Biblical Answer

What does Scripture teach about predestination and election?

Predestination and election are two related but distinct concepts in Scripture. Predestination refers to God's choice of individuals for eternal life or eternal death, while election is the selection of some for eternal life, the positive side of predestination. The Bible teaches that predestination is a sovereign free act of God, made in eternity, which contemplates the fallen (Calvin Memorial Addresses, p. 112). This doctrine is repeatedly taught and emphasized throughout the Scriptures (Ness, Antidote Against Arminianism, p. 34).

The Basis of Election

The doctrine of election is not based on God's foresight of man's faith or perseverance, but rather on God's own good pleasure and sovereign decision to love us in spite of our lack of goodness or merit (Ness, Antidote Against Arminianism, p. 34). This means that election is not solely based on human qualities or actions, but rather on God's secret and mysterious plan. The Bible teaches that election is a sovereign free act of God, through which He determines who shall be made heirs of heaven (Calvin Memorial Addresses, p. 112).

The Practical Application of Election

In terms of our own relationship with God, the doctrine of election has significant practical application. When we think of the biblical teaching on both election and predestination, we see that God's election of us is not based on our own merits or qualities, but rather on His sovereign decision to love us. This means that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or choices, but rather on God's gracious and merciful decision to save us. This understanding of election can bring us comfort and assurance, as we know that our salvation is secure in God's hands.