|
|||
|
Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. | |
We went in the wrong direction. |
| Blog Archive Home | |
| Christian Pioneer Blog | |
| |
|
|
|
|
Election
|
|
| Many Christians feel
that God chose them personally even before they were born to be saved
and controls every aspect of their life. Others believe some parts of
this view. It can be useful to consider the biblical usage of the word
“election”. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; - Colossians 3:12 Paul writes the Colossians (assuming application to us as well) calling them “elect”. This would seem to support the idea that Christians were specifically chosen. The Greek word eklektos is translated “elect” and means to be chosen or selected. However, there is another way that this word can be used. For example, the establishment of a category could be called “election”, thus anyone in that category might be called “elect”. The nation of Israel was called “elect” (Is 45:4) in that their nation had been selected to be priests (Ex 19:6). Jesus is called “elect” (Is 42:1). The word “elect” can be used of a group or an individual. That salvation could be had through faith and made available to the gentiles was called a “mystery” hidden in God (Eph 3:4-9). That this was chosen by God results in those who obtain this salvation can be called “elect”. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: - Ephesians 1:4 It can be tempting to insert ourselves individually into verses that describe “us”. While Jesus was known individually before the foundation of the world, it is difficult to find biblical support that we were. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. - Jeremiah 1:5 There are instances (such as with some prophets) were reference is made to being formed in the womb after conception. However, this does not imply a pre-incarnate existence. That Isaiah and Jeremiah should be selected from birth (as well as John the Baptist) prove even this level of selection as the exception rather than the rule. We all like to think that we are special and that God would make sure that every incident in life works to our advantage. However, even Elijah was told that “if” he would be killed that there were 7,000 that could take his place (1Kings 19:18). God at present extends saving grace to all, but it is up to each person to chose to accept it (Eph 2:8-9), Rom 10:13). In this way we enter the category of the “elect”. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, - 2 Timothy 1:9 Calling in Greek is klēsis (invitation). God planned to extend this invitation before the world began. However, it is up to us to accept the invitation. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
Information about Christianity and the Christian life. |
Pictures and views of our farm | Some of our animals | See some of the old-fashioned crafts we are trying to relearn | ||