Divine Selection

Divine selection refers to the concept that God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals or groups for specific purposes, roles, or missions according to His divine will and plan. This selection is evident throughout the biblical narrative, where God calls and appoints people to fulfill His purposes on earth.

One of the earliest examples of divine selection is found in the calling of Abraham. God chose Abraham to be the father of a great nation, Israel, through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's call to Abraham: "Go from your country, your kindred, and your father’s house to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."

The concept of divine selection is further illustrated in the choosing of Israel as God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This selection was not based on Israel's merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His covenant.

In the New Testament, divine selection is evident in the calling of the apostles. Jesus chose twelve men to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission after His ascension. Mark 3:13-14 describes this selection: "Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach."

The Apostle Paul also speaks of divine selection 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."

Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the ultimate power and right of God to govern and command His creation. This authority is inherent in God's nature as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Throughout Scripture, God's authority is demonstrated in His ability to enact His will, command obedience, and establish His kingdom.

The authority of God is first seen in the act of creation. By His word, God brought the universe into existence, as described in Genesis 1:1-3 : "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."

God's authority is also evident in His law-giving. The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, represent God's moral authority over His people. Exodus 20:1-2 states, "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.'"

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies divine authority. He taught with authority, performed miracles, and forgave sins, actions that demonstrated His divine nature. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."

The apostles, as representatives of Christ, were also endowed with divine authority to preach the gospel and establish the church. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Divine authority is ultimately about God's sovereign rule and the rightful response of creation to His commands. It is a central theme in understanding the relationship between God and humanity, as well as the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.