Election, or to elect, is the concept whereby someone or something is chosen for a purpose. As biblical election refers to when God, and God alone, has made a decision to chose one thing/person over another, usually for reasons only know to Himself.
No one will argue that God is not the elector, and has every right and privilege in order to elect what He elects, though much ink has been spilled on the why question for which He chose what He has chosen. Ps 115:3, says He does what He pleases.
The contention arises when we discuss the why question or in other words, for what purpose was the choice made to choose a particular thing/person.
Some different denominational perspectives:
1. Calvinism (Reformed Theology)
Unconditional Election:
- Calvinists believe that God's election is based solely on His sovereign will and not on any foreseen merit or action of individuals.
- According to this view, God predestines some people to salvation (the elect) and others to damnation (the reprobate), and this decision is made before the foundation of the world.
2. Arminianism
Conditional Election:
- Arminians argue that God's election is based on His foreknowledge of who will choose to believe in Christ.
- They believe that God's predestination is conditional upon human response to His grace, meaning that individuals have free will to accept or reject salvation.
3. Provisionism
Christ-Centric Election:
- Provisionists emphasise that election is centred on Christ. They argue that Jesus is the chosen one, and individuals become part of the elect by being united with Him through faith.
- God's election is for a specific group individuals who are positionally in Christ, effectuated through faith in Christ by Christ for the purpose of fulfilling His mission or task(s).
4. Lutheranism
Single Predestination:
- Lutherans generally hold to a middle ground, emphasising that God predestines believers to salvation but does not predestine anyone to damnation.
- They believe that election is based on God's grace and is intended for salvation, but they avoid delving too deeply into the mystery of why some believe and others do not.
5. Catholicism
Corporate Election:
- The Catholic Church views election in a more corporate sense. The Church is seen as the elect community, and individuals are elected insofar as they are members of this community.
- Salvation is seen as being offered to all, with the individual’s response, and good works playing a crucial role in their ultimate salvation.
6. Eastern Orthodoxy
Synergistic Election:
- Eastern Orthodox Christians view election as synergistic, meaning it involves cooperation between divine grace and human free will.
- They emphasise the mystery of God's will and human response, rejecting strict predestinarian views and focusing on the transformational process of theosis (becoming one with God).
7. Universalism
Universal Election:
- Some Christians, particularly within the Universalist tradition, believe that all people are ultimately elected to salvation.
- They argue that God's love and grace extend to everyone and that, eventually, all will be reconciled to God.