Understanding Election
A study exploring the concept of divine election and its implications for salvation.
1. Understanding Divine Election
1.1 God's Purpose and Choice
Verses: Romans 9:11; Romans 9:16
- Election is based on God's purpose, not human works.
- It demonstrates God's sovereignty in salvation.
- God's choice precedes any action on our part.
1.2 Foreknowledge and Predestination
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 10:43
- God's foreknowledge is not merely seeing future events, but includes foreordaining a plan of salvation.
- Predestination is to be conformed to the image of His Son, achieved through obedience to His Word.
- This plan is revealed through repentance, water baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
2. Election and the Gospel Message
2.1 The Role of Grace and Faith
Verses: John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21
- Salvation is entirely by grace, a free gift from God.
- Faith is the means by which we receive God's grace.
- This faith is demonstrated through obedience to the Gospel, including water baptism.
2.2 The Importance of Obedience
Verses: Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:4
- Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection are essential.
- Receiving the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is a vital part of the salvation experience.
- Obedience to the complete Gospel message is necessary for salvation.
3. Election and God's Love
3.1 God's Desire for All to Be Saved
Verses: 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9
- God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
- He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.
- His election does not negate His universal love and offer of salvation.
3.2 The Great Commission and Election
Verses: Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47
- The Great Commission calls us to preach the Gospel to all nations.
- Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations.
- Election should motivate us to share the Gospel with everyone, knowing God desires their salvation.
4. Election in Christ
4.1 Chosen in Him Before the Foundation of the World
Verses: Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29-30
- We were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless.
- God predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.
- This predestination is according to the purpose of His will.
4.2 The Exclusive Way of Salvation
Verses: John 14:6; Acts 4:12
- Jesus is the only way to the Father.
- There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
- Election is centered in Jesus Christ and His saving work.