Does the Bible Teach Unconditional Election?

TL;DR

The Bible teaches unconditional election, affirming God’s sovereign choice in salvation.
Scripture illustrates God choosing individuals based on His will, not human actions or merits.
This doctrine highlights God’s grace and sovereignty, ensuring the certainty of salvation for the elect.
Unconditional election is foundational to understanding God’s plan of redemption.

God’s Sovereign Choice and Predestination

The biblical doctrine of unconditional election posits that God chooses individuals for salvation based on His sovereign will and not on any foreseen faith, merit, or action on their part. This teaching is central to understanding the nature of God’s grace and sovereignty in salvation.

Scriptural Basis for Unconditional Election

Ephesians 1:4-5: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, according to his pleasure and will.” This passage highlights God’s pre-temporal choice, emphasizing it is according to His will and pleasure, not based on human merit.
Romans 9:11-13: Discussing Jacob and Esau, Paul writes, “Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’” This underscores that God’s election is based on His purpose and call, not on human actions.

The Nature of God’s Sovereign Election

2 Timothy 1:9: “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” This text clarifies that salvation and calling are not based on human deeds but on God’s purpose and grace.
John 15:16: Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit…” This indicates the initiative of God in election, with Jesus choosing His disciples, symbolic of the broader doctrine of election.

The Assurance and Certainty for the Elect

Unconditional election offers assurance and certainty of salvation for those chosen by God. This assurance is rooted in the understanding that since God’s choice is not based on human actions, it is secure and unchanging.

The Security of the Elect in Scripture

John 6:37-39: Jesus says, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away… And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me…” This passage offers assurance that all whom the Father has given to Christ will come to Him and be preserved.
Philippians 1:6: Paul expresses confidence in the Philippians’ salvation: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” This reflects the belief in the perseverance of the elect, rooted in God’s sovereign election.

Theological Implications of Unconditional Election

Unconditional election has profound theological implications for understanding the nature of salvation, human response, and God’s character.

Grace and Human Response

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” This emphasizes salvation as a gift of grace, negating human boasting and underscoring the role of faith as part of God’s gift.
Acts 13:48: “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” This suggests that belief is a result of being appointed by God for salvation.

Conclusion

The doctrine of unconditional election, as taught in the Bible, emphasizes God’s sovereign and gracious choice in salvation. It assures the certainty and security of salvation for the elect and profoundly impacts our understanding of grace, faith, and God’s character.

“Chosen by God” by R.C. Sproul – Provides a clear, biblical perspective on the doctrine of unconditional election.
“The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination” by Loraine Boettner – Offers a comprehensive study of Reformed doctrines, including unconditional election.