Introduction

The doctrine of election is one of the most significant and debated topics in Christian theology. It addresses how and why God chooses individuals or groups for salvation. Two major views on election are the Augustinian doctrine of particular election, which Calvinism later systematized into unconditional election and predestination, and the biblical/Arminian doctrine of election, which emphasizes God’s universal salvific will and human responsibility.

In this lesson, we will distinguish between these views, demonstrate why the Arminian interpretation better aligns with the full witness of Scripture, and explore the theological and practical implications of election in Christian life.

I. Defining Election

At its core, election refers to God’s act of choosing people for a specific purpose. The Bible speaks of election in different ways:

1. Corporate Election – God’s choice of a group or community (e.g., Israel, the Church) for His redemptive purposes.
2. Conditional Election – God elects individuals based on His foreknowledge of their faith response to His grace.
3. Unconditional Election – A Calvinist/Augustinian perspective that teaches God predestines individuals for salvation or damnation without consideration of their faith or choices.

II. The Augustinian Doctrine of Particular Election

Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) developed a doctrine of election that later influenced Calvinism. His view, which became known as particular election, teaches that:

• God unconditionally elects some individuals to salvation (the elect) and leaves others in their fallen state (the reprobate).
• Election is not based on foreseen faith but solely on God’s sovereign decree.
• Those elected will irresistibly come to faith because of God’s effectual grace (Irresistible Grace in Calvinism).
• The non-elect (reprobate) are left without hope of salvation and are predestined to eternal condemnation (Double Predestination).

This view is built upon divine determinism, which asserts that every event in history, including human decisions, is decreed and determined by God’s will.

Key Problems with Particular Election

1. It contradicts God’s universal desire for salvation.
   • 1 Timothy 2:4: “God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
   • 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2. It nullifies genuine human responsibility.
   • If God unconditionally predestines individuals, then human choices and faith are irrelevant to salvation, making evangelism and personal repentance unnecessary.
3. It undermines God’s justice and love.
   • If God unconditionally elects only some, then He arbitrarily condemns the rest, contradicting His nature as a just and loving God.

III. The Biblical and Arminian Doctrine of Election

The Arminian perspective (which is based on the early church’s understanding before Augustine’s theological innovations) holds that:

1. Election is conditional upon faith.
   • Romans 8:29: “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”
   • God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who will freely respond to His grace.
2. Election is primarily corporate, not individualistic.
   • Ephesians 1:4-5: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.”
   • The “us” refers to the Church (the body of Christ), and individuals become part of the elect by joining the believing community through faith.
3. Grace is resistible, not irresistible
   • Acts 7:51: “You always resist the Holy Spirit.”
   • God enables all people to believe through prevenient grace, but they must freely choose to accept or reject salvation.
4. Salvation is available to all, not just a predestined few.
   • John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
   • Christ’s atonement is for all people, not only for a preselected group.

Prevenient Grace: The Key to Understanding Arminian Election

• Definition: Prevenient grace is the grace of God that comes before faith, enabling sinners to respond freely to the gospel.
• Biblical Basis:
• John 1:9: “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
• Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”

IV. Theological and Practical Implications

1. Human Responsibility in Salvation
   • Unlike the Augustinian view, the Arminian doctrine maintains that people have a real choice in responding to God’s call.
   • Evangelism and discipleship matter because people can respond to the gospel.
2. The Love and Justice of God
   • God’s election is consistent with His loving and just character. He provides the opportunity for all to be saved.
3. Assurance of Salvation and Perseverance
   • Arminians affirm that believers can have assurance of salvation through faith.
   • However, continued faith is necessary, and apostasy (falling away) is possible (Hebrews 6:4-6).

V. Conclusion: A Call to Trust in God’s Love

The doctrine of election is ultimately about God’s desire to save and His way of bringing people into His kingdom. The biblical and Arminian perspective upholds both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, ensuring that:

1. God’s grace is extended to all.
2. Salvation is conditioned upon faith, not an arbitrary decree.
3. God remains just, loving, and merciful.

Rather than viewing election as an exclusive privilege for a select few, the Bible presents it as an invitation to all people to receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.