Topical Bible: The Love of God: Exhibited in Election

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The concept of election is a profound demonstration of the love of God, as it reveals His sovereign choice and unmerited favor towards humanity. Election, in biblical terms, refers to God's selection of certain individuals or groups for a specific purpose or destiny, often associated with salvation and service. This divine choice is rooted in God's love and grace, rather than human merit or effort.

Biblical Foundation

The doctrine of election is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's sovereign will and loving purpose. In the Old Testament, God's election is evident in His choice of Israel as His covenant people. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 states, "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." Here, God's love is the basis for His election of Israel, emphasizing that His choice is an act of grace.

In the New Testament, the theme of election is further developed, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 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." This passage highlights that God's election is an expression of His love, predestining believers to be His children through Jesus Christ.

The Nature of God's Love in Election

God's love in election is characterized by its unconditional nature. Romans 9:11-13 illustrates this by recounting the account of Jacob and Esau: "Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God's purpose in election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' So it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'" This passage underscores that God's choice is not based on human actions or worthiness but on His sovereign will and love.

Furthermore, God's love in election is purposeful and redemptive. 1 Peter 2:9 affirms, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." The elect are chosen to fulfill God's purposes, to live in holiness, and to declare His praises, reflecting His love to the world.

The Assurance of God's Love in Election

The doctrine of election provides believers with profound assurance of God's love and faithfulness. Romans 8:33-39 offers a powerful declaration of this assurance: "Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" This passage reassures believers that nothing can separate them from the love of God, as His election is irrevocable and His love is eternal.

Conclusion

The love of God, as exhibited in election, is a testament to His sovereign grace and mercy. It reveals a God who chooses, calls, and redeems His people out of love, ensuring their eternal security and purpose in Him. Through election, believers are invited to rest in the assurance of God's unchanging love and to live out their calling as His chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 1:2,3
I have loved you, said the LORD. Yet you say, Wherein have you loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? said the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:11-13
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... Christ Jesus (Eph.1:4); because he could love them only ... of this doctrine ought also
to be exhibited in our ... of our election animates us to involve God, yet when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... world, the Creator and Governor of all things, who hast exhibited man as the ... with
his hand, [3638] and say: The grace of Almighty God, and the love of our ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm

Election
... Our only hope, our only plea, still hangs on grace as exhibited in the person of
Jesus Christ ... Nay, my God; since thou hast chosen me, I will love thee; I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... out of his mere free grace and love, without any ... of the reprobate, it would have
been exhibited on a ... distinguished from the lost only by the election of God. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

The Relation Between the Human Will and the Divine Agency.
... ourselves from phenomena as they are exhibited to us ... we shall find, we think, that
God is the ... as those genuine feelings of reverence and love, without which ...
/.../chapter v the relation between.htm

Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... He exhibited the same spirit that God does, who enjoys his infinite happiness ... It
would shame the dishonest politicians, to show that the love of God and man ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... Commemorating the Redeemer's dying love, and receiving a seal of all the ... And, by
some of the evangelists and apostles, the Covenant of God is exhibited as a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
... of the present day, which is merely exhibited in evangelical ... No; if ye are the servants
of God, be like ... Your love to Christ will never dishonor you; it may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs peopleimitators of him.htm

In Him: Like Him
... I love not myself, but my Lord ... his truth, and not my own ideas": then will you have
exhibited the self ... And then in the Church of God to be able to give all your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... is mentioned first because in it is exhibited to us ... the human trinity of Christian
graces: faith, hope, love. ... in the eternal counsel of God, his Foreknowledge ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 71 the gentile christian.htm