What is Election in the Bible?
Quick Summary
Election in the Bible refers to God’s sovereign choice. It is God’s gracious act of selecting a people for salvation, service, and relationship with himself. It is rooted in eternity, grounded in Christ, and lived out in faith and love. Christians hold different emphases, but all agree that the gospel is grace, not merit, and that God’s purpose in election leads his people to praise.
Introduction
The doctrine of election often raises questions: “Why did God choose me?” “What about those who didn’t seem to be chosen?” “Does this mean I can’t lose my salvation—or must I somehow prove I am chosen?” These questions reflect the tension and mystery in Scripture. In the Bible, election is not simply a theological puzzle. It is a source of comfort, identity, and mission for God’s people.
When the apostle wrote, “you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Colossians 1:5–6), he placed election in union with Christ and in the context of hearing and believing. The doctrine invites us to worship, not just to wonder.
The Meaning of Election in Scripture
The term “elect” or “election” (Greek eklektos, ekloge) means “chosen” or “selection” (see [turn0search14] and [turn0search0]). In Scripture the concept appears both in the Old Testament and New, with rich implications:
God chose Israel as his covenant people: “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession” (Deuteronomy 14:2).
In the New Testament, Paul writes: “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4).
He also writes of “your election, brothers and sisters” (1 Thessalonians 1:4).
And “those whom he foreknew he also predestined… those whom he predestined he also called” (Romans 8:29–30).
From these and related texts, election is seen as:
God’s initiative.
Rooted in Christ (“in him”).
Having purpose (holiness, blamelessness, praise).
Having means (calling, justification, glorification).
Leading to welfare of those chosen and ultimately the glory of God.
Where the Bible Talks About Election
Key passages:
Ephesians 1:3-14 – Election in Christ, sealed by the Spirit.
Romans 9-11 – Election and mercy, using Israel’s history.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Affirmation of “your election.”
1 Peter 1:1-2 – “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…”
Acts 13:48 – “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”
These verses use election language in the context of hearing the gospel, faith, perseverance, and mission. They show that election is not detached from the human story of hearing, believing, and living.
Election and Human Responsibility
A big question: If God elects, what role does human choice play? Scripture holds both: God’s choice and human response.
Jesus said: “All that the Father gives me will come to me” (John 6:37), yet he also says: “Come to me… and drink” (John 7:37).
Paul urged: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Election is not passive fatalism. It is God choosing, then people responding in faith and obedience. The mystery remains, but the implications are lived out: we preach, believe, obey, witness, love.
How Christian Traditions Have Understood Election
Augustinian/Reformed Emphasis
Augustine wrote that precursory grace enables the will: we cannot turn to God without him first acting.
John Calvin described election as the “eternal decree” by which God determined our destiny in Christ (Institutes, III.21-24). Election is unconditional; it is not based on foreseen faith or works.
Lutheran Emphasis
Luther affirmed that sinful humanity cannot choose God apart from grace. Election is rooted in Christ. He rejected speculation about who is or is not elected beyond Scripture’s comfort.
Wesleyan/Arminian Emphasis
John Wesley emphasized God’s universal love and prevenient grace. Election is conditional in the sense that it is realized in those who respond to Christ. The offer is genuine for all.
Roman Catholic Perspective
Catholic teaching affirms election to glory, stressing God’s grace and human cooperation. God elects, redeems, sustains, and calls the believer to perseverance in faith and holiness.
Eastern Orthodox Perspective
The Orthodox view emphasizes synergy between God’s initiative and human response. Election is both personal and communal — God’s purpose for the whole of humanity to become like Christ.
Key Distinctions to Keep Clear
Election vs Predestination: Election speaks of God’s choice of a people; predestination often speaks of the destiny he has for them (see Romans 8:29-30).
Individual vs Corporate election: Election in Scripture can apply to Israel, the church, and individuals. Some argue strongly for corporate election (see [turn0search37]).
Unconditional vs Conditional election: Does God choose apart from any condition (unconditional)? Or based on foreseen faith (conditional)? Scripture affirms both God’s initiative and the call to respond.
Election and the gospel offer: God’s calling is universal, the offer genuine. This ensures mission remains urgent and compassionate.
Voices from the Tradition
Augustine: “He who created you without you will not justify you without you.”
John Calvin: “Christ is the mirror of our election.” (Institutes, III.24.5)
Martin Luther: “The human will after the fall is not free to choose God without grace.”
John Wesley: “The grace of God is free for all and free in all.”
Thomas Aquinas: “God’s providence orders all things. Predestination to glory is by grace, and grace heals and perfects nature.” (Summa, I, q.23)
Karl Barth: “Jesus Christ is both the electing God and the elected man.” (Church Dogmatics II/2)
Meaning for Today
Election reassures us that God’s love precedes our faith. It gives us identity: we are God’s people, chosen not for privilege, but for service and worship. It humbles us: we did nothing to earn it. It sends us: if we are chosen, we are sent into the world as the elect community bearing the gospel.
In tensions of life—doubt, rejection, failure—election reassures. “He chose us,” says Scripture, “to be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 1:4). And God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Let election shape your daily life: worship often, serve humbly, witness boldly, hope confidently. The God who chose you is faithful.
FAQ
What does “election” mean in the Bible?
It means God’s choice of a people for himself and for salvation, grounded in Christ and revealed in Scripture.
Does election mean that some people are predestined to hell?
Scripture affirms God’s mercy and justice. While traditions disagree on some details, none teach that election makes God the author of sin or removes our call to respond.
Can I lose my election?
Different traditions answer differently on perseverance. Scripture encourages us to live in faith, hope, and love, seeking to continue in the grace we have received.
How should election affect my view of mission?
It fuels mission: because God chose a people, he calls us to share the gospel. Election assures us the gospel is not wasted when faithfully proclaimed.
What if I struggle with the concept?
Let it drive you to Christ. The goal of election is worship, not anxiety. Rest in the One chosen for you.
