1Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
The word “election” is used in connection with Israel as a chosen nation with but one exception (1:4). In Romans 9:1-33 it deals with the choice of God in Jacob over Esau, and all such individual choices of God are based upon the disposition and attitude of the individual in conforming to Him and His will. Not even Jacob would have been chosen if he had behaved toward God as Esau did. One becomes a special subject of God’s dealings when he chooses to be and as long as he chooses to be. As long as one rebels against the choice all must make to be saved, no benefits of the election of God can apply to him.
The word “elect” also refers to Israel as the chosen nation of God in all scriptures other than Luke 18:7; Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:10; Titus 1:1 and 2 John 1:1, 13 where it can be understood as of all Jews and Gentiles who conform to the predestined plan of God. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that only those who meet the terms of such a plan become the elect of God to share the blessings thereof; and those who choose not to conform to it will receive the predestined curses of rebellion. These simple facts should answer all questions on election, predestination, foreknowledge and like subjects. Truly God is “just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26) and the Judge of those who doesn’t believe (Matt. 16:15-16; Luke 13:1-5; John 3:16-18; 1Tim. 2:4-5; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17; etc.).
Four elect’s of God: Christ (Isa. 42:1; 1Pet. 2:6); All Christians (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; John 15:16; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:1, 13); Israel (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:21-31; Mark 13:22, 27; 1Pet. 1:2); Angels (1Tim. 5:21). Anyone chosen of God at any time, Jew or Gentile, is the elect of God (Rom. 9:11; 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God (Matt. 11:28-30; 20:16; John 1:12; 3:16-20; 6:37; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; Jas. 2:5; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 17:14; 22:17).
Living the Word 