What Is the Doctrine of Election?
What Is the Doctrine of Election? Election is God's sovereign choice, before the foundation of the world, to save a people for Himself through Jesus Christ.
Key verse: Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV)
Election is God's sovereign choice, before the foundation of the world, to save a people for Himself through Jesus Christ.
Election is God's sovereign choice, before the foundation of the world, to save a people for Himself through Jesus Christ.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world... Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself." — Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The doctrine of election teaches that salvation begins not in the will of man but in the eternal choice of God. 'According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world' (Ephesians 1:4). God did not look down through history to see who would choose Him; rather, He set His love upon a people purely according to the good pleasure of His will. This does not abolish human responsibility — sinners must still repent and believe. But it does humble the believer, eliminating all boasting. Salvation is from first to last the work of God's grace. Election is a comfort to believers: their salvation rests not on their shaky obedience but on God's unshakeable purpose.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world... Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself."
"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth."
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What is predestination?
Predestination is the doctrine that God has foreordained certain events, particularly the salvation of believers, according to His sovereign will and purpose.
What Is the Doctrine of Original Sin?
Original sin is the doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature and guilt from Adam, our first father.
What Is Irresistible Grace?
Irresistible grace is the doctrine that when God sovereignly calls a sinner to salvation, the Holy Spirit effectually draws him to Christ.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Scripture
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The answer above sits inside Ephesians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ephesians on day 339 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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