Reformed Theology and the Purpose of Election
The purpose of election in Reformed theology is a contested topic among Christian traditions. Reformed theology holds that election is a sovereign act of God, where He chooses individuals or groups for salvation and service [1, 2].
Reformed Perspective on Election
In Reformed theology, election is understood as a gracious act of God, where He chooses individuals to be saved and conformed to the image of Christ [4]. This is based on scriptural passages such as Ephesians 1:4-5, which states that God "chose us in Him before the foundation of the world... in love having predestined us to adoption as sons" [4]. Reformed theologians like Charles Hodge argue that election is to holiness, and that it is a means to an end, not an end in itself [4].
Different Views on Election
Other Christian traditions have different understandings of election. The Catholic tradition, for example, views predestination as part of God's providence, where He directs individuals towards salvation [5]. According to Thomas Aquinas, predestination presupposes election, which in turn presupposes love [5]. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, understands election as a calling to salvation, where individuals are chosen to attain righteousness [3].
Scriptural Basis
The scriptural basis for election is found in various passages, including Romans 8:29-30, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, and 1 Peter 1:2 [1, 2]. These passages indicate that election is a divine act, where God chooses individuals to be saved and conformed to Christ.
Shared Ground
Despite differences in understanding the purpose of election, various Christian traditions agree that election is a gracious act of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, for instance, emphasizes the importance of God's initiative in salvation [6]. Similarly, Reformed theologians stress that election is a sovereign act of God, where He chooses individuals to be saved [4].
Divergence in Traditions
The divergence in understanding the purpose of election stems from different hermeneutical commitments and prior doctrinal premises. Reformed theology, for example, emphasizes the sovereignty of God in election, while Catholic theology views predestination as part of a broader understanding of providence [4, 5]. These differences reflect fundamental aspects of each tradition's theology and understanding of God's relationship with humanity.
The concept of election remains a complex and multifaceted doctrine, with various Christian traditions offering distinct perspectives on its purpose and significance.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Election of Grace — The Scripture speaks (1) of the election of individuals to office or to honour and privilege, e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Saul, David, Solomon, were all chosen by God for the positions they held; so also were the apostles. (2) There is also an election of nations to special privileges, e.g., the Hebrews (Deut. 7:6; Rom. 9:4). (3) But in addition there is an election of individuals to eternal life (2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:2; John 13:18). The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God (Eph. 1:5, 11; Matt. 11:25, 26; John 15”
- 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”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: Homily XIX. Rom. XI. 7 “What then? 1506 1506 Field punctuates so as to give the sense “Why then hath not Israel attained to that which he seeketh after? Nay, but the election hath obtained it;” which seems to be (at all events) St. Chrysostom’s view of the passage. Israel hath not obtained that, which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it and the rest were blinded.” He had said that God did not cast off His people; and to show in what sense He had not cast them off, he takes refuge in the Prophets again. 1507 1507 The course of thought he”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 66: and just [u poses come from God, it is of Him, and not of us, that we seek and find his favour. Election is to Holiness. 4. Another plainly revealed fact is, that we are chosen to holiness; that we are created unto good works; in other words, that all good in us is the fruit, and, therefore, cannot by possibility be the ground of election. In Eph. i. 3-6 , the Apostle says: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part (Prima Pars), Of Predestination, Art. 4: Article: Whether the predestined are chosen by God? [*"Eligantur."] I answer that, Predestination presupposes election in the order of reason; and election presupposes love. The reason of this is that predestination, as stated above (Article [1]), is a part of providence. Now providence, as also prudence, is the plan existing in the intellect directing the ordering of some things towards an end; as was proved above (Question [22], Article [2]). But nothing is directed towards an end unless the will for that end alre”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, 3. the written Gospels. "The sacred authors, in writing the four Gospels, (part 1): 3. the written Gospels. "The sacred authors, in writing the four Gospels, selected certain of the many elements which had been handed on, either orally or already in written form; others they synthesized or explained with an eye to the situation of the churches, the while sustaining the form of preaching, but always in such a fashion that they have told us the honest truth about Jesus."101 127 The fourfold Gospel holds a unique place in the Church, as is evident both in the ven”