election – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: election

Romans 11:28 – Not Your Enemies

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Will

With regard to the gospel they are enemies, but with regard to the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.

Truth to Learn

The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are God’s beloved people whom He will rescue one day.

Behind the Words

The word translated, “concerning” is the Greek word kata, which primarily means “down.” However, this word has many nuances that imply position or relation. As it is used in this sentence it expresses “the relation in which one thing stands towards another.” So, we could translate it as “with respect to” or “as it relates to.”

“Enemies” is translated from the Greek word, echthros, which is based on the verb echthō, meaning “to hate.” Thus, echthros means “one who is hateful or odious, an enemy.” In this verse it refers to those who are odious in the sight of God. God is not saying that the Jews are His enemies, but that they are enemies of the gospel message.

The word translated “election” is eklogen, based on the verb eklegō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and legō, meaning “to choose.” Thus, eklogen refers to the act of choosing or the selecting a select few out of a larger collection.

“Beloved” is from the Greek word agapētos, which is based on the verb agapaō, meaning “to love in a social or moral sense.” It means to be ultimately concerned for the welfare of the one who is loved. Agapētos refers to the one who is loved.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been explaining that it was the rejection of the Messiah by the Jews that occasioned the gospel (good news) to be proclaimed to the Gentiles. Remember, also, that Paul is talking in generalities about groups of people, not specific individuals. He starts off the current verse with, “With regard to the gospel, they are enemies.” He is not saying that the Jews are the enemies of Christians. He is saying that the Jews are enemies of the gospel message; they are hateful of the message regarding Jesus being the Messiah and that salvation and the righteousness of God is obtained by believing that Jesus died to pay for the sins of all mankind.

But, Paul goes on to say, with respect to God’s selecting who are righteous and who aren’t, they are beloved because of God’s covenant with the patriarchs. This may be a reference to a passage in Deuteronomy which says,

The LORD delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 10:15)

The point is that God choose the Israelites as His special people and though they rejected their Messiah, God will one day turn back to them and restore their position of blessedness because of the covenant (the one sided contract) that He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Application

We should not hate the Jewish people even though they are hateful of the gospel message. Instead, we should recognize that they, as a nation, are loved by God. Sometime in the future He will remove Christians from the earth and once again bless the Jewish people when their Messiah comes as their conquering king.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 11:5 – The Chosen Remnant

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Will

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Truth to Learn

We are the remnant, chosen to be God’s children, by His grace alone.

Behind the Words

The word translated “election” is the Greek word eklogē. This is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of legō, meaning “to choose” or “to select.” Thus we see that it literally means “to choose out” or “to select out.” According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, “this word refers to the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they are led to embrace and persevere in Christ's bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter.”

“Grace” is translated from charis, which is based on the verb chairō, meaning “to be calmly happy or well off.” Charis specifically refers to “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life producing happiness and peace.” It is often thought of as “our undeserved favor from God.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now brings his readers back to the present (meaning both the present at the time this letter was written and the present time today). He says that it is just the same in the present, that a remnant has come into being. The remnant he refers to is a concept that Jews well understood. God promised the Jews that He would preserve a remnant out of Israel who would be saved. They have always believed that the salvation of the remnant refers to them being saved from the ravages of their oppressors and that the remnant would finally inherit the land and reign with the Messiah. Paul’s point, however, is that the remnant in his day is composed of those whom God has chosen “according to the election of grace.”

I know that election (God’s choosing those of us who are to be saved independent of any act or action on our part) is a difficult doctrine for many Christians to grasp. Many Christians reject it outright (in spite of what Scripture teaches) because it isn’t fair! However, Paul states it so clearly and so often that, if you believe the Bible is truth, it is even more difficult to deny it than to believe it. Paul believed in and taught election as a fact. Therefore, we should simply accept it as truth, even if we don’t completely understand it. And – regarding God being fair, if He were fair, we would all be going to Hell because that’s what we all deserve.

Paul calls it “the election of grace” because he understands that election is not by choice on our part, it’s an undeserved gift from God. We don’t choose to be saved. We don’t simply decide that we will get saved and then say the sinners prayer. Before the foundation of the earth, God chose those who would be saved. It involves the sovereign hand of God which removes the blindfold from the eyes of the elect. Only then can we see, and understand, the truth of the gospel so that we may become saved. It is all God’s work and it is all by grace (totally undeserved by those who receive it) so God is the only one who can receive the glory for it. In the next verse Paul will make the specific point that this election is not by anything that we have done (works); it is strictly by His grace!

Application

God, thank you for your gift of salvation. I didn’t, don’t, and won’t ever deserve it! You deserve all the credit, all the glory, and all the praise. In thanks to you, I humbly submit my will to yours and ask that you use me in whatever way you determine, to bring praise to Yourself. Wonderful is your grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 9:11 – God Says Election

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Will

(for they not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),

Truth to Learn

The important thing is God’s choice, not our works.

Behind the Words

“Not yet” is from the Greek word mēpō. It is made up of mē, the qualified negative and pō, which means “even” or “yet.” It specifically refers to action that has not yet happened.

The word translated “election” is eklogē. This word is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and a form of legō, meaning “to choose or select.” Thus we see that eklogē means “to choose out” or “to select from.” The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines eklogē this way:

Election, the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they [the chosen ones] are led to embrace and persevere in Christ's bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about who the real “children of God” are, that is, who the ones are that are chosen for righteousness. This choosing is based on God’s decision and actions, not on ours. In the previous few verses Paul talked about Isaac being the son of the promise, not Ishmael. Even though Ishmael was the first son born to Abraham, he was not the one to receive God’s blessing because he was not the son of promise.

Paul is now talking about Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac. In this and the following verses Paul will make it clear that God chose Jacob and not Esau (Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated). But, so that the argument can’t be made that the choice was due to Jacob’s obedience and Esau’s disobedience (which certainly is not the case since Jacob was clearly the more deceptive of the two), Paul declares here that the choice was made before either of them was born. Not only does Paul point out that God’s choice occurred before they were born, but he makes a special point of the fact that neither one of them had done any good or evil. The major point in this verse is that God’s choosing of Jacob over Esau was according to God’s election, and it was not based on obedience or any other thing that either of them did.

Paul says that it was God’s purpose to choose Jacob, not based on his works. There are Christians who believe that God “foreknew” who would accept Christ as Lord and Savior and, based on this, chose them to be saved. (See our study on Romans 8:29 to understand the problem with this false thinking.) But, according to Paul in this verse, this cannot be the case because it says that the purpose of God in His election is not based on a person’s works but on God’s calling. He says that it was God’s choice not Jacob’s actions that resulted in his being chosen.

That’s God’s sovereign election! He chooses us. We do not choose Him. As hard as this is to accept by many of us, it is exactly what the Bible teaches!

Application

Believe what you may about man’s free will versus God’s election, Paul very clearly teaches it is God’s choice that matters. Since the book of Romans is part of God’s inspired word, it is God’s teaching. As for me, regarding election:

God said it. I believe it. That settles it!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:10 – Secure Salvation

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Will

Therefore, my brothers, instead be all the more diligent to make your calling and election firm. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

Truth to Learn

If you are truly saved, then you are completely saved, forever!

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from dio, which means “for which, wherefore, or therefore.”

The word “diligent” is translated from the Greek verb spoudadzō, which comes from the same root as one of the words we looked at in verse five, spoude. It refers to “speed, earnestness, diligence, or zeal.” It is used here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. In the context of the past few verses, this could possibly be translated as “zealous.”

“Calling” is from the Greek klēsis, which refers to “an invitation.” And the word “election” is from the Greek eklogē, which comes from eklegō (to choose), referring to something that was “chosen” or “selected.”

The word “firm” is from “bebaios,” meaning “fixed” or “firm.” Figuratively, this word refers to the foundation upon which something is built. Literally, we could translate this word as “foundational,” meaning that which is sure, firm, secure, and upon which other things can be built.

The expression “you will never stumble” is translated from ou me ptaisēte pote, which literally means, “no not stumble ever.” The double negative, although improper in English, is a way of emphasizing the point in Greek. We could translate this as “you will in no way stumble, ever!”

Meaning Explained

Peter has been talking about the character qualities that all Christians need to develop in order to be mature, and he spoke in verse nine about the consequences of not diligently pursuing these qualities. Those who don’t work hard at developing these qualities actually become less Christ-like and become blinded, unable to see the truth, and they become forgetful of the work done to wipe out the consequences of their sins. Therefore, says Peter, work even harder at developing these Christian characteristics.

When Peter says to “make your calling and election firm” he is not saying “to eliminate doubt” about them. He is not questioning the doctrine of election; rather he is affirming it by saying that we are to be diligent in demonstrating the firmness of our calling and election. The word “if” is not in the original Greek. Literally he says, “for doing these things there is no way you would stumble, ever!”

There has been much debate about what he means that there is no way we would ever stumble. But if we look at the next verse we see that he is talking about our entrance into the everlasting kingdom. In other words, Peter is telling us that as we build on the sure foundation of our salvation, which was made sure by our calling and election, then we will absolutely never lose our salvation, ever!

Application

Perhaps you have been taught that if you commit certain kinds of sins you will lose your salvation. According to Peter, however, if you are demonstrating your salvation by developing these character qualities, it is proof that you are saved, and you will never ever lose your salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Chosen and Loved

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Will

knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are chosen by and loved by God.

Behind the Words

The word “knowing” is from the Greek verb oida, which means “to see with perception,” that is, “to be aware of.” It is expressed here as a casual participle, so it could be translated as “since we know.”

“Beloved” is a form of the verb agape, a self-sacrificing love which is spoken almost exclusively of God. Therefore, we could refer to them as “brothers who are loved by God.”

“Election” is translated from the noun form of the verb eklegō. This verb is composed of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and the verb legō, meaning “to choose” or “to select.” As used here it means “someone who has been selected, or chosen, by God.”

Meaning Explained

We have been talking about the fact that Paul and his two companions, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, regularly and unceasingly pray for and praise the Christians in the church at Thessalonica. Paul adds here that the Thessalonica Christians have been chosen by God and therefore, are among those who are loved by God with an everlasting, self-sacrificing love.

Election is one of those theological concepts that many Christians love to hate. Opponents of the concept say, “How can a loving God choose some and send others to Hell? That’s just not fair and God wouldn’t do that.” First of all, God does not choose anyone to go to Hell. It’s what we all deserve because we are all unrighteous sinners, and God’s holiness and righteousness demand that all sinners must be judged since we are all deserving of death:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Jesus, Himself, told his disciples:

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, (John 15:16a).

And, Apostles Peter and Paul clearly teach that God chooses whom He decides (Romans 9:11; Romans 11:5; Romans 11:7, 8; Ephesians 1:4; 2Peter 1:10). And Paul argues very strongly that God loved Jacob and hated Esau, arguing that God is not unrighteous in doing so. After all, as Paul says, doesn’t the potter (God) have power over the clay (you and me), from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? This is stated very clearly in Romans 9:10-21.

In today’s verse Paul is telling his readers that he and those with him know (they have seen and perceived) the election of the Christians in Thessalonica. And from the previous verse we see that it is the deeds of faith and labor of love that demonstrate the election of these saints.

Application

None of us deserves God’s grace. We didn’t deserve to be chosen and we don’t know why He chose us. What we do know is that all Christians have been given a gift of immeasurable worth that we didn’t earn and we don’t deserve. Let’s show our gratitude by serving Him faithfully.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Chosen and Loved

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Will

knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

Truth to Learn

All Christians are chosen by and loved by God.

Behind the Words

“Beloved” is a form of the verb agape, a self-sacrificing love which is spoken almost exclusively of God. Therefore, we could refer to them as “brothers who are loved by God.”

Meaning Explained

We have been talking about the fact that Paul and his two companions, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, regularly and unceasingly pray for and praise the Christians in the church at Thessalonica. Paul adds here that the Thessalonica Christians have been chosen by God and, therefore, are among those who are loved by God with an everlasting, self-sacrificing love.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Jesus, Himself, told his disciples:

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, (John 15:16a).

And, Apostles Peter and Paul clearly teach that God chooses whom He decides (Romans 9:11; Romans 11:5; Romans 11:7, 8; Ephesians 1:4; 2Peter 1:10). And Paul argues very strongly that God loved Jacob and hated Esau, arguing that God is not unrighteous in doing so. After all, as Paul says, doesn’t the potter (God) have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? This is stated very clearly in Romans 9:10-21.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 11:29 – Irrevocable Gifts

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Will

Romans 11:29 – Irrevocable Gifts

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Truth to Learn

God’s choosing is final and unchangeable.

Behind the Words

“Gifts” is from charisma, which means “a gift of grace” or “an undeserved benefit.” In the New Testament it is used only of such a gift or undeserved benefit received from God.

The word translated “irrevocable” is the Greek word ametamelētos, which is made up of a, meaning “without,” meta, indicating “a change of place or condition,” and a form of melō, meaning “to be concerned.” When we put this all together we see that ametamelētos means “without changing one’s position of concern,” or “without changing one’s mind regarding an action taken.”

Meaning Explained

This verse serves as an addendum to the previous verse where Paul said, “Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.” We mentioned the word “election” in the previous verse as coming from the Greek eklogen, which means “the act of choosing.” Paul has used various forms of this word several times in this letter to the Jewish Christians in Rome. In each case he is referring to “election unto salvation” whereby God chose who would receive His free gift of grace.

Paul is now expanding on the concept of the “election.” He says, “For the gifts …” that is, those gifts of grace whereby sinners are chosen to believe the gospel and to be forgiven of their sins. Paul then couples those free gifts with God’s calling, just as he did back in Romans 8:28, 29 where he said:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

He now tells us something about this election and its associated calling. They are irrevocable. God does not regret having chosen anyone, and He will not change His mind regarding His selection and calling. So you see Paul is actually saying that this free gift of Grace and the associated irresistible calling of sinners to Himself are done by God without regret and without changing His mind. In other words, once God chooses a sinner to be saved He does not change His mind and revoke that calling unto salvation.

Think about this. Since your salvation is God’s choice and wholly dependent on His actions apart from any action on your part, and since God does not change His mind regarding this choosing, if you are genuinely saved then you cannot become unsaved. It simply can’t happen! You can do nothing to change God’s mind, nothing!

Application

Now, instead of focusing so much of your time and effort on trying not to lose your salvation, you can focus all that time and effort on submitting to God and serving Him. You don’t have to worry about losing your salvation. It can’t happen! Let’s take a moment to thank God and give Him praise.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 11:28 – Not Your Enemies

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Will

Romans 11:28 – Not Your Enemies

Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.

Truth to Learn

The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are God’s beloved people whom He will rescue one day.

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

The LORD delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 11:5 – The Chosen Remnant

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Will

Romans 11:5 – The Chosen Remnant

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Truth to Learn

We are the remnant, chosen to be God’s children, by His grace alone.

Behind the Words

The word translated “election” is the Greek word eklogē. This is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of legō, meaning “to choose” or “to select.” Thus we see that it literally means “to choose out” or “to select out.” According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, “this word refers to the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they are led to embrace and persevere in Christ’s bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter.”

Meaning Explained

I know that election (God’s choosing those of us who are to be saved independent of any act or action on our part) is a difficult doctrine for many Christians to grasp. However, Paul states it so clearly and so often that, if you believe the Bible is truth, it is even more difficult to deny it than to believe it. Paul believed in and taught election as a fact. Therefore, we should simply accept it as truth, even if we don’t completely understand it.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 9:11 – God Says Election

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Will

Romans 9:11 – God Says Election

(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),

Truth to Learn

The important thing is God’s choice, not our works.

Behind the Words

“Not yet” is from the Greek word mēpō. It is made up of mē, the qualified negative and pō, which means “even” or “yet.” It specifically refers to action that has not yet happened.

Election, the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they [the chosen ones] are led to embrace and persevere in Christ’s bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter.

Meaning Explained

Paul says that it was God’s purpose to choose Jacob, not based on his works. There are Christians who believe that God “foreknew” who would accept Christ as Lord and Savior and, based on this, chose them to be saved. But, according to Paul in this verse, this cannot be the case because it says that the purpose of God in His election is not based on a person’s works but on God’s calling. He says that it was God’s choice not Jacob’s actions that resulted in his being chosen.

That’s God’s sovereign election! He chooses us. We do not choose Him. As hard as this is to accept by many of us, it is exactly what the Bible teaches!

Application

God said it. I believe it. That settles it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: