Election: God's Sovereign Choice of Undeserving Humanity

Election is the profound biblical doctrine describing God's sovereign act of choosing individuals for salvation and service, not based on human merit but entirely on His grace and mercy. This divine initiative, rooted in God's eternal purpose, reveals both His absolute sovereignty and His unfathomable love for fallen humanity. Throughout Scripture, election stands as a testament to God's right to exercise unquestioned authority over His creation while simultaneously demonstrating His benevolent desire to redeem a people for Himself. The doctrine challenges human pride, comforts the afflicted, and provides assurance to believers that their salvation rests securely in God's unchanging character and perfect wisdom rather than in their own fragile efforts or fleeting circumstances.

The Nature of Divine Election

This can be described as God's sovereignty freely shown through undeserved favour and grace towards fallen humanity to which He owes nothing but wrath (Rom 1:18, 5:8). The sovereign choice does not depend on anything the individual has or will do, nor involves any injustice on His behalf because He is not obligated to show mercy to anyone as He can do with His rebellious creation whatever He pleases. "Predestination," "election," and "chosen" are interchangeable terms referring to His act of choice.

"It does not depend on man's desire or effort" – it is solely an act of God's mercy…"He has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy" (Rom 9:10-23). God in His foreknowledge knows those who will respond to His offer and it is these who He chooses to be saved, yet they must still decide to yield to Christ as no one is a puppet with their freewill over-ridden (Jn 1:12, 6:44; Act 13:48; 2 Thes 2:13; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 1:2).

Being elected by God is the ultimate expression of love

It is our responsibility to preach the gospel to all, and although God would like all people to be saved many will reject the offer of salvation; only He knows those who will accept and who will reject that offer (Mk 16:15; 1 Tim 2:4). Some of the individuals God chose for specific tasks include: Moses, the disciples, and Paul (Ps 106:23; Lk 6:13; Act 9:15). Jesus, Himself, was the 'elect of God' (Mt 12:18).

Election in the Old and New Testaments

In the Old Testament God chose Abraham and gave a promise to him and his descendants that they would be a special people, blessed by Him as they responded in obedience. A covenant was established with this group of people we know as the Jewish nation (Gen 12:1-3; Deut 7:6). In the New Testament election is further defined as God's gracious choosing or predestination of individual sinners to be saved and glorified in and through Christ.

This choice was made before the foundation of the world for God's eternal purpose is that we should be conformed to the image of His son and grow into the fullness of Christ, to live holy and blameless lives, for the praise of His glory (Rom 8:28-29; Eph 1:4-5,11-12, 3:11, 4:13; 1 Thes 1:4).

Saving faith is evidence of salvation

Our responsibility is to believe, to receive Jesus Christ as Saviour by grace through faith, trusting in Him alone for salvation (Jn 3:16; Eph 2:8-9). No one seeks after God's plan of salvation on their own accord for we are blind to our need of salvation (Rom 3:10-18; 2 Cor 4:4). This only changes when God draws us to Himself and grants us the privilege to repent (Jn 6:44; Act 11:18). God intervenes in the lives of the elect by the Holy Spirit so they respond in faith to Him and receive God's perfect grace, the non-elect receive His perfect justice.

Why Does God Choose Some and Not Others?

This question has perplexed theologians and believers throughout church history, yet Scripture affirms that God's choice is rooted in His sovereign wisdom and not human merit. The Bible teaches that all humanity deserves judgment because of sin, so God owes salvation to no one (Rom 3:23; 6:23). When He chooses some, He is showing mercy; when He passes over others, He is giving them what they deserve (Rom 9:14-18). This demonstrates both His perfect justice and His amazing grace.

God's reasons for choosing specific individuals remain hidden in His eternal counsel, yet we trust that His choices are always wise, loving, and just. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever." What is revealed is that God's purpose in election is to display His glory and to bring about the greatest good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28; Eph 1:5-6).

God's ways are higher than our ways

Some suggest that God, in His foreknowledge, sees who will believe and chooses them based on that foreseen faith. However, Scripture indicates that faith itself is a gift from God, not something we produce independently (Eph 2:8-9; Phil 1:29). The mystery of divine election should lead us to humility rather than speculation, recognizing that finite minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite purposes of an all-wise God (Isa 55:8-9; Rom 11:33-36).

Living as God's Chosen People

Our being chosen should result in our continual praise to God, and living obedient lives, pleasing to Him who has called us out of darkness into light and life with the divine life we claim to possess (Phil 2:12; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Pet 1:10). Rather than questioning the impartiality and fairness of God that only some are chosen for salvation, we should marvel at His mercy why He would choose any at all.

Ultimately, we find ourselves understanding that election is not a cause for pride but for humility, gratitude, and faithful service to God who has shown us such undeserved favour. When we truly grasp the magnitude of God's sovereign choice, we recognize that our standing before Him is entirely due to His grace, not our accomplishments. This realization should produce a heart posture of worship, a life marked by obedience, and a passionate desire to reflect His character to the world around us.

Show God He made a good choice

Reflection and Application:

How does understanding God's sovereign election affect your view of His grace and mercy?
In what ways can you respond to God's choice of you with praise and obedient living?
How does the doctrine of election influence your motivation for sharing the gospel with others?
What does it mean practically to "show God He made a good choice" in your daily life?