Election and predestination are profound topics that reveal God’s plan of salvation. Today, we’ll discuss how the Bible explains these doctrines and what they mean for believers.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Elect
What Does The Bible Say About Election And Predestination
Romans 8:29-30
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
These verses highlight the concept of predestination, showing that God knew and chose certain individuals to be conformed to the likeness of Christ before the foundation of the world. It emphasizes that God’s predestination involves a calling, justification, and ultimately, glorification. This passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty in choosing and transforming believers according to His divine plan.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Jesus reminds His followers that they did not choose Him, but rather, He chose and appointed them for a specific purpose. This verse implies that election is not based on human merit or effort, but on God’s sovereign choice. It emphasizes the responsibility believers have to bear fruit and the assurance that their prayers will be answered when aligned with God’s purpose.
Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
This verse demonstrates that belief and faith in Christ are not solely dependent on human decision but are also influenced by God’s appointment. It conveys the idea that those who were appointed to eternal life responded by believing in the gospel message and rejoicing in it. It implies that the act of believing is a result of God’s divine choice and plan.
Ephesians 1:4-5
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
These verses emphasize that believers were chosen by God before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. It highlights the loving act of predestination in which God destined believers for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ. This passage underscores the idea that God’s choice and plan for believers are rooted in His purpose and love.
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 affirms that our salvation and calling to a holy life is not based on our own merits but is a result of God’s purpose and grace. It underscores that God’s grace was bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, further emphasizing His sovereignty and predestined plan for believers.
Acts 2:23
This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge, and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
These words refer to Jesus Christ and point to the fulfillment of God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge in handing over His Son to be crucified. This verse demonstrates that God’s plan for salvation included the involvement of wicked men as instruments, yet still maintained His divine purpose throughout. It portrays God’s ultimate authority and control over even the darkest moments in human history.
Romans 9:15-16
For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
These verses highlight the sovereignty of God in extending mercy and compassion to individuals according to His will, not based on human efforts or desires. It emphasizes that God’s mercy is not earned or obtained through personal striving but is solely due to His divine choice and grace. This passage underscores the idea that election and predestination are rooted in God’s character and His prerogative.
Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
This verse highlights that believers have obtained an inheritance through Christ, and this predestination is aligned with God’s purpose. It emphasizes that God is the one who orchestrates and directs all things according to His own will. This passage underscores the trust believers can have in God’s sovereignty and the assurance of their inheritance in Him.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
This verse highlights believers as a chosen race, set apart by God to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. It emphasizes that believers are God’s possession and have been called out of darkness to live in the light of His truth and glory. This passage underscores the privilege and purpose believers have in proclaiming God’s praises and reflecting His character to the world.
Romans 9:21-23
Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory?
These verses use the analogy of a potter to illustrate God’s authority and prerogative in shaping vessels for different purposes. It emphasizes that God, in His sovereignty, endures vessels of wrath and prepares vessels of mercy for His glory. This passage underscores the grandeur of God’s plan, including both vessels prepared for destruction and those appointed for eternal glory.
John 6:44
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
These words of Jesus highlight that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them. It emphasizes that salvation is not achieved by human effort but is dependent on the Father’s initiating and drawing individuals to Himself. This verse underscores the divine work of God in bringing people to faith and the assurance of resurrection for those who respond to His call.
Romans 8:33
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
This verse affirms that no accusation can stand against God’s chosen ones, as it is God who justifies them. It emphasizes the righteousness and innocence bestowed upon the elect by God Himself. This passage underscores the unwavering security and acceptance believers have in Christ, as their justification is based on God’s declaration and not on human judgment.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
These words acknowledge God’s choice of believers as His beloved and the firstfruits of salvation. It emphasizes that this choice includes the process of sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit and faith in the truth of the gospel. This verse underscores the gratitude believers should have for being chosen by God and the transformative work of the Spirit in their lives.
1 Peter 1:1-2
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
This opening greeting by Peter is addressed to the elect exiles, highlighting their chosen status according to God’s foreknowledge. It emphasizes the involvement of the Father’s foreknowledge, the Spirit’s sanctification, and Christ’s redemptive work. This passage underscores the comprehensive involvement of the triune God in the believers’ calling, emphasizing both their identity as elect and their purpose as obedient followers of Christ.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.
This verse, spoken by Jesus, expresses the reality that although many are called, only a few are chosen. It underscores the distinction between a general call to salvation and the specific selection by God for His purposes. This passage encourages believers to strive for genuine faith and commitment, recognizing the privilege and responsibility of being chosen by God.
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”
In this verse, the Lord refers to Paul as a chosen instrument for proclaiming His name to various groups of people. It emphasizes that God specifically selects individuals to fulfill His plans and purposes. This passage underscores God’s intentional choice of individuals to play significant roles in advancing His kingdom and spreading the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.
These words assure the Thessalonian believers that they are loved by God and have been chosen by Him. It emphasizes the certainty of their election and highlights the personal love and care God has for His chosen ones. This verse underscores the believers’ confidence in their standing before God and their assurance of His love and favor.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
This verse recounts God’s words to Jeremiah, revealing that God had known and consecrated him even before his birth. It emphasizes God’s foreknowledge and intentional appointment for a specific purpose. This passage underscores the divine initiative in choosing and appointing individuals for significant roles in His plans, highlighting God’s sovereign authority over human lives.
John 10:26-27
But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
These verses assert that those who do not believe in Jesus are not counted among His sheep. It emphasizes the response of His sheep in hearing His voice, being known by Him, and following Him. This passage underscores the relationship between election and obedience, highlighting the transformative work of God in the lives of His chosen ones.
Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
These words address believers as God’s chosen ones, emphasizing their new identity in Christ. It calls them to embrace qualities such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience as a reflection of their chosen status. This verse underscores the transformative power of being chosen by God, leading believers to reflect His character through their actions and attitudes.
Matthew 24:22
And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
In this verse, Jesus speaks about the end times and the preservation of the elect. It emphasizes that God’s intervention shortens the duration of tribulation for the sake of His chosen ones. This passage underscores God’s providential care for His elect, demonstrating His power to protect and sustain them in the midst of adversity.
1 Peter 5:13
She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
In this closing greeting, Peter mentions a fellow believer who is also chosen. It highlights that the chosen status extends beyond the immediate recipients of the letter, emphasizing the widespread presence of God’s chosen ones. This verse underscores the unity and fellowship among believers as they share in the privilege of being chosen by God.
Revelation 17:14
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.
This verse speaks of the ultimate victory of the Lamb (Jesus) over those who oppose Him. It highlights that those who follow the Lamb are both called and chosen, emphasizing their faithfulness to Him. This passage underscores the perseverance and loyalty of God’s chosen ones, who ultimately triumph with Christ in His eternal reign.