The doctrine of election is one of the most hotly debated mysteries in Christianity. Theologians have pondered on what predestination means in the context of human salvation.
Does our salvation come through a sovereign choice made by God, or does it come by our own choice? Please don’t say both, because this convenient point of view completely misses the point, and will make the discussion very boring! So just take a side before you read on! Hehe...
If you believe that human salvation comes through a sovereign choice made by God, then you are a Calvinist. French Reformer John Calvin understood that God already knows who his elect are even before they came into existence, because He has an intimate knowledge and love for His elect. From the Calvinistic perspective, it is God’s sovereign choice, not a person’s exercised faith, that determines who the elect are. Calvinists define election as the sovereign, unconditional choice of God that is the cause of our faith.
If you believe that human salvation comes by our own choice, then you are an Arminian. Dutch pastor Jacobus Arminius understood that those who choose to accept salvation are the elect. From the Arminian perspective, it is a person’s exercised faith that determines who the elect are. God looked through the corridors of time and foreknew who will make the choice of accepting salvation. Arminians define election as the conditional choice of God, that is the result of our faith.
Both schools of thought have equally convincing arguments. The biblical defense of their respective standpoints are also equally as solid. Are you sure of where you stand now? Feel like switching sides?
Now, try this exercise. Let’s see what Matthew has to say about the doctrine of election. First, try to look at the verses as a Calvinist. Then try to look at them again as an Arminian. You’ll realize why theologians never reached a conclusive agreement in the end.
Matthew 11:27. “Nor does anyone know the father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”
Matthew 22:14. “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 25:34. “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Regardless of one’s stance on the matter of election, one thing remains clear: God is infinitely omnipotent and omniscient, and also infinitely good. He is always just in His dealings with humans. We, as sinners, are deserving of death and judgment. But God, in His mercy, graciously saves us.
Regardless of whether you are Arminian or Calvinist, both parties have equal cause to give thanks for. If you are an Arminian, your thanksgiving to God goes, “God, thank you for saving me!” If you are a Calvinist, your thanksgiving will go, “God, why me?”
Hope you enjoyed the exercise!
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2 comments:
how about considering the verses found in Ephesians chapter 1? :) It should shed some light on election doctrine too ;)
anyway, found your blog through esther siew :)
Yes, Ephesians certainly has something to say about the doctrine of election.
The crux of the arguments about the doctrine of election stems out from Romans, when Paul said, "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. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Romans 8:29,30). From there, Calvin and Arminius started to have a good time together :)
Other epistles also leave some clues on that subject. Even by focusing on Matthew itself, we can find some clues here and there.
Always an interesting topic to ponder about.
-Hasten Ministries Sdn. Bhd-
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