Election and Predestination

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Election and Predestination

After much thoughtful consideration, I've decided to write this article about election and predestination. Perhaps one of the greatest "in-house" debates within Christianity revolves around the issue of freewill and predestination. Bible scholars throughout the ages have argued vehemently about the validity of the doctrine of predestination on one hand, and the doctrine of the free-will of mankind on another. I have found that it's difficult to have an honest and frank discussion about this issue because most people tend to ignore the verses that speak against their particular position and only focus on those which seem to support theirs. I believe that man was created with a free will to either choose or reject God. But it would be dishonest for me to say that the bible speaks nothing of predestination or election, because it does. The confusion arises, not because the term "predestination" appears in the bible, but because of our application of the terminology. In this article, I'm going to try my best to present an honest, balanced look at the biblical concept of predestination and election.

Having said that, I think it would be best to go right ahead and dive into the scriptures. The concept of election can be found throughout the scriptures. Let's take a look at some of the verses:

Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth

9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace

11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering

I Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

II Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

I Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

From the above scriptures, we can clearly see that the concept of election is present in the bible. Of course this then begs the questions of who are the elect, and on what basis are they chosen. I think the most important aspect of election is that it is totally based in Christ and our relationship to Him. In other words, election is very much Christocentric in nature. Our election is based on our relationship with Christ, for He is truly the chosen one. Let's look at some scripture that substantiates this:

Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Matthew 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

I Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

The above verses most assuredly refer to Jesus, the Son of God! Now that we have established that He (Jesus) is the chosen one of God, let's further establish the fact that our election is based on our relationship with Him. We will focus extensively in Ephesians to establish this fact.

Ephesians 1:4 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Our election is based solely on our being "in Him" and by no merit of our own. There is no basis of election outside of a relationship with Christ. There are some theologies that package together a theory that God arbitrarily chooses to save some while condemning others to hell. This is a perversion of the biblical concept of election. Christ is the elect, and our election hinges upon being "in Him." Let's further examine this theme:

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

The primary intent of this election is that we would be "holy and without blame before Him in love." Notice in the passage above that everything hinges on our relationship with Him (Jesus). Every aspect of salvation is tied into our relationship with Him. Notice how many times in the above sequence you will see the terms "In Him", and "In whom". Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega and is the foundational rock of our salvation and election. The means by which this election was made possible was by His death on the cross and the shedding of His precious blood for the redemption of mankind.

The next thing I want us to look at is the corporate nature of election. Some see election as God choosing individuals for salvation (outside of their own volition or will). But the scriptures paint a picture of God electing "a people" for salvation, not "a person." I know that some will disagree with this and I will deal with some common objections in just a moment. (see also: Jacob, Esau and the hardening of Pharaoh) But for now let's look at the concept of corporate election from the scriptures.

Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it

I Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

In the Old Testament, we see that from early on, God determined that He would have for Himself "a people." Within this covenant with His people, there were certain conditions that had to be met in order to receive the blessing, salvation and favor of God. Even though the promises were made to this "people", the individuals still were responsible to respond in faith and obedience to the commands. Let's take a look:
Deuteronomy 29:18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: 29:20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law

So we see that even though many wonderful promises were given to this "people" (i.e. Israel), in order to receive those promises, the individuals had to follow after the Lord.

Another example of this principle can be found in II Kings:

II Kings 21:14 And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies; 21:15 Because they have done that which was evil in my sight,and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.

Getting back to the subject of corporate election, we can positively assert that the salvation and destination of the elect is certain. This group (called the body of Christ, the elect, the church) will be presented to Christ without spot or blemish. This much is certain :

Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish

Christ will present this group to Himself as a glorious church. But each individual must decide whether or not he/she will be a part of this elect group. This is very clear in the scriptures and in no uncertain terminology.

Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

We just read before in Ephesians that Christ will present to Himself a people (the church) and in verse 22 of the above passage we again see that Christ will present a church holy and unblameable to the Father and Himself. But verse 23 is the key to the individual's election. Notice it says if ye (we) continue in the faith, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel that Jesus will present us to the Father. Again we see that the fate of the corporate body of Christ is certain, but the fate of individuals is contingent (or depends) upon our faithful abiding in Christ. This further reinforces the fact that election is Christocentric- unless we are "in Him" we have no claim to election!

I know some disagree with this, but the scriptures are clear that God offers this great invitation to salvation to all men.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

I Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men

II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man

I John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

There are more such scriptures, but I think this gives ample evidence that God desires all men to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (even though in His foreknowledge He is well aware that not all would choose Him). But this salvation is not appropriated to us until we personally accept these great truths, and receive the gift of salvation. Thus, we play a part in the election process. We must make our election and calling sure. How do we do that you ask? By repenting of our sins, and receiving by faith what Jesus has done for us individually.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9Not of works, lest any man should boast

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

At that point of faith, then each individual becomes a part of the "elect" or body of Christ

I Corinthians 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit

Romans can be a source of controversy in this discussion, but let's notice again the corporate nature of election in this passage:

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified

Many people confuse foreknowledge with predestination/election. We can clearly see that God knows the end from the beginning. Nothing is hid from His understanding-He knows who will and who will not choose Him. But if you will pay particular attention to the above passage you will see again the corporate nature of election. Notice it says "whom" he foreknew. This is plural and refers to a group of people. This passage speaks to the ultimate fate of those who are part of the corporate group by faith called "the elect." God in His foreknowledge ordained that all who maintain a living faith and abide in His Son will ultimately be conformed to the image of His Son. What you do not see in this passage is God arbitrarily choosing individuals for glorification/justification, etc. Again, I know this seems elementary and perhaps redundant, but I'm trying to get the point across that the fate of the group is certain, but the fate of individuals hinges upon their response in faith to the living Christ! It is up to each individual to make his/her election sure. Why would God instruct us to make our election and calling sure, if we had no responsibility in the matter?

II Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Now that we've talked in some depth about election, let's switch gears just a bit and discuss how predestination fits in with the discussion. Here's my easy-to-understand synopsis of election and predestination. Election refers to the corporate body of Christ which God has chosen to present to Himself as a glorious, holy bride. Predestination describes what will be the ultimate end for those who are among the elect. The term literally means to "determine beforehand." Again, some would say that God determined beforehand who would be saved and condemned the rest. But an honest look at the scriptures does not paint this picture, but rather shows that He knew who would choose him and provided a plan of glorious redemption, glorification, and justification for all who would make their election and calling sure! Let's take a look at some scripture and see what God has predestined for those who are among the elect which are "in Christ":

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified

They are 1)called, 2)justified 3)glorified.

They are also destined to be conformed to the image of Jesus

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren

1.Predestined to be holy (Ephesians 1:4)
2. Predestined to be adopted (Ephesians 1:5)
3. To be redeemed (Ephesians 1:7)
4. To be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:12)(I Peter 2:9)
5. To receive the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13)(Galatians 3:14)
6. To do good works (Ephesians 2:10)

Some final remarks

Election and predestination are definitely biblical concepts. Confusion can arise when we don't understand the context of the usage of these terms. I'd like to conclude this article with an analogy I read from a very godly missionary man that I admire greatly. He has now gone on to be with the Lord but this was his overview of predestination and election-using the analogy of a huge ship on it's way to glory:

The ship (the Church) is God's chosen vessel which is destined for heaven. The ship's captain is Jesus (who is the author and finisher of our faith and the "Captain" of our salvation. All who desire to come aboard the ship may do so by responding to the invitation by a living faith in Christ. At that point, they may then come aboard the ship. As long as one remains on the ship and remains "in Him" he is one of the elect. If he chooses to abandon the ship or it's Captain, he ceases to be one of the elect. Election is always contingent upon our being "in Him." Predestination speaks of the ship's destination and what the Lord has prepared for those who remain aboard the ship. God has invited everyone to come aboard the ship and reach the final destination (heaven). It is up to us to decide whether we will come on board and remain on the ship.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely

God bless you as you study His Word!