Am I one of the elect? How can I know?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The question "Am I one of the elect?" revolves around whether one is chosen by God for salvation. While the Bible affirms that the elect are those who have put their trust in Jesus, it emphasizes that salvation is by God's grace through faith in Christ alone, not by human effort. The Old Testament foreshadows God's choosing of Israel and the Messiah, while the New Testament reveals God's universal offer of salvation through Christ to all who believe. Rather than worrying about our status, we are encouraged to trust in Jesus daily, knowing that our identity and security rest in Him. This understanding brings assurance and freedom from anxiety, focusing our boast solely on the Lord and His saving grace.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• While the term "the elect" is more explicitly developed in the New Testament, the concept of God choosing or electing people is present throughout the Old Testament.
• Deuteronomy 7:6–8 emphasizes that God chose the Israelites as His own people for His purposes and by His love: "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. 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, 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."
• Isaiah 42:1 reveals that God has chosen and anointed the Messiah (Jesus Christ) for a specific mission (to bring salvation to the world).
• In Isaiah 45:4, God declares Israel as His chosen people, illustrating His special election and relationship with them.
• Psalm 105:6, 43 praises God for His faithfulness to His chosen people, whom He has elected for His purposes.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The thought of a person wanting to receive salvation in Christ and yet waiting because he or she is uncertain whether they are one of the elect does not exist in Scripture. Instead, the emphasis is to believe (2 Corinthians 6:2).
• Salvation is by God's grace through faith and is fully dependent on Jesus' work on the cross, not anything we have done to earn it (Ephesians 2:1–10) .
• Salvation is offered to all (John 3:16–18; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; 2 Peter 3:9). Our part is simply to trust in Jesus. In trusting in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are forgiven of our sins, made children of God, and given the indwelling Holy Spirit who works in our hearts and minds to help us know, love, and obey God (Romans 8:1–39; Ephesians 1:3–14; Philippians 2:12–13).
• The Greek roots for words often translated "elect" in the New Testament come from eklegomai, which refers to choosing or picking out. We most often see these words in relation to those who are already saved (Matthew 22:14, Matthew 24:22, Luke 18:7, Romans 8:33, Ephesians 1:4, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:1, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 John 1:1, and Revelation 17:14).
• The same root word for elect was used by Jesus when He chose the disciples (Luke 6:13; Acts 1:2) and when the early church chose deacons (Acts 6:5). It is used when referring to choosing in general, such as when Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet (Luke 10:42) or people chose places of honor at a feast (Luke 14:7). This word is also used to refer to Jesus as the "Chosen One" (Luke 9:35; 23:35) as well as in relation to angels (1 Timothy 5:21) and individual believers (Acts 9:15; Romans 16:13). We see it in relation to the remnant of Israel (Romans 11:5–7).
• Romans 9 emphasizes that God's purpose in election is not based on human merit or works but on His sovereign choice and mercy. It illustrates that God's election serves His redemptive purposes.
• First Corinthians 1:26–31 illustrates that God's election overturns human expectations by choosing the weak and despised to showcase His power and wisdom. This demonstrates that believers find their identity and boasting solely in the Lord, not in what they have accomplished or achieved because salvation cannot be earned.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding the concept of election can be both comforting and challenging for believers. When grappling with the question, "Am I one of the elect?", it's essential to remember that God's election is rooted in His sovereign choice and mercy, not in our own merit or efforts. The Bible consistently teaches that those who are saved are indeed the elect—chosen by God through faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of dwelling on uncertainties about one's election, the focus should be on trusting in Jesus and living out our faith daily. As 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us, today is the day of salvation; therefore, our assurance lies in believing in Christ and resting in His finished work on the cross. None who want to be in Christ are denied. This understanding frees us from anxiety about our status and encourages us to boast in the Lord alone, recognizing that our identity and salvation are secure in Him.

UNDERSTAND

• The concept of God's election is evident throughout both Old and New Testaments, emphasizing His sovereign choice for His purposes not anything we do to earn it.
• Isaiah 42:1 highlights God's specific choice and anointing of Jesus Christ as the Messiah for the salvation of humanity. Through Him we are saved.
• God's election is based on His sovereign will and mercy, revealing His divine plan for redemption.

REFLECT

• How does understanding God's sovereign election affect my daily walk with Him and my assurance of salvation?
• In what ways can I deepen my trust in God's promises regarding His election, especially when facing doubts or uncertainties?
• How does knowing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone impact my understanding of God's love and mercy towards me?

ENGAGE

• How do various passages from the Old and New Testaments shape our understanding of God's election and His purposes in choosing His people?
• What implications does God's sovereign election have for our evangelism and outreach efforts as believers?
• How can we practically encourage one another in our faith journeys, emphasizing God's role in our salvation while also recognizing our responsibility to respond in faith?