The Other Election

My wife and I have been traveling for the past several weeks. We've covered eight states and, during that time, heard about a whole bunch of state and local elections going on in most of them. So, I’m writing about election … except … not that kind. This is about the other election.

The topic is uncomfortable for many Christians who hear “election” and think “Calvinism,” but it’s not merely Calvinism; it’s biblical. It is, in fact, unavoidably biblical. Beginning with the Old Testament, when God chooses Noah to save and restart the human race and chooses Abraham to be the father of many and Moses to lead His people and so on, Scripture is full of election … God choosing people for Himself. Paul says God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4-5). Scripture refers to God choosing individuals or groups before they choose Him, according to His own purpose and grace. He chooses out of love, not merit (Deut 7:6-8). He chooses groups, but He also chooses individuals (e.g., Gen 12:1-3; 1 Sam 16:11-13; Rom 9:10-13). Jesus taught it (e.g., John 15:16; John 6:44; Matt 22:14). It’s not based on our choices (Rom 9:10-13; John 1:12-13; Rom 9:16). It is for His purposes (Rom 9:11) and His glory (Eph 1:6). It is undeniable if you accept God’s Word as truth.

You don’t have to understand every detail of how election works to trust that it is true, that it is God’s work, and that it is not about us. Before you reject it because it feels uncomfortable, take the time to see what Scripture actually says. It may seem arbitrary (it isn’t). It may appear as if it limits human freedom (autonomy is a myth). It might feel like it’s unfair (and you don’t want “fair”). The truth is it’s right there in His Word. Don’t let modern culture shape your understanding of biblical truth. Let biblical truth shape your understanding of reality … and of the God who saves.