Election

We all know the doctrine of election. It's from Calvin ... or, at least, Calvinism. Thought up out of thin air. Should be jettisoned. Election ... yeah, right. Like God chooses people whom He will save. What drivel! But ...

Turns out that Paul spoke often of election. He says God "chose us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4) and "predestined us for adoption" (Eph 1:5). He refers to believers as "the elect" and says such amazing things like, "So then He has mercy on whomever He wills, and He hardens whomever He wills" (Rom 9:18) and "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy" (Rom 9:16). He says a lot. So apparently Paul is confused on this point.

But ... it turns out that Jesus said it before Paul did. He told His disciples, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16, 19). He told people about His sheep (John 10:16) that He knew but didn't yet exist. In fact, being His sheep was a prerequisite for faith (John 10:26}. He said, "No one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father" (John 6:65). So ... apparently Jesus was in favor of the idea. But ... maybe it was just a New Testament idea. Or ... not.

Turns out the doctrine of election has been in effect practically from the beginning. God chose Noah. God chose Abraham. God chose the nation of Israel. It is actually a primary theme of Scripture. It is apparently a fundamental concept in the Bible. And, of course, it is abundantly logical. I mean, if we're dead in sin (Eph 2:1-3), how in the world do we get to choose if we get saved? If we're naturally hostile to God (Rom 8:7), how would we possibly get to choosing Him? It seems as if it is necessary that God initiate this process if it's going to happen. It must be without any value in us or it won't be grace. Maybe ... just maybe ... it's a thoroughly reasonable and biblical idea.