The Teaching of Scripture
The Teaching of Scripture Scripture does not present God's decrees as abstract ideas; instead, they unfold before us in the story of history. God reveals himself as Lord over all creation, showing his authority through his acts of creation, preservation, and governance. This is also true of election
(God's choosing) and reprobation (God's passing over others). In the Old Testament, these are not introduced as eternal decrees but appear throughout history as observable events.
From the very beginning, humanity was divided into two lines: Seth's God-fearing descendants (Genesis 4:25–26; 5:1–32) and Cain's descendants, who moved further from God (Genesis 4:17–24). When these lines intermarried and wickedness grew, Noah alone found favor with God (Genesis 6). After the flood, blessings were given to Shem and Japheth, but a curse was pronounced on Canaan (Genesis
9:25–27). Later, Abraham was chosen from Shem's descendants (Genesis 12), and within Abraham's family, Isaac, not Ishmael, became the child of promise (Genesis 17:19–21). Similarly, Jacob was loved while Esau was rejected (Genesis 25:23; Malachi 1:2). Even among Jacob's sons, Judah was given a place of primacy (Genesis
49).
Israel as a nation was chosen to be God's treasured possession, not because of its worthiness, but because of God's mercy and everlasting love (Deuteronomy 7:6–8; Jeremiah 31:3). However, many within Israel broke the covenant, creating a distinction between those who were Israelites only outwardly and those who truly belonged to God's promise (Romans 2:28–29). God's purpose in choosing Israel was for them to be holy, set apart for his glory (Exodus 19:5; Psalm
135:4).
Throughout Israel's history, there are examples of specific people and places being chosen for unique roles: Jerusalem as God's dwelling place, Moses as mediator, Levi for the priesthood, David for kingship, and prophets for their office. Above all, the Messiah was chosen as the redeemer of God's people, representing Israel as the servant of the Lord (Isaiah 42:1).
Although these choices appear as historical events, they are rooted in God's eternal plan. Scripture teaches that God's wisdom and knowledge uphold all things (Psalm 104:24). He knows the future and reveals it through prophecy (Isaiah 46:10). Our days are numbered in his book before they even begin (Psalm 139:16). This idea points forward to the New Testament, where the "Book of Life" includes the names of those who will inherit eternal life (Revelation
20:12).
God's plan, or "counsel," governs everything that happens. His decisions are perfect, needing no advice or assistance (Isaiah 40:13).
His purposes are always accomplished, and nothing can stand against them (Isaiah 46:10). Even the plans of God's enemies are ultimately nullified (Psalm 33:10).
The New Testament speaks even more clearly about God's eternal plan. Everything happens according to "the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). This includes even human sin, such as the betrayal of Judas or the hardening of Pharaoh's heart
(Romans 9:17–18). God's sovereignty extends to determining the times and places where people live (Acts 17:26) and even the rejection or salvation of individuals (Romans 9:13–22).
Yet, this plan also includes redemption through Jesus Christ. While some stumble over him, others are raised up by him (Luke 2:34). All
things work together under God's perfect will, revealing his justice, mercy, and sovereign purpose for creation.
God's Plan of Redemption The Bible describes God's plan, or "counsel," as central to his work of redeeming humanity. The New Testament uses several terms to explain this plan, each highlighting a different aspect of God's purpose:
1. God's Purpose: This shows that God's actions in salvation are not random but follow a specific, unchanging plan (Romans
8:28; Ephesians 1:11).
2. Election: God chooses some people for salvation—not everyone is included, but many are saved through his purpose of election
(Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:4).
3. Foreknowledge: This refers to God's loving knowledge of individuals, not just a general awareness of future events
(Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:2).
4. Predestination: This emphasizes the means by which God brings those he has chosen to salvation, ensuring their destiny aligns with his purpose (Ephesians 1:5; Acts 13:48).
These terms reflect how God's work of redemption unfolds according to his eternal plan. For example, Acts 13:48 tells us that those who were "appointed to eternal life" believed—not because they were naturally inclined or prepared themselves, but because God chose them.
The Certainty of God's Election God's purpose is never arbitrary or uncertain. His election is:
Certain and Immutable: It cannot change because it rests on God's unchanging will.
Specific and Personal: God knows and chooses individuals for salvation.
Well-Ordered: God uses specific means to accomplish his goals, such as calling people through the gospel and shaping their lives for holiness.
While the Bible often uses human history to illustrate God's plan (such as Isaac being chosen over Ishmael), the basis for these actions lies outside of time, in God's eternal will and good pleasure (Romans
9:11). Scripture repeatedly affirms that God's choice is grounded in his grace, love, and mercy, not in human effort or worthiness
(Ephesians 1:5, 9).
God's Sovereignty in Election Paul's teaching in Romans 9 addresses objections to God's sovereignty. He explains that God, as Creator, has the absolute right to determine the destiny of his creatures. Just as a potter shapes clay into vessels for different purposes, God's election is an expression of his authority and freedom (Romans 9:21). Paul doesn't try to prove
God's fairness but appeals to his ultimate right as Creator. This sovereignty includes showing mercy to some and hardening others, as seen in examples like Pharaoh (Romans 9:17–18).
Election in the New Testament The New Testament presents election in a more personal way than the Old Testament. While Israel was chosen as a nation, the New
Testament emphasizes individuals who are "in Christ" as the elect.
These chosen ones form Christ's body, the church, and their names