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Election and the Glory of God's Sovereignty

The doctrine of election is a deeply contested topic among Christian traditions, with various interpretations of its nature, scope, and implications. At its core, the doctrine concerns God's sovereignty in choosing individuals or groups for salvation or service.

The Biblical Basis of Election

The concept of election is rooted in Scripture, with passages like Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4 affirming that believers are chosen by God [5]. The biblical account also highlights God's sovereignty in election, as seen in Romans 9:11 and Ephesians 1:11 [1]. The glory of God's sovereignty is closely tied to the doctrine of election, as it underscores God's power and majesty in salvation.

Differing Interpretations

Different Christian traditions have developed distinct understandings of election. The Reformed tradition, represented by John Calvin, emphasizes the doctrine of double predestination, where God sovereignly chooses some for salvation and others for damnation [9]. In contrast, the Arminian or Wesleyan tradition, as seen in Adam Clarke's commentary on 2 Timothy 2:10, suggests that election is conditional upon human faith and response to God's offer of salvation [6].

The Catholic tradition, as expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, understands election as part of God's overall plan of salvation, emphasizing the importance of human cooperation with divine grace [11]. Lutheran theology, as represented by Luther's Small Catechism, also affirms the doctrine of election, but with a focus on the means of grace and the role of faith in receiving salvation [12].

Shared Ground

Despite these differences, various Christian traditions agree on certain aspects of election. Most affirm that election is ultimately grounded in God's sovereignty and grace. The biblical emphasis on God's glory and majesty in election is also a common thread, as seen in passages like Psalms 29:4 and 145:11 [4, 8].

Diverging Perspectives

The divergence in perspectives on election stems from differing hermeneutical approaches, theological emphases, and understandings of the relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency. The Reformed tradition tends to emphasize the absolute sovereignty of God in election, while other traditions stress the importance of human response and cooperation.

The patristic tradition, as represented by Augustine, also plays a significant role in shaping the doctrine of election. Augustine's writings on the topic, such as his Anti-Pelagian works, have influenced various Christian traditions [10].

Election and the Glory of God

The doctrine of election is closely tied to the glory of God's sovereignty, as it highlights God's power and majesty in salvation. The biblical account emphasizes that God's glory is exhibited in Christ and in the salvation of believers [2, 3]. The Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 35:2 underscores the connection between the glory of God and the salvation of Israel, illustrating the Jewish roots of this theme [13].

The various Christian traditions, while differing in their understanding of election, collectively affirm that God's glory is a central aspect of the doctrine. As Matthew Henry notes, the glory of God is a recurring theme in Psalms, emphasizing God's greatness and goodness [7].

The interplay between the doctrine of election and the glory of God's sovereignty remains a complex and contested issue, reflecting fundamental differences in theological perspective and biblical interpretation.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Election — Of Christ, as Messiah -- Isa 42:1; 1Pe 2:6. Of good angels -- 1Ti 5:21. Of Israel -- De 7:6; Isa 45:5. Of ministers -- Lu 6:13; Ac 9:15. Of churches -- 1Pe 5:13. Of saints, is Of God. -- 1Th 1:4; Tit 1:1. By Christ. -- Joh 13:18; 15:16. In Christ. -- Eph 1:4. Personal. -- Mt 20:16; Joh 6:44; Ac 22:14; 2Jo 1:13. According to the purpose of God. -- Ro 9:11; Eph 1:11. According to the foreknowledge of God. -- Ro 8:29; 1Pe 1:2. Eternal. -- Eph 1:4. Sovereign. -- Ro 9:15,16; 1Co 1:27; Eph 1:11. Irrespective of merit. -- Ro 9:11. Of grace. -- Ro 11:5. Recorded i”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
  4. Psalms “Psalms 29:4 (Geneva1599) — The voyce of the Lord is mightie: the voyce of the Lord is glorious.”
  5. I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV) — Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”
  6. 2 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Timothy 2:10: For the elect's sake - For the sake of the Gentiles, elected by God's goodness to enjoy every privilege formerly possessed by the Jews, and, in addition to these, all the blessings of the Gospel; the salvation of Christ here, and eternal glory hereafter.”
  7. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 8 (introduction): This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God's name. It is proposed for proof (Psa 8:1) that God's name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum" - which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God's glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God's goodness is his glor”
  8. Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 145:11: The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.”
  9. CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 79: 2239 CHAPTER 24. ELECTION CONFIRMED BY THE CALLING OF GOD. THE REPROBATE BRING UPON THEMSELVES THE RIGHTEOUS DESTRUCTION TO WHICH THEY ARE DOOMED. The title of this chapter shows that it consists of two parts,—I. The case of the Elect, from sec. 1-11. II. The case of the Reprobate, from sec. 12-17. Sections . 1. The election of God is secret, but is manifested by effectual calling. The nature of this effectual calling. How election and effectual calling are founded on the free mercy of God. A cavil of certain expositors refuted by ”
  10. Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. II [VI.]--THAT SOME MEN ARE ELECTED: IS OF GOD'S MERCY. " Many hear the word of truth; but some believe, while others contradict. Therefore, the former will to believe; the latter do not will." Who does not know this ? Who can deny this ? But since in some the win is prepared by the Lord, in others it is not prepared, we must assuredly be able to distinguish what comes from God's mercy, and what from His judgment. "What Israel sought for," says the apostle, "he hath not obtained, but the election hath obtained it; and the rest were blinded, as it”
  11. Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 2 (part 6): in Ezek. 1, 7, 8: PL 76, 843D. 62 DV 10 # 3. Previous - NextCopyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText HelpCatechism of the Catholic Church IntraText - TextPART ONE: THE PROFESSION OF FAITHSECTION ONE "I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE"CHAPTER TWO GOD COMES TO MEET MANArticle 2 THE TRANSMISSION OF DIVINE REVELATIONIN BRIEFPrevious - Next IN BRIEF 96 What Christ entrusted to the apostles, they in turn handed on by their preaching and writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to all generations, until ”
  12. Luther's Small Catechism (Lutheran) “Luther's Small Catechism (Lutheran, 1529), –Answer: 1bGod's name is indeed: –Answer: 1bGod's name is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may become holy among us also.”
  13. Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 35:2: They shall greatly rejoice and be glad, yea, with joy and gladness. The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto them; the splendour of Carmel and of Sharon. The house of Israel to whom these things are promised, they, they shall see the glory of the Lord, the beauty of our God.”
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