In the biblical context, “election” refers to God’s sovereign choice of particular individuals or groups for a specific purpose or divine favor, often linked to the concept of covenant. In Hebrew, the term often implies being selected or chosen, as seen in Israel’s selection as God’s chosen people in the Old Testament.
Scripture
6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Hebrew Meaning of Biblical Election
The concept of election in the biblical context carries significant theological weight, reflecting God’s sovereign will and purpose in the unfolding of salvation history. The Hebrew term often associated with election can relate to the idea of being “chosen,” as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6, where God declares, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” This election of Israel is pivotal, as it sets the stage for God’s redemptive plan, indicating that being chosen is not merely a privilege but also entails responsibility—to live in covenant relationship with God and to bear witness to His character among the nations.
Moreover, biblical election extends beyond the literal nation of Israel to encompass all believers in Christ, illustrating a broader theological understanding of God’s sovereignty in grace. New Testament passages such as Ephesians 1:4-5 echo this sentiment, stating, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Here, the idea of election transitions to include all who are called by faith, illustrating that God’s plan and sovereignty are inclusive within the new covenant. Thus, election emphasizes both divine sovereignty and relational dynamics, highlighting that those chosen are called to live out their faith actively, and to embody God’s love and justice in the world. This deeper exploration of election serves to remind believers of their identity and mission, as they are designated not only as recipients of grace but as agents of God’s purposes.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the notion of election is deeply interwoven with the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, revealing the multifaceted nature of divine choice. For example, the figure of Abraham stands as a pivotal character in the discussions of election, for it is through him that God initiates a covenant, promising that he will be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham’s selection not only signifies God’s favor but also establishes a foundation for a people set apart to fulfill divine purposes. Subsequently, the patriarchs and matriarchs exemplify how God’s election is tied to faithfulness, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, illustrating that election involves an active partnership in the divine plan.
Furthermore, the prophetic literature often emphasizes Israel’s election as a call to moral and ethical responsibilities, serving to remind the people of their role as God’s light to the nations. Prophets such as Isaiah articulate this calling by proclaiming that Israel must embody justice and righteousness as a reflection of God’s character (Isaiah 49:6). In this light, election is not only an identity marker but also a missionary mandate, underscoring that being chosen entails a commitment to uphold the values of God’s kingdom in the world. This broader understanding of election invites believers to recognize their unique place within God’s purposes, urging them to live out their calling with integrity and purpose, as they embody the transformative power of divine grace in their communities. Through this lens, biblical election becomes a dynamic interplay of grace, responsibility, and the continual unfolding of God’s redemptive narrative.
Divine Choice and Covenant Relationship
In the Hebrew context, election signifies a divine choice made by God to establish a special relationship with a particular group of people, often the Israelites. This choice is not merely about favoritism but is deeply rooted in the concept of covenant. God’s election involves a commitment to guide, protect, and bless those chosen, while also expecting them to uphold their part of the covenant through obedience and faithfulness. This relationship underscores the idea that election is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Purpose and Mission
Another broader meaning of biblical election in the Hebrew tradition is the idea of purpose and mission. Those who are elected are often called to fulfill a specific role in God’s plan for humanity. This can include being a light to the nations, exemplifying justice and righteousness, and serving as instruments of God’s will on earth. The elected individuals or groups are seen as having a unique responsibility to reflect God’s character and to carry out His purposes, thus emphasizing that election is not solely for personal benefit but for the greater good of the community and the world.
Community and Identity
Election also plays a significant role in shaping community and identity within the Hebrew Scriptures. The concept of being chosen fosters a sense of belonging and collective identity among the elected people. It creates a shared narrative that binds individuals together, reinforcing their commitment to one another and to God. This communal aspect of election highlights the importance of solidarity, mutual support, and shared values among those who are chosen, illustrating that election is not just an individual experience but a communal journey of faith and purpose.
How to Embrace God’s Will for Your Life
Embracing God’s will for your life is a journey that requires both patience and openness. Start by cultivating a deep relationship with Him through prayer and scripture, allowing His words to guide your thoughts and actions. Reflect on your passions and the gifts He has bestowed upon you; often, these are clues to your purpose. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer support and wisdom, as they can help you discern His direction. Remember, it’s not always about grand gestures; sometimes, God’s will unfolds in the small, everyday choices we make. Trust that He has a plan for you, and be willing to step out in faith, even when the path seems uncertain. As you seek to align your life with His will, you’ll find a profound sense of peace and fulfillment that comes from living in harmony with His purpose.
Bible References to Hebrew Election Meaning:
Deuteronomy 14:2-4: 2 for you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
3 You shall not eat any abomination.
4 These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat,
Isaiah 41:8-10: 8 But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 42:1-4: 1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Isaiah 43:10-12: 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.”
11 I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.
12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and I am God.
Isaiah 44:1-3: 1 “But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!”
2 Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 45:4-6: 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me.
5 I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God;
6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.
Isaiah 49:7-9: 7 Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
8 Thus says the Lord: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages,
9 saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’
to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’
They shall feed along the ways;
on all bare heights shall be their pasture;
Jeremiah 1:4-5: 4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Amos 3:1-2: 1 Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt:
2 “You only have I known
of all the families of the earth;
therefore I will punish you
for all your iniquities.
Romans 8:28-30: 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 9:10-13: 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac,
11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—
12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”
13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Romans 11:5-7: 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened,
Ephesians 1:4-6: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
1 Peter 2:9-10: 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.