Election—derived from the Greek word eklektos—describes God’s choosing of a people for himself[1]. This doctrine teaches that all Christian blessings flow from God’s sovereign choice made in eternity past, before creation and before our births[1]. Rather than resting on human merit or response, salvation’s foundation is God’s free and gracious choice of us[1].
The timing and nature of this choice deserve attention. God selected believers “before the foundation of the world” and did so “in Christ”[1]. Theologians call this the covenant of redemption—an eternal agreement in which God the Father commissioned God the Son to redeem his chosen people, and the Son accepted this charge, dying on the cross while the Father promised him the salvation of all the elect[1].
Election stands as perhaps Christianity’s most debated doctrine, with believers divided over how to balance God’s sovereignty with human freedom[2]. Yet Scripture addresses it extensively[2], employing various Hebrew and Greek terms—including “choose,” “know,” “call,” “predestine,” and “foreknow”—to convey God’s electing activity[2].
The doctrine addresses a fundamental question: why does one person believe while another hears the same gospel and rejects it? The biblical answer is not that Christians possess some superior spiritual quality, but that God’s eternal and sovereign election of these individuals to be his own through faith in Christ explains the difference[1]. Election constitutes a basic element in the doctrine of salvation, and though it contains mysteries, Scripture emphasizes it as central to God’s dealings with his people[3].
Beloved, the doctrine of election is meant to comfort the church, not to puff us up or unsettle us. Let me name three ways we can misuse it.
Not pride. Paul asks, "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). If God chose us, it was not because we were wiser, better, or more deserving. Moses told Israel plainly that the Lord did not set His love on them because they were more numerous, but because He loved them (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Election leaves no room for boasting, only for bowing low. The elect do not look down on others; they remember that they were once lost themselves, and they pray and witness for the lost with tenderness. Not carelessness. Some say, "If I am chosen, it doesn't matter how I live." Scripture answers otherwise. We were chosen "to be holy and blameless before him" (Ephesians 1:4). Peter urges us to be "all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10), not because we earn it, but because a changed life is the fruit and evidence of grace. Election is the root of obedience, never an excuse for sin. Not fear. Others worry, "What if I am not chosen?" But Jesus says, "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). The invitation is open: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden" (Matthew 11:28). If you are drawn to Christ and trust in Him, you need not search the secret counsels of God. Look to the cross and rest there. Paul tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39). So let election make us humble, holy, and hopeful. Humble, because it is all grace. Holy, because we were chosen for God's purposes. Hopeful, because He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Let us pray: Lord, thank You for choosing us in Christ. Keep us from pride, from carelessness, and from fear. Teach us to walk humbly, live faithfully, and rest in Your love. Amen.
[1] Richard D. Phillips, What Are Election and Predestination?, Basics of the Reformed Faith (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2006), 6–8.
[3] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 34:264.
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