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The concept of being "elected" or "chosen" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's sovereign will and purpose in selecting individuals or groups for specific roles, blessings, or salvation. This divine election underscores God's initiative in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of being chosen by God is evident from the earliest narratives. In Genesis, God chooses Abraham to be the father of a great nation, Israel, through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). This election is reiterated inDeuteronomy 7:6, where Moses reminds the Israelites, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth."

The election of Israel is not based on their merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His promises (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). This theme of divine choice is further illustrated in the selection of individuals like David, whom God chose to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13).

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the concept of election expands to include the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus speaks of His followers as chosen, saying, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain" (John 15:16). This indicates a purposeful selection for service and spiritual fruitfulness.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on the doctrine of election in his epistles. InEphesians 1:4-5, he writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." Here, election is linked to God's eternal purpose and grace, emphasizing that believers are chosen in Christ.

Paul also addresses the topic inRomans 8:29-30, where he outlines the golden chain of salvation: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son... And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of God's electing work, from foreknowledge to glorification.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of election raises important theological questions about God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Scripture affirms that God's choice is based on His will and purpose, not human merit (Romans 9:11-16). Yet, it also calls individuals to respond in faith and obedience, as seen in2 Peter 1:10: "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble."

Practical Applications

Believers are encouraged to find assurance and comfort in their election, knowing it is rooted in God's unchanging love and purpose. This assurance is meant to inspire holiness and mission, as the elect are called to be a light to the world and to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9).

In summary, the biblical teaching on election underscores God's sovereign grace and the believer's call to live out their chosen status in faithfulness and service.Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Nave's Topical Index

On the Providence of God
... inspection and oversight of God, according to which he exercises ageneral care
over... good of the whole, especially of those men who arechosen orelected....

The First DelegatedGeneral Conference of 1812
... each vacant district, one of whom shall bechosen. And the presiding elder soelected
and appointed... question ever brought before theGeneral Conference, than...

Rejection of Errors
... of God unto eternal life: the onegeneral and indefinite... is more worthy than he who
is notchosen; and that... met by those who will be fullyelected, and are...

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... A minister should be lawfully called andchosen by the... 3:2; Titus 1:5). Whenelected,
a minister... We do not disapprovegeneral or oecumenical councils if they...

General Conference of 1824
... John Emory, DD, waselected to fill the vacancy, and... the hands of those whom you
hadchosen to be... quite as much, yet in our presentGeneral Conference, which...

From the Close of theGeneral Conference of 1816 to the...
... best answer the character of ageneral itinerating superintendency... at the time Richard
Whatcoat waschosen to that... not Jesse Lee should have beenelected to the...

TheGeneral Conference of 1836
... the 23d of May, Beverly Waugh waselected on the... by order and in behalf of theGeneral
Conference of... think that their measures were ill-chosen, their arguments...

Anti-Romanistic Attitude.
... The chairmen wereelected and changed at pleasure even during... as not to be connected
with theGeneral Synod; yet... in common, are called 'achosen generation, a...

From the Close of theGeneral Conference of 1832 to the Beginning...
... department of labor which he hadchosen for himself... month of September, 1820, he
waselected by the... Thegeneral facts being communicated to the world through...

General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
... Chanters in the ancient church, howchosen, [438]132.... 717]22, [718]26, [719]123;
general, proposed by... bishop of Mitylene, deposed, [968]70;elected bishop of...

Why did God choose Israel to be His chosen people? | GotQuestions.org

Is it possible for a person to be saved but not predestined? | GotQuestions.org

Are Jews saved because they are God's chosen people? Will Jews go to Heaven even if they do not trust in Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Chosen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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