This word in the Scriptures has three specific meanings.
- It refers to God’s selection of nations or groups for special privileges related to performing certain duties. For example, the Jews are referred to as “a chosen nation” or “the elect.” Similarly, in the New Testament, groups of Christian individuals, or churches, are also labeled as “the elect.”
- It pertains to God’s selection of individuals for a specific role or task. For instance, Cyrus was chosen by God to facilitate the rebuilding of the Temple, and the twelve were selected to be apostles, with Paul designated as the apostle to the Gentiles.
- It indicates God’s selection of individuals to be His children, making them heirs to heaven.
Theological disputes are common regarding the understanding of the word election and at times intensely passionate concerning the particular sense and meaning. Calvinists assert that the selection of individuals for salvation is absolute and unconditional, based on an eternal divine ordinance. The Arminian view on election depends on repentance and faith; God’s decree states that anyone who genuinely repents of their sins and trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. However, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not to repent and have faith. Sufficient grace is given to everyone to empower them to make the correct choice. Both Calvinists and Arminians have found Scripture to support their theological viewpoint.
The word election is associated with three Greek words, eklektos, suneklektos, and ekloge.
The Greek word “eklektos” (ἐκλεκτός) means “chosen,” “elect,” or “picked out”. This term refers to Christ himself, who is regarded in Scripture as God’s “chosen one”, the Messiah. Christ was chosen to carry out a specific mission. Additionally, it is used metaphorically to describe Christ as a ‘living Stone’ and ‘the chief cornerstone’. The term also applies to angels, who are chosen to serve God and act as His messengers to humanity. Furthermore, it is used for believers in relation to the calling they have received.
The word “suneklektos,” which combines “sun” (together) and “eklektos” (chosen), means chosen with others or chosen in fellowship.
The Greek word “ekloge” (ἐκλογή), which means “a selection” or “a choosing out”. The term literally means “a chosen vessel.” It appears four times in Romans; in Acts 9:11, concerning Esau and Jacob, where “the purpose … according to election” essentially parallels “the electing purpose;” in Acts 11:5, the “remnant according to the election of grace” pertains to believing Jews, saved from the non-believing nation; similarly in Acts 11:7; and in Acts 11:28, “the election” may refer to either the “act of choosing” or the “chosen ones.” The choice relates to a nation designated to carry out a special role for God in the world. In 1 Thess. 1:4, “your election” does not pertain to the church as a whole, but rather to the individual members within it; the Apostle’s confidence in their “election” serves as the basis for his gratitude. Believers are encouraged to exert “more diligence to make their calling and election certain,” indicating that election is not a fixed fate regarding salvation, but an appointment to serve that can be secured through our efforts.
Election has more to do with service for God than it does about salvation.
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