What Does the Bible Say About: Election, the Elect

Having seen many discussions over the years about many topics, this is the first in a series that will not be my opinion, but what God's word says about this particular topic. The bible verses quoted are from the King James. The only other information will be the description of the word from Noah Websters 1828 dictionary which gives the theological meaning of the word.

Websters 1828 dictionary definition:

Elect:   In theology, chosen as the object of mercy; chosen, selected or designated to eternal life; predestinated in the divine counsels

           Chosen or designated by God to salvation; predestinated to glory as the end, and to sanctification as the means; usually with a plural signification, the elect.

Bible Verses

Romans 9:11,16 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

Romans 11:5,7 "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace....What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded."

1 Thessalonians 1:4 "Knowing, brethren, beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost....and ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost."

2 Peter 1:10 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never fall: (Peter talking to believers)

Matthew 24:24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."  (Christ talking to his disciples)

Mark 13:24,26-27 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light...and then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory, and then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." 

Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.


 vcg/September 2015