The term "Elect" in the Bible refers to those individuals or groups chosen by God for a specific purpose or destiny. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is often associated with God's sovereign will and grace. The doctrine of election is a significant theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's initiative in the salvation and calling of His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of election is primarily associated with the nation of Israel. God chose Israel as His special people, set apart to fulfill His purposes on earth. This election is not based on Israel's merit or size but on God's love and promise. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 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. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of election expands to include all believers in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the idea of election in his epistles, emphasizing that it is by God's grace and not by human works. Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, "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 New Testament also highlights the role of Jesus Christ as the Elect One, chosen by God to bring salvation to humanity. In 1 Peter 2:6 , it is written, "For it stands in Scripture: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'"

Theological Implications

The doctrine of election underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation. It affirms that God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, chooses individuals to be recipients of His grace. This choice is not based on foreseen merit or actions but solely on God's purpose and love. 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."

Practical Application

For believers, the doctrine of election provides assurance and comfort, knowing that their salvation is secure in God's eternal plan. It encourages humility, recognizing that salvation is a gift from God and not a result of personal achievement. Additionally, it motivates believers to live lives worthy of their calling, as Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:12 , "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Controversies and Debates

The doctrine of election has been a subject of theological debate throughout church history, particularly concerning the extent of God's election and human free will. Different Christian traditions interpret the doctrine in various ways, leading to diverse theological perspectives such as Calvinism and Arminianism. Despite these differences, the central affirmation remains that God is the initiator and sustainer of salvation.

Matt. xxiv. 16-18.
... "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but
for the elect's sake those days ... 2. But whom doth He here mean by the elect? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvi matt xxiv 16-18.htm

On the Mount of Olives
... And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for
the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." For more than a thousand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 69 on the mount.htm

2 Timothy ii. 7-Jan
... For it is the word of God, not ours. Human chains cannot bind the word of God.
"These things I suffer on account of the elect.". Ver.10. ...
/.../homily iv 2 timothy ii.htm

Jerusalem that Killeth the Prophets
... And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but
for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xiii jerusalem that killeth.htm

That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ...
... arise. And unless those days should be shortened, no flesh should be saved;
but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/11 that it was before.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... tribulation" to befall the church, the Saviour said: "Except those days should be
shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... tribulation" to befall the church, the Saviour said, "Except those days should be
shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but
for the elect's sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days" (Mark 13 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

The Impending Judgment
... opportunity for hasty flight, the persecutions by which that catastrophe would be
heralded, and the precipitation of the crisis for the elect's sake, were ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 13 8-16 the impending judgment.htm

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but
for the elect's sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days" (Mark 13 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 gods dealings with the.htm

Elect's (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elect's (3 Occurrences). Matthew 24:22 And except
those days should be shortened, there should no flesh ...
/e/elect's.htm - 7k

Except (236 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS NIV). Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should
no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. ...
/e/except.htm - 35k

Electrum (3 Occurrences)

/e/electrum.htm - 8k

Elegance (2 Occurrences)

/e/elegance.htm - 7k

Sakes (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may
also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (KJV). ...
/s/sakes.htm - 17k

Choose (116 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To make choice of; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more
objects offered; to elect; as, to choose the least of two evils. ...
/c/choose.htm - 54k

Chosen (197 Occurrences)
... 2) For Mankind's Sake: "Israel is elect for the sake of mankind." This is the moral
interpretation of a choice that otherwise appears arbitrary and irrational. ...
/c/chosen.htm - 53k

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