Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Elect of God" ascribed to Christ emphasizes His unique and divinely appointed role in the redemptive plan of God. This designation underscores the preeminence and the chosen status of Jesus Christ in fulfilling the purposes of God, particularly in the context of salvation and the establishment of His kingdom.
The concept of being "elect" or "chosen" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God selects individuals or groups for specific purposes. In the case of Christ, His election is not merely a selection among equals but a divine appointment that reflects His eternal relationship with the Father and His central role in the divine plan.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 42:1 · "Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations."
This prophetic passage from Isaiah is often understood as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. The term "My Chosen One" highlights the special status of the Messiah as the one selected by God to bring justice and salvation to the world. The delight of God in His Chosen One signifies the perfect obedience and righteousness of Christ.
2.
1 Peter 2:4 · "As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight,"
Here, the Apostle Peter refers to Christ as the "living stone," emphasizing His rejection by humanity but His election and preciousness in the sight of God. This duality of rejection and election underscores the paradox of Christ's earthly ministry and His divine mission.
3.
Luke 9:35 · "And a voice came from the cloud, saying, 'This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him!'"
During the Transfiguration, the voice of God the Father affirms Jesus as His chosen Son, commanding the disciples to heed His words. This divine endorsement reinforces the authority and the elect status of Christ as the one through whom God reveals His will.
Theological Significance:The title "Elect of God" carries profound theological implications. It affirms the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of salvation history and the centrality of Christ in that divine narrative. As the Elect, Christ embodies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the realization of God's covenant promises.
Moreover, the election of Christ serves as the foundation for the election of believers. In union with Christ, the Elect One, believers are also chosen by God to be part of His redemptive plan. This connection is articulated in passages such as
Ephesians 1:4, where believers are described as chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
In summary, the title "Elect of God" as applied to Christ encapsulates His divine appointment, His fulfillment of messianic prophecies, and His role as the cornerstone of God's salvific work. Through His election, believers find their own identity and purpose within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit on him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... the Gospels and the Apostles and in the prophets a countless number of titles which
are ... But Isaiah knows Christ to be spoken of under the names of Jacob ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts of those ... Just
for a few moments think of some of the familiar titles and names of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... There are several names and titles in Scripture given to Christ, as the great restorer
of mankind: [1 ... [3] Christ is called a Mediator in the text. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... Here it will be proper to point out the titles which the ... full vigor of life, he hence
obtains the names of "Oil ... our minds are intent on the Spirit, Christ is in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm
Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... purpose and design; in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable
to ... ornament worn by the high priest, so the names of Christ's elect were His ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
The Immutability of God
... in classes with well nigh unutterable names; he may ... and no Josiah and no Christ,
because Christ came from ... place, persons who enjoy peculiar rights and titles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the immutability of god.htm
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... holy and elect, will consider how to sustain his honors and titles, how to ... So Paul
names no work. ... Jesus when we by faith hold fast the fact that Christ is in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm
Rom. xvi. 5
... unworthy of Heaven, as not to think that names only, but ... For those are mere titles
of rank (timhes), but these ... And, "Ye received me even as Jesus Christ." (ib. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm
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