Doctrine of Election: Why I believe God has already chosen who to save
The Doctrine of Election, associated with Calvinism, presupposes that God chose certain people from eternity past to be saved. God willfully brought them into the path of Christ, even if they didn’t choose that road. Hence, “the elect.”
Therefore, the individuals that God chose are ultimately uninfluenced by human merit. Election is the direct choice made by God, while predestination refers to the predetermined decision preceding time, according to John MacArthur.
The apostle Paul best exemplifies the Doctrine of Election. Although He loved God, he was determined to destroy Jews who converted to Christianity. When Jesus revealed Himself, his eyes literary opened to the Gospel of truth.
In short, Paul believed in Christ after the encounter, not because he wanted to.
Our response
Scripture emphasizes human responsibility for sin and God’s universal love through common grace. Understanding election reveals profound salvation truths, leading to authentic conversion marked by a transformed life pursuing holiness and obedience, distinct from a superficial change of heart.
God of justice and mercy
Apologist R.C. Sproul explains the doctrine: Suppose ten people sin and sin equally. God punishes five of them and is merciful to the other five. Is this injustice?
In this situation, five people get justice, and five get mercy. No one receives injustice. Mercy is voluntary. God said, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”
God’s sovereignty can take over our will.
Man’s free will or God’s will?
After Jesus returned to heaven, we rarely hear Jesus physically appear to save someone. Few, like Nabeel Qureshi, experienced God in visions and dreams. But the rest of us have the “free will” to choose God.
Whether or not God chose us or we can choose Jesus, the gift of God is freely given. We have no part in it except to accept his offer of salvation humbly.
Romans 8:6-7
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”
John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father sent me draws him. And I will raise him at the last day.”
God wants everyone to be saved, but not everyone will choose Jesus.
God wants everyone saved
God wants everyone to be saved—but not everyone will choose Jesus. God’s omniscience determines who these people are and those who will reject His offer. Nonetheless, the offer is for everyone.
I refused to come to Christ and repent, but God kept putting me back on the road of repentance. Technically, we do not accept Jesus; he accepts us.
The bottom line is that those who are destined for heaven are chosen by God, and He wants all of them to be saved. He predetermined specific individuals to be saved, independent of their merits or actions because no one comes to Jesus unless God wills it.
To undermine the doctrine of election is to undermine God’s sovereignty.
Matthew 22:14
“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
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