The term "Elect of God" is a significant title used to describe the saints, those individuals who have been chosen by God for a special purpose and relationship with Him. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and reflects the divine initiative in the salvation and sanctification of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of election is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's sovereign choice and grace. In the Old Testament, the concept begins with God's selection of Israel as His chosen 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 the peoples on the face of the earth."

In the New Testament, the term "Elect of God" is explicitly used to describe believers in Christ. Colossians 3:12 exhorts, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Here, the apostle Paul addresses the Colossian church, affirming their status as God's chosen ones and urging them to live in a manner worthy of their calling.

Theological Significance

The title "Elect of God" underscores the doctrine of divine election, which holds that God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals to be recipients of His grace and salvation. This election is not based on human merit or foreseen faith but solely on God's mercy and purpose. Ephesians 1:4-5 articulates this truth: "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."

Election is closely associated with the concepts of predestination and calling. Romans 8:29-30 explains, "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."

Practical Implications

For the saints, being the "Elect of God" carries profound implications for their identity and conduct. It assures believers of their secure position in Christ, as their salvation is rooted in God's unchanging purpose. This assurance is a source of comfort and encouragement, especially in times of trial and persecution.

Moreover, the title calls the saints to a life of holiness and service. As God's chosen people, they are set apart to reflect His character and to fulfill His mission in the world. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "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."

Conclusion

The title "Elect of God" is a profound expression of God's grace and sovereignty in the lives of believers. It highlights the divine initiative in salvation and the calling of the saints to live as holy and beloved children of God. Through this identity, the saints are empowered to live out their faith with confidence and purpose, knowing they are part of God's eternal plan.Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That Worthy Name.
... Oh, the titles, the attributes, the names, the glories ... a few hundred of the descriptions
of that worthy Name are known to God's Saints; but there are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... to rise and be the shepherd of the saints, but Christ. ... omit consideration of most
of the great names we have ... As to the former titles, they look for any account ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... and elect, will consider how to sustain his honors and titles, how to ... then, that
in a mysterious way Christ is in his saints, and beware ... So Paul names no work. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy
and triumph of saints. ... There are several names and titles in Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... of Heaven, as not to think that names only, but ... For those are mere titles of rank
(timhes), but these ... the name of Brethren, some by the appellation of Saints. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

Vanity of Human Glory.
... has been the happiness of many saints who have ... and skill, and perseverance, with
its proud titles of honour ... Your names will be written in Heaven, with those of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xii vanity of human.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of
his saints on earth ... Our high priest has all the names and wants of his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... true piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles, as
when the temple is called ... case it not only comprehends the saints who dwell ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

City of God
... Which the Pagans Have Called by the Names of Their ... the Spirits of the Air, But by
Abiding in God. Chapter 22.--Whence the Saints Derive Power Against Demons ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

What are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.org

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