ELECTION VS MAN'S FREE WILL - THE MOST HATED DOCTRINE
Election Versus Free Will (Part 1 of 3)
Series Introduction: Election vs. Free Will
Throughout church history, few doctrines have sparked as much discussion and division as the question of Divine Election and human free will. Does God choose whom He will save, or do individuals choose God through their own volition? This three-part series examines the biblical foundations of Election, the nature of free will, and how these two truths coexist within the sovereign plan of God. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and theological reflection, we will seek to understand not only what the Bible teaches but also why this doctrine is vital to a proper understanding of God’s grace and glory in salvation.
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Few doctrines in Scripture evoke as much debate and emotion as the Doctrine of Election and its relationship to human free will. Within the modern American church—whether Protestant or Catholic—there is often a limited understanding of the Doctrines of Grace or the biblical meaning of Election. Yet historically, especially before the twentieth century, the majority of Baptists embraced this doctrine. Even Charles Spurgeon, often called The Prince of Preachers, taught extensively on predestination and divine election.
As citizens of a nation founded on the ideals of liberty and personal freedom, Americans often struggle with the notion that salvation is entirely an act of God’s sovereign will. We pride ourselves on individuality and self-determination—on being the architects of our own destinies. We affirm God’s sovereignty in creation and providence yet often resist it when applied to salvation itself.
Step into many churches today, and you might hear a pastor plead, “Jesus is waiting for you. It’s up to you to decide for Christ.” Yet Scripture paints a very different picture. In John 15:16, Jesus declares:
Throughout church history, few doctrines have sparked as much discussion and division as the question of Divine Election and human free will. Does God choose whom He will save, or do individuals choose God through their own volition? This three-part series examines the biblical foundations of Election, the nature of free will, and how these two truths coexist within the sovereign plan of God. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and theological reflection, we will seek to understand not only what the Bible teaches but also why this doctrine is vital to a proper understanding of God’s grace and glory in salvation.
_________________________________________________
Few doctrines in Scripture evoke as much debate and emotion as the Doctrine of Election and its relationship to human free will. Within the modern American church—whether Protestant or Catholic—there is often a limited understanding of the Doctrines of Grace or the biblical meaning of Election. Yet historically, especially before the twentieth century, the majority of Baptists embraced this doctrine. Even Charles Spurgeon, often called The Prince of Preachers, taught extensively on predestination and divine election.
As citizens of a nation founded on the ideals of liberty and personal freedom, Americans often struggle with the notion that salvation is entirely an act of God’s sovereign will. We pride ourselves on individuality and self-determination—on being the architects of our own destinies. We affirm God’s sovereignty in creation and providence yet often resist it when applied to salvation itself.
Step into many churches today, and you might hear a pastor plead, “Jesus is waiting for you. It’s up to you to decide for Christ.” Yet Scripture paints a very different picture. In John 15:16, Jesus declares:
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
Although Jesus originally spoke these words to His disciples during the Passover meal before His betrayal, the principle applies to all who follow Him. Believers today are also His disciples, chosen and appointed for His purposes. The first phrase—“You did not choose Me, but I chose you”—is unmistakably clear. There is no ambiguity in Christ’s statement.
Similarly, Acts 13:48 reinforces this truth:
Similarly, Acts 13:48 reinforces this truth:
“When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
Notice the divine order. Those who had been appointed to eternal life believed. Faith, therefore, is not the cause of divine appointment but its result. The obvious question arises: Who does the appointing?
Ephesians 1:3–4 provides the answer:
Ephesians 1:3–4 provides the answer:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.”
Before the dawn of creation—before God spoke light into existence—He had already determined whom He would redeem through Christ. This eternal act of divine election underscores God’s sovereignty in salvation.
Other passages affirm this same truth:
John 15:19 — “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Mark 13:20 — “And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4 — “For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you.”
The testimony of Scripture is consistent and unmistakable: salvation begins with God’s choice, not man’s. Yet many modern teachings obscure or contradict this foundational truth.
In this series, we will continue to explore the biblical doctrine of election, its implications for human responsibility, and how understanding this truth deepens our reverence for the sovereignty and grace of God.
Other passages affirm this same truth:
John 15:19 — “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Mark 13:20 — “And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4 — “For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you.”
The testimony of Scripture is consistent and unmistakable: salvation begins with God’s choice, not man’s. Yet many modern teachings obscure or contradict this foundational truth.
In this series, we will continue to explore the biblical doctrine of election, its implications for human responsibility, and how understanding this truth deepens our reverence for the sovereignty and grace of God.
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