Divine Selection

Divine selection, often referred to as "election," is a theological concept that denotes God's choosing of certain individuals or groups for a specific purpose or destiny. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, divine selection is prominently seen in God's choice of Israel as His 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 sovereign will and love.

The New Testament expands on this theme, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 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." Here, divine selection is linked to God's eternal purpose and grace, emphasizing that believers are chosen in Christ.

The doctrine of election is also evident in Romans 9, where Paul discusses God's sovereign choice in the context of Israel and the Gentiles. Romans 9:15-16 states, "For He says to Moses: 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy."

Sovereignty of God

The sovereignty of God is a fundamental attribute that describes His supreme power and authority over all creation. It asserts that God is the ultimate ruler and that His will is final and absolute. This concept is foundational to understanding the nature of God and His interactions with the world.

Scripture affirms God's sovereignty in numerous passages. Psalm 115:3 declares, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases." This verse underscores God's freedom and authority to act according to His own will, without constraint or limitation.

In the book of Daniel, God's sovereignty is highlighted in the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar. After being humbled by God, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges in Daniel 4:35 , "All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'"

The New Testament continues to affirm God's sovereign rule. In Revelation 4:11 , the heavenly hosts proclaim, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be." This passage highlights God's sovereignty in creation and His rightful authority over all things.

The interplay between divine selection and sovereignty is a profound mystery that has been the subject of theological reflection and debate throughout church history. While human understanding is limited, Scripture consistently presents God as both sovereign and purposeful in His selection, working all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).