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With the fall of man and the entrance of sin into the world, God put into effect His plan to restore sinful mankind back to Himself. This plan involves the election of Israel. It is necessary to make a distinction between individual election and Israel’s election. The former results in the salvation of individuals, and extends to both Jews and Gentiles – everyone. Any individual who believes in Jesus Christ for salvation is the object of God’s individual election. The latter relates to Israel as His elect Nation. Israel’s election does not guarantee individual salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. However, it does guarantee that God’s purposes for choosing Israel will be accomplished. Israel will always survive until she has served God’s purposes in the history of mankind. With Israel, God’s only elect Nation, God intends for her to be the channel of His blessings and salvation to all Nations of the world.
From God’s past dealings with Israel, Paul provides in his teaching in Romans 9 a few examples of His Sovereign right in election. Isaac was, for example, chosen over Ishmael (Abraham’s firstborn son) to be the line through which God’s blessings would flow to the Nations. He also chose Jacob over Esau (Isaac’s firstborn). When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the law, Israel was rebelliously worshipping a golden calf. God was angry with their sin, and allowed judgment to fall on them. Three thousand were killed. Later, God revealed to Moses that while all Israel deserved to die, He mercifully chose to spare those who repented. In election, therefore, God’s sovereignty to choose is at work bestowing mercy and reconciling with human responsibility.
Biblical election as taught in the Bible by Israel’s past is actually beyond our capacity to fully grasp. Although this is the case, we can at least see in Biblical election God’s sovereignty, mercy, love and righteousness. We who have been elected have been chosen by God before the foundation of the world for Him to prepare us for His glory. Do we live for ourselves or for God’s glory? When God is the centre of our interests, life will be in proper focus.
