The Bible contains many references to individuals who are chosen or elected by God, to fulfill certain roles predetermined by Him for their lives. These elect, often referred to as God’s chosen ones, can be found throughout both Old and New Testaments of Scripture. They have many different roles to fulfill and each is important in the overall scheme of biblical history.
The Bible speaks of the elect in numerous capacities, from prophets and kings, to priests and ministers. The term appears most prominently in the New Testament, referring to those whom God has called out and appointed for service in His kingdom. In Romans 8:33 Paul describes the elect as “those whom he predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” In Ephesians 1:4 Paul write that God “chose us in him [Christ] before the foundation of the world.” Jesus Christ is the primary example of the elect, according to Scripture, as He is the Only Begotten Son of God and chosen by God to accomplish his redemptive work on earth. In Luke 23:35, Jesus is quoted as saying, “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
The role of the elect is not limited to the New Testament, however. In several places throughout the Old Testament, God gives his commanded that certain people—his elect—are to be set apart and given authority over matters concerning his kingdom. This includes the kings, rulers, and leaders of the Israelites, as well as the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament. In Exodus 19:5-6, for example, God says, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
The concept of the elect is of great significance in the Bible, as it speaks to the individual’s place in God’s divine plan. Although there are many different roles that individuals are called to serve, the end result is always that of glorifying God in the ultimate fulfillment of his will. Thus, the Bible clearly states that those whom God has chosen have a special and holy role in the world, with a divine mission from God to serve in their particular capacity.
The Elect and the Church
The term elect is often used to refer to believers in Jesus Christ, who are taken out of the world to form his church. In Ephesians 1:4, it is written that God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” This speaks to the fact that God is actively choosing those who will be his followers, setting apart a people to serve him. This chosen people are then called the elect of Christ, forming the base of the Church, which is God’s chosen people living according to his commandments. They are the witnesses of God’s plan—His elect—to provide salvation to a broken world.
The Elect and the End Times
References to the elect are not just limited to the time of Christ’s coming. In the book of Revelation, the elect are mentioned in regards to the events surrounding the end of days. In Revelation 17:14, it states, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Here, the elect have been called and chosen by God to fight against His enemies in the battle of Armageddon. They are seen as the faithful servants of God, who will join forces with Christ in the end times.
The Elect and Biblical Prophecies
The Bible also speaks of the elect in the context of various biblical prophecies. In Isaiah 45:4–6, it reads “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.” This passage speaks to the special role of God’s elect, who are summoned by name and blessed with title and honor. It shows that the elect are of great importance in the fulfillment of God’s plans and prophecies.
The Elect and Social Responsibility
Finally, the elect have an important role in terms of social responsibility. Being chosen by God does not negate the responsibility of the individual to care for the poor, the fatherless, and the vulnerable. In Deuteronomy 10:19 it states, “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” This shows that God’s chosen people are also called to show love and kindness to others, regardless of their background. In fact, many verses throughout the Bible emphasize the importance of loving your neighbor and caring for those in need. The elect, then, are to be examples of Christ, demonstrating love and compassion, as well as justice and righteousness.
The Elect and the Intermediate State
Many theologians have speculated about the nature of the elect’s intermediate state between death and the second coming of Christ. Some believe that the elect will immediately go to heaven when they die, while others hold that they will remain in the waiting period until Jesus returns in the end times. Either way, the elect have a special place in the kingdom of God, and this is reflected in the Bible’s numerous references to them.
The Elect and the Great Commission
The elect are also seen to play an important role in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his disciples to spread the gospel to all people, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” Thus, the elect are called to be evangelists and teachers, spreading the good news of Jesus throughout the world. As such, they are important examples of Christ, demonstrating his love and bringing multitudes to faith.
The Elect and Eternal Life
Finally, the elect have a special role in regards to eternal life. Those who are chosen by God are promised eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. In John 10:28, Jesus said, “No one can snatch them out of my hand.” This speaks to the truth that no one can take away the elect’s faith and promise of eternal life. It is only through belief in Jesus as the Messiah that one can be chosen as an elect and gain a place in his kingdom.
