“ELECTION”
The word “elect” means “to choose.” There are actually three types of election in the Bible. The first is “National Election:, whereby the nation of Israel consisting of 13 tribes were chosen by God to work through. However, not all of them were called to Eternal salvation.
The second type was “vocational Election”, which means God chose some “special” people to work special works through. Some of those people were prophets, apostles, and others. All of those were not necessarily chosen to Eternal salvation, either.
The third type of election spoken of is “Personal Election’, which consists of all those called to Eternal salvation by God which includes a select group from all ages.
This is a group this thesis will put the most emphasis on, since it concerns us, in the present age, also.
The ultimate reason a Christian is filled with thanksgiving is he KNOWS that he was chosen from eternity! The Apostle Paul was one of the greatest teachers of election. He touches on election in most of his writings. Summarizing the basic Scriptures, he shows that election is from eternity. In Ephesians 1:4,5, we are told, "for He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestinated us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and His will.”
The result of election becomes evident in life. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:4,5, “Brothers loved by God, we KNOW that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.”
This doesn’t mean that anyone has the right to judge whether another person is saved or lost though, because GOD sees the heart; WE do not!
Paul’s teaching was “inspired by God” as ALL Scripture is, (holy writings, in the original Greek) , (2 Timothy 3:16), but WE are not infallibly inspired. As long as a person breaths even a last breath, there is always a chance of even a death bed conversion. Paul states in several scriptures that election is Sovereign and unconditional, meaning it is not conditioned on foreseen works or foreseen faith.
“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so no man can boast before Him.” (1 Corinthians 1:27,28,29). “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive and if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” ( I Cor. 4:7). “For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith, and this, not from yourselves; IT ( the faith, even), is a gift from God.” (Ephesians 2:8).
Paul then teaches that election is just. Those who reject divine election always ask the age old question even discussing election and reprobation as was asked in Paul’s day. He quite clearly spells it out in Romans 9:10-24, when he explains even before they were born, while rejecting the other. While the Jewish custom of the day was to give the birthright to the elder, in this case, God chose the younger!
Let’s examine this very important teaching on election and reprobation. Rebecca’s children had one and the same father, our ancestor Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born, or had done anything, good or bad, in order that God’s purpose in election might stand; not by works , but by Him Who calls, she was told, “the older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau, I hated.” For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but, on God’s mercy.” (Romans 9:10-16).
Then, as all have said, even I, when I first was investigating the doctrine. “One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists His will? “ “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him Who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? What is God, choosing to show His wrath, and make His Power known, bore with great patience the objects of His wrath, PREPARED for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His Glory known to the objects of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance, for Glory, even us, whom He also called, not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles.” (Romans 9:19-25). That pretty well tells the story, and what’s exactly what happened when the twins, Jacob and Esau grew up. Esau sold (and lost) his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob.
Paul taught that election was not only limited to the Gentiles either, but that in every age a remnant of the Jews is also included. “So, to, at the present time, there is a remnant chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5). Election is immutable and effectual; the elect actually reach Heaven, at last. They obtain salvation. What then?
What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but, the Elect did.” (Romans 11:17). In the next verse, he contrasts the final destiny of those God did not elect to salvation. “The others became hardened, as it is written: God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes so they could not see, and ears so that they could not hear, to this very day.” (Romans 11:8). We are taught in Romans 8:28-30, that God’s “chain” cannot be broken. The story is revealed along with Romans 11:29, and 2 Timothy 2:19. We read “and we know that in all things GOD WORKS for the good of those who love Him, (the Elect) who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, he also predestinated to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.
He might be the firstborn among many brothers, and those He predestinates, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also Glorified. For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm. Sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and everyone who confesses the Name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Election is not abstract, but affects life in all its phases. Even though it belongs to God’s decree from eternity, it becomes a dynamic force in the hearts and lives of God’s children. It produces such fruits as adoption as sons, calling, faith, justification, etc. (Romans 8:28,30,33; Ephesians 1:4,5; Titus 1:10. We already stated that election concerns individuals. It has its final aim, God’s Glory, and it is the work of His delight.
Some further Scriptures on election are as follows: “God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:13). “And they (the angels), shall gather together HIS ELECT from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other.” ( Mat. 24:31). For the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened those days (at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.) (Mark 13:31). “Knowing brethren, beloved of God, your election. ( I Theses. 1:4). “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s Elect?” (Romans 8:33). “But you are an Elect Race.” (1 Peter 2:9). “For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:9).
CONT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Blessings!
Marked Elect
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