Unconditional Election

Unconditional Election is defined as that God saves us because of his sovereignty, nothing we can do will ever change that. We can’t earn our salvation, we can’t lose our salvation, we are elect and chosen.

 When discussing the concept of predestination, the first thing people usually say is that it isn’t fair. When you look at it biblically, however, the only thing that really isn’t fair is that God sent his Son to die for sinners like you and me. We all deserve hell, but by God’s sovereign grace, he chooses some. The Bible is very clear on this issue in Romans chapter 9. Paul goes to the story of Jacob and Esau, which is told in Genesis 25. Paul says:

For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election might stand— not from works but from the One who calls—she was told: The older will serve the younger. As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau. Romans 9:11-13 (HCSB) 

My first thought on the surface was, how is this even fair? How come a loving God would choose some, and not choose others? The first thing we must remember when questioning these things is that we are created for God, for His glory and His purposes, plain and simple. God is sovereign. 

Everything God does has a purpose. Sometimes we may not understand things, it even says in Deuteronomy 29:29 that the secret things belong to the Lord. What we do know is we can trust God and his sovereignty.

Another question that often comes up when discussing predestination is that of evangelism. If God has already chosen whom He will save, then what is the point of evangelism? The simple answer to that is obedience. Christ not only gave us a command of evangelism, but we don’t know who God is chosen. God may use you as an instrument to draw others to Him.

By Chelsi Woods

Discussion questions to journal:

1. What was your initial reaction when you first learned about the doctrine of unconditional election? How has your view changed now—if at all?


2. What does unconditional election reveal about the heart of God? What is His ultimate aim in our election?


3. What do we miss out on without belief in unconditional election? In a practical sense, what impact, if any, would there be in our daily lives?


4. As with all the doctrines of grace, unconditional election should lead us into joy, gratitude, humility and worship. Are you experiencing these things? If not, what’s keeping you from doing so?

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