Perspectives on “Election” of Believers
In the latest episode of “In the Fire” (episode 104), we continued our series in the Book of Romans by reading through one of Scripture’s more challenging chapters: Romans 9. In particular, Romans 9 causes difficulties for some Christians (even some of the most well-known theologians) because of its discussion of “election.” For Christians who ascribe to the Arminian concept of election, predestination, and the like, Romans 9 can be a lot to grapple with. In a sense, this is because Romans 9 is a key passage for those who agree with the more Calvinist viewpoint, and it is cited often by those believers as evidence for their point of view. In another sense, though, it is a difficult passage because it is just that - a difficult passage. For anyone, Romans 9 poses questions of faith, will, and justice that no one may have the perfect answer to (besides God and Co. . . . and Paul). While we recommend listening to Episode 104 of “In the Fire” for more background and for our discussion on this topic and what it ultimately means for our salvation, we also thought we’d add some resources here so you can learn more and discover your views on election on your own.
Election from the Calvinist Point of View
R.C. Sproul: TULIP and Reformed Theology - Unconditional Election
Tim Keller: 3 Objections to the Doctrine of Election (don’t be fooled by the title!)
John Piper: Five Reasons Calvinists Love Election
Election from the Arminian Point of View
James Rochford: Biblical Defense of Arminianism
So, what does this all mean? Well, as we discuss in our latest episode on this, the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate is not necessarily a salvation-defining one. That is, whichever perspective you take on the topic, both sides agree that God, in his sovereignty, chooses to bestow mercy on whom he chooses, and it is the duty of all of us, as humans and as Christians, to accept God’s mercy. That choice falls on us, no matter what. Jesus died for us so that we can have the ability to accept this wonderful forgiveness. So, in the end, no matter your belief on election and predestination, the core principles of the Gospel and the Great Commission remain. So don’t be discouraged if it is difficult! It’s been difficult for Christians and theologians for hundreds of years. And don’t be discouraged by those people who take the debate too far and make it more divisive than it needs to be (this is far too common). Instead, focus on how you can learn about these viewpoints and grow in faith. After all, in the words of our favorite theologian Charles Spurgeon, “I have been called an Arminian Calvinist or a Calvinistic Arminian, and I am quite content so long as I can keep close to my Bible.”