CHOSEN (or ELECT)
(See SALVATION)
While the term chosen is used in Scripture of both divine and human initiative (Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 7:6; Joshua 24:22; Luke 10:42; 2 Thessalonians 2:13), it usually refers to the privileged status of certain persons as a result of God's sovereign and gracious action on their behalf (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Ephesians 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:9). The more specific and prominent NT usage of the term concerns individual persons elected by God's eternal decree for salvation in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2:10). God's purpose of salvation for the chosen is accomplished "through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
of Israel:
♦ basis:
♦ purpose:
• Deuteronomy 7:6-8; 14:2; 1 Kings 3:8; 1 Chronicles 16:13; Psalms 33:12; 105:6, 43; 106:5; 135:4; Isaiah 41:8-9; 43:10, 20; 44:1-5; 45:4; Amos 3:2
♦ concerning the remnant:
• Romans 11:5, 7
♦ of Jerusalem
• 1 Kings 8:44, 48; 11:13, 32, 36; 14:21; 2 Kings 21:7; 23:27; 2 Chronicles 6:6, 34, 38; 12:13; 33:7; Nehemiah 1:9; Psalms 132:13; Zechariah 3:2
♦ of the temple
♦ of Christ
of individual believers:
♦ limitation:
♦ basis:
• John 13:18; 15:16; Romans 8:29; 9:11; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Ephesians 1:3-5, 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:9; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2
♦ purpose:
♦ privileges:
• Matthew 24:22, 31; Luke 12:32; 18:7; Romans 8:33; Ephesians 1:4-5; 1 Peter 2:9; 5:13; 2 John 1, 13; Revelation 17:14
♦ results:
♦ for special service
• Genesis 18:19; Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 21:5; 1 Samuel 10:24; 2 Samuel 21:6; 1 Chronicles 16:41-42; 28:4-6, 10; 29:1; 2 Chronicles 6:6; 29:11; Psalms 89:3, 19; 105:26; 106:23; Haggai 2:23; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:2, 24; 9:15; 10:41
♦ of a fast
♦ of the good angels
This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.