The teaching of the Bible is that God did not merely plan to give salvation to those who would choose to believe, but rather that He actually determined beforehand those who would be chosen for salvation (Matthew 22:14; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:28-30; Romans 9:7-24; Ephesians 1:4-5, 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9). In other words, we respond in faith to God’s choice of us and His election of us is not based upon anything we do.
Election must be seen from God’s perspective rather than man’s perspective. God has the right to be more gracious to some than to others (Matthew 20:1-15; Romans 9:14-24). Also, God has been more gracious to some than to others in the past (Psalm 147:20; Romans 3:1-2; John 15:16; Acts 9:15). God does not owe us anything in order to be just (Romans 9:6-24). Salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Therefore, unless God graciously takes the initiative on our behalf to save us from our sin, we will be in rebellion and destined for destruction. Salvation is totally the work of God and even our faith is God’s gift to us (Ephesians 2:8-9). He has chosen us from the beginning for salvation (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
Election is taught to assure us of God’s faithfulness (Romans 8:28-30). God will complete the process of salvation (Philippians 1:6).
The reason the doctrine of election is necessary in the New Testament is because it is important for our maturity in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we understand God’s grace more fully, we will respond in thankfulness for His goodness toward us by obeying Him.
The ultimate question of why God chose some for salvation and left others in their sinful state is one that we, with our limited knowledge, cannot answer. God is God and we are not. But by reading the new testament it is very obvious that God elects and God keeps till the end.
Tags: 2 thessalonians 2, 2 timothy 1, answer god, bible, doctrine of election, elect, ephesians 1, ephesians 2, faithfulness, god is god, new testament, philippians, process of salvation, psalm 147, rebellion, romans, romans 8, sinful state, thankfulness