Divine Selection and Appointment refer to the sovereign act of God in choosing individuals or groups for specific purposes, roles, or missions according to His divine will and purpose. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God's choices are seen as expressions of His wisdom, grace, and ultimate plan for humanity.

Old Testament Foundations

The theme of divine selection is evident from the earliest narratives of the Old Testament. God’s choice of individuals often defies human expectations, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace. For instance, God selected Abraham to be the father of a great nation, despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's call to Abraham: "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you."

Similarly, God's selection of Israel as His chosen people is a central theme. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." This choice was not based on Israel's merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His covenant.

Prophets and Kings

The appointment of prophets and kings further illustrates divine selection. God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt (Exodus 3:10-12). Similarly, David was chosen to be king over Israel, even though he was the youngest of Jesse's sons and seemingly an unlikely candidate (1 Samuel 16:7): "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'"

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, divine selection is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the chosen Messiah. Jesus' selection is affirmed at His baptism, where a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Jesus, in turn, selects His apostles, emphasizing that their appointment is divinely ordained: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain" (John 15:16).

The apostle Paul also speaks extensively about divine selection, particularly in the context of salvation. In Ephesians 1:4-5 , Paul writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will."

The Church and Spiritual Gifts

Divine appointment extends to the Church, where believers are endowed with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:18 , Paul explains, "But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design." This underscores the belief that each believer's role and function within the Church are divinely appointed.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, divine selection and appointment highlight God's sovereign will and purpose. Whether in the calling of individuals like Abraham, Moses, and David, or in the establishment of the Church, God's choices are marked by grace, purpose, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for humanity.