Called & Chosen different from The Elect?

[Marcus Aurelius]

Is being called and chosen for salvation different from being "the Elect" that Paul wrote about? I asked a paster and he said that the concept of Election came out of the OT, but that it was basically the same as being called and chosen. From reading the bible I get the idea that "the Elect" may be a different process of being chosen? Thank you for your help.

 

[JohnJones]

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

Mat 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

What do you make of this?

 

[Van]

Calvinists believe those that hear and respond to the gospel (the "called) are those who were chosen in Him from the foundation of the world. In other words, the "elect" are foreseen specific individuals chosen in Eternity past, and then these are the ones God exercises a controlling influence over to bring them to Christ. We as humans play no part in influencing the eternal outcome.

Another group thinks God foresaw who would come to Christ and elected them in eternity past and then God allows this foreseen event to occur. He does not exercise controlling influence, but He knew beforehand who would choose of their own free will to trust in Christ.

My view is that God did not elect any specific foreseen individuals in eternity past, He formulated His plan of Redeption and Chose His Redeemer and as a consequence He chose generically (not individually) as believers in Christ, those who would trust in Christ. Latter, during our lifetime, when we respond to the gospel with heart-felt faith, God chooses (individually elects) us for salvation and spiritually baptizes us into Christ.

Three radically different views, and those that hold them will tell you that scripture absolutely teaches their view. Study is good.

 

[Marcus Aurelius]

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

Mat 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

What do you make of this?

Peter seems to be saying that a person has put effort into making sure that their salvation is secure. I think that Christ is saying that many people wont do what is required of them to secure their salvation. From these two passages it seems that being chosen and election are the same thing.

 

[Marcus Aurelius]

Calvinists believe those that hear and respond to the gospel (the "called) are those who were chosen in Him from the foundation of the world. In other words, the "elect" are foreseen specific individuals chosen in Eternity past, and then these are the ones God exercises a controlling influence over to bring them to Christ. We as humans play no part in influencing the eternal outcome.

If this viewpoint is true, does man have free will?

Three radically different views, and those that hold them will tell you that scripture absolutely teaches their view. Study is good.

I'm somewhere between the second and third views on Election. I will have to study. Thanks.

 

[reformedfan]

Calling is external, God's choosing works efficaciously (internal)

 

[Imblessed]

If this viewpoint is true, does man have free will?

yes we still have free will. When God chose us from before time began, He made sure that all He Chose(Elected) would hear the inward effectual call of God, (not just the outward call) and FREELY choose Christ. We willingly, freely choose God because God made it possible for us to do so. He regenerates us, makes us able to truly "hear" the gospel call, and choose to come to Him.

2Peter1:10 exorts us to always be evaluating our faith, to make sure we stand on solid ground with regards to our understanding of God and Jesus, and whether we are still walking in the Light of that understanding. If we do this, we can be sure that our election is real and rest in that total assurance that we are God's and nothing can change that!

that is how I understand that verse.....

 

[Reformationist]

Is being called and chosen for salvation different from being "the Elect" that Paul wrote about?

Being called (efficaciously) and chosen for salvation (elected) are what is done to the elect (those who receive the efficacious election and call from God).

Thank you for your help.

Hope that helps.

 

[AndOne]

If this viewpoint is true, does man have free will?

Man does not have free will when it comes to knowing God - he is predisposed to hate everything about and of God. It is only through grace - namely God's effectual calling throught the power of the Holy Spirit that a man's heart can be turned to God and to accept His gift of salvation. See Titus 3:5-6 for scriptural support.

Also - since you are studying - a very good book on this very topic would be "The Bondage of The Will" by Martin Luther. It is very easy to understand and an enjoyable read - despite the fact it was written nearly 500 years ago.

 

[Reformationist]

Man does not have free will when it comes to knowing God - he is predisposed to hate everything about and of God. It is only through grace - namely God's effectual calling throught the power of the Holy Spirit that a man's heart can be turned to God and to accept His gift of salvation. See Titus 3:5-6 for scriptural support.

Also - since you are studying - a very good book on this very topic would be "The Bondage of The Will" by Martin Luther. It is very easy to understand and an enjoyable read - despite the fact it was written nearly 500 years ago.

Great post BB. Nicely said.

God bless