Election, to salvation

God chooses to bring individuals to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Election is part of God's eternal decree

Election is from eternity

Ephesians 1:4 See also 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9

For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love

Election is God's sovereign prerogative

Romans 9:15–24, Romans 11:1–6 See also Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 65:1; Jeremiah 18:1–12; John 15:16, John 17:6; Romans 9:10–13; Ephesians 2:10

I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

God's election places individuals within the covenant of grace

Nehemiah 9:7–8 See also Genesis 15:7–8, Genesis 15:18–21, Genesis 18:19; Galatians 3:29

You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram, who brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham. You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites— to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous.

Election is not on the basis of merit

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 See also Deuteronomy 7:7–8, Deuteronomy 9:4–6; James 2:5

Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

God's election of his people is the foundation of his saving action

Election does not suspend God's use of the means of salvation

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 See also Matthew 1:21; Ephesians 2:8–10; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:2

But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Election works in tandem with the call of the gospel

Matthew 22:14 See also Romans 8:29–30

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Election is evidenced through a positive response to the gospel

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 See also John 6:37–40

Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction — just as you know we lived among you for your sake.

Election is a motive for praise

Romans 11:28–36; Ephesians 1:3–14 See also 1 Thessalonians 1:2–4

Election is a source of practical comfort

Romans 8:31–39 See also John 10:27–29, John 17:2

Election is an incentive for righteous behaviour

Colossians 3:12–14 See also John 15:16–17; Philippians 2:12–13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–15; 2 Peter 1:3–11

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

Election is a stimulus to the preaching of the gospel

2 Timothy 2:10

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.