Divine Selection

Divine selection refers to the process by which God chooses individuals or groups for specific purposes, roles, or blessings. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God's sovereign will and purpose are revealed through His choices. Divine selection is evident throughout Scripture, beginning with the patriarchs and extending to the New Testament Church.

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Abraham: God selected Abraham to be the father of a great nation, Israel. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God calls Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great.
· Israel: The nation of Israel is chosen as God's special 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."
· David: God selected David to be king over Israel, bypassing his older brothers. In 1 Samuel 16:7 , the LORD tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

2. New Testament Examples:
· The Apostles: Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His apostles, as seen in Mark 3:13-14 : "Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach."
· The Church: Believers in Christ are described as chosen by God. Ephesians 1:4 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence."

Divine Testing

Divine testing involves trials or challenges permitted or orchestrated by God to refine, strengthen, or reveal the character and faith of individuals or groups. Testing is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving as a means for God to accomplish His purposes in the lives of His people.

1. Purpose of Testing:
· Refinement and Growth: Testing is often used to purify and mature believers. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
· Revelation of Faith: Testing reveals the genuineness of one's faith. 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

2. Biblical Examples of Testing:
· Abraham: God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Genesis 22:1-2 records, "Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he answered. 'Take your son,' God said, 'your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.'"
· Job: The account of Job illustrates divine testing through suffering. Job 1:8-12 describes how God allowed Satan to test Job's righteousness, resulting in profound loss and suffering, yet Job remained faithful.
· Israel in the Wilderness: The Israelites were tested during their journey in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 8:2 states, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments."

Divine selection and testing are integral to understanding God's interaction with humanity. Through these processes, God accomplishes His divine purposes, shaping His people for His glory and their ultimate good.