face of trials or challenges, we can have confidence that He will protect and sustain us.