Election of Saints, Is: Personal
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The doctrine of the election of saints is a profound and often debated topic within Christian theology, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in the salvation of individuals. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, selects certain individuals to be recipients of His saving grace, not based on their merit but according to His divine purpose and will.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of election is woven throughout the Scriptures, with key passages highlighting its personal nature. In Ephesians 1:4-5 (BSB), the Apostle 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." This passage underscores the personal aspect of election, indicating that God's choice is intentional and rooted in love.

Similarly, in Romans 8:29-30 (BSB), Paul elaborates on the process of election, stating, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." Here, the personal nature of election is evident in the sequence of divine actions leading to the ultimate glorification of the believer.

Theological Implications

The personal election of saints highlights the intimate relationship between God and the individual believer. It affirms that salvation is not a random or impersonal act but a deliberate choice by God, who knows each person by name. This understanding provides believers with a profound sense of security and assurance, knowing that their salvation is anchored in God's unchanging purpose.

Moreover, the personal nature of election emphasizes God's initiative in the salvation process. As Jesus declares in John 15:16 (BSB), "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you." This reinforces the idea that it is God who initiates and sustains the believer's faith journey.

Practical Considerations

The doctrine of personal election calls believers to a life of humility and gratitude. Recognizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort, should inspire a response of worship and service. As Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:12 (BSB), "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Furthermore, the personal election of saints serves as a motivation for evangelism and discipleship. While God's election is sovereign, believers are called to participate in His redemptive work by sharing the gospel and nurturing others in the faith. The assurance of God's election provides confidence that He will draw His chosen ones to Himself through the faithful proclamation of His Word.

Conclusion

The personal election of saints is a testament to God's sovereign grace and love, underscoring the intimate relationship He desires with each believer. It is a doctrine that offers profound assurance and calls for a life of gratitude, humility, and active participation in God's redemptive mission.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 22:14
And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 John 1:13
The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Election
... Sovereign grace we here receive.". We know it is personal election. ... you are elect.
I am not afraid of election frightening poor saints or sinners. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm

Personal Characteristics.
... During the time of our personal acquaintance with ... assailing predestination and election,
maintaining the ... final perseverance of the saints, emphasizing strongly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vi personal characteristics.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... hitherto, the saints have had no personal and clear ... addressed his epistles to the
elect saints, for example ... to be satisfied of their own election and saintship ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... all nations in a glorious spiritual, or personal reign ... He hath made us kings and
PRIESTS." Saints are not ... Aaron." But we have that calling and election; we were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... repentance, faith, and holiness, are the personal requisites in ... of making our calling
and election sure, and that the final perseverance of saints, though it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm

The Interpretation of the Articles.
... a general creed; and he was in intimate personal connection with ... wisdom and moderation,
dwelling exclusively on the election of saints or predestination to ...
/.../ 81 the interpretation of.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... This correspondence is an interesting testimony not only to his personal worth,
but also ... X. The Predestination of God and the Election of Saints."God has ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... Here then the saints take shelter from the roaring of the devil, from the raging ...
The rainbow, that is, as I have said, the personal performances of Christ thy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Baptists.
... sin; honored the law by his personal obedience, and ... OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE."That
election is the ... OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS."That such only are real ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

Analysis of Arminian Methodism
... he arrives at the point of personal responsibility. ... and the unchangeable decree of
God's election, and which ... conditioned by the perseverance of saints as the ...
/.../ 111 analysis of arminian.htm

Resources
What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.org

What is the doctrine of election? | GotQuestions.org

How are predestination and election connected with foreknowledge? | GotQuestions.org

Election: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Election

Election of Christ, As Messiah

Election of Churches

Election of Good Angels

Election of Grace

Election of Grace of Christ As Messiah

Election of Grace of Churches

Election of Grace of Good Angels

Election of Grace of Israel

Election of Grace of Ministers

Election of Israel

Election of Ministers

Election of Rulers by Lot

Election of Saints, Is by Christ

Election of Saints, Is for the Glory of God

Election of Saints, Is in Christ

Election of Saints, Is of God

Election of Saints, Is of Grace

Election of Saints, Is: According to the Foreknowledge of God

Election of Saints, Is: According to the Purpose of God

Election of Saints, Is: Eternal

Election of Saints, Is: Irrespective of Merit

Election of Saints, Is: Personal

Election of Saints, Is: Recorded in Heaven

Election of Saints, Is: Sovereign

Election of Saints, Is: Through Faith

Election of Saints, Is: Through Sanctification of the Spirit

Election of Saints, Is: To Adoption

Election of Saints, Is: To Conformity With Christ

Election of Saints, Is: To Eternal Glory

Election of Saints, Is: To Good Works

Election of Saints, Is: To Salvation

Election of Saints, Is: To Spiritual Warfare

Election: Abram

Election: Apostles

Election: Ensures to Saints: Acceptance With God

Election: Ensures to Saints: Belief in Christ

Election: Ensures to Saints: Blessedness

Election: Ensures to Saints: Divine Teaching

Election: Ensures to Saints: Effectual Calling

Election: Ensures to Saints: Protection

Election: Ensures to Saints: The Inheritance

Election: Ensures to Saints: Vindication of Their Wrongs

Election: Ensures to Saints: Working of all Things for Good

Election: Isaac

Election: Jacob

Election: Paul

Election: Rufus

Election: Saints May Have Assurance of

Election: should be Evidenced by Diligence

Election: should Lead to Cultivation of Graces

Election: Zerubbabel

Electioneering by Absalom

Electioneering by Adonijah

Elections

Related Terms

Predestination

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Return (499 Occurrences)

Chosen (197 Occurrences)

Choose (116 Occurrences)

Foreknow (1 Occurrence)

Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences)

Lady (37 Occurrences)

Matthias (2 Occurrences)

Poll (5 Occurrences)

Saul (371 Occurrences)

Electrum (3 Occurrences)

Beloved (117 Occurrences)

Calling (145 Occurrences)

Judicial (2 Occurrences)

Empire (8 Occurrences)

Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence)

Unchangeable (4 Occurrences)

Bishop (4 Occurrences)

Zealous (40 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Gibeah (52 Occurrences)

Worthless (103 Occurrences)

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)

Forordination

Foreordain

Twins (9 Occurrences)

Thomas (12 Occurrences)

Tiberius (1 Occurrence)

Remnant (157 Occurrences)

Regards (43 Occurrences)

Rebekah (31 Occurrences)

Refer (4 Occurrences)

Electing (1 Occurrence)

Enemies (317 Occurrences)

Doctor (5 Occurrences)

Diligent (33 Occurrences)

Military (44 Occurrences)

Precinct (1 Occurrence)

Blinded (15 Occurrences)

Courts (59 Occurrences)

Calls (62 Occurrences)

Concerned (45 Occurrences)

Calleth (261 Occurrences)

Confirm (39 Occurrences)

Campaign (3 Occurrences)

Carry (246 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Asiarch

Sakes (35 Occurrences)

Scrutiny (3 Occurrences)

Standpoint (1 Occurrence)

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)

Andrew (12 Occurrences)

Ordination (12 Occurrences)

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)

Ordain (13 Occurrences)

Diligence (31 Occurrences)

Continue (144 Occurrences)

Touching (121 Occurrences)

Kings (350 Occurrences)

Judas (42 Occurrences)

Eager (43 Occurrences)

Either (152 Occurrences)

Apostle (25 Occurrences)

Bad (129 Occurrences)

Abide (162 Occurrences)

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)

Roman (26 Occurrences)

Heavens (548 Occurrences)

Stumble (89 Occurrences)

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)

Loved (249 Occurrences)

Earth (10501 Occurrences)

Born (228 Occurrences)

Father's (251 Occurrences)

Tidings (169 Occurrences)

Sake (241 Occurrences)

Fathers (572 Occurrences)

Election of Saints, Is: Irrespective of Merit
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