What is the biblical meaning of being chosen by God?

The concept of being chosen by God is one of the most profound and awe-inspiring themes found in the Bible. It touches on the very nature of God's relationship with humanity and His divine plan for redemption. Understanding what it means to be chosen by God involves delving into the depths of Scripture, exploring the historical context, and appreciating the theological implications. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I aim to provide a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of this significant doctrine.

The Biblical Basis for Being Chosen by God

The idea of being chosen by God is woven throughout the entire narrative of the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It is a theme that underscores God's sovereignty, grace, and love.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of divine election is first introduced in the Old Testament, where God chooses individuals and nations for specific purposes. One of the earliest examples is Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him into a great nation. This calling is not based on Abraham's merit but on God's sovereign choice:

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’” (Genesis 12:1-3, NIV)

Another significant example is the nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 explains that God chose Israel as His treasured possession, not because of their greatness, but because of His love and faithfulness:

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, NIV)

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament continues the theme of divine election, but it broadens the scope to include all who are in Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the concept of being chosen by God. In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul writes:

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5, NIV)

This passage highlights that God's choosing is rooted in His eternal plan and love. It emphasizes that believers are chosen to be holy and blameless, and to be adopted as His children through Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications of Being Chosen

Understanding the biblical meaning of being chosen by God involves grappling with several key theological concepts, including God's sovereignty, grace, and the purpose of election.

Sovereignty of God

Being chosen by God underscores His absolute sovereignty. God, in His infinite wisdom and authority, has the right and power to choose whom He wills. This is vividly illustrated in Romans 9:15-16, where Paul quotes God's words to Moses:

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” (Romans 9:15-16, NIV)

God's choice is not based on human effort or merit but solely on His mercy and sovereign will. This can be a challenging concept, but it ultimately points to the greatness and majesty of God.

Grace and Unmerited Favor

The doctrine of election is deeply intertwined with the concept of grace. Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor. Being chosen by God is an act of grace, as it is not based on any inherent worthiness or actions of the individual. Paul emphasizes this in 2 Timothy 1:9:

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” (2 Timothy 1:9, NIV)

This underscores that God's choosing is an expression of His grace, given freely and lavishly to those He calls.

Purpose of Election

God's choosing is not arbitrary; it has a divine purpose. Believers are chosen to fulfill God's redemptive plan and to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter describes the purpose of being chosen:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

Believers are chosen to be a holy and royal priesthood, to declare God's praises, and to live as His special possession. This calling involves both privilege and responsibility.

Practical Implications for Believers

Understanding that one is chosen by God has profound practical implications for daily Christian living. It shapes one's identity, purpose, and relationship with God.

Identity in Christ

Knowing that one is chosen by God provides a deep sense of identity and belonging. Believers are not defined by their past, their achievements, or their failures, but by God's choice and love. This identity is rooted in being part of God's family, as Paul writes in Romans 8:15-17:

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:15-17, NIV)

This passage highlights the intimate and familial relationship believers have with God as His adopted children and heirs.

Purpose and Mission

Being chosen by God gives believers a clear sense of purpose and mission. They are called to live holy lives, to share the gospel, and to serve others. Jesus Himself commissioned His followers in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

This Great Commission underscores the mission of those who are chosen—to make disciples and to teach others about Jesus.

Assurance and Comfort

The doctrine of being chosen by God also provides assurance and comfort. It reassures believers that their salvation is secure, not based on their fluctuating feelings or actions, but on God's unchanging purpose and grace. Jesus offers this assurance in John 10:27-29:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29, NIV)

This promise provides profound comfort, knowing that God's choosing is eternal and unshakeable.

Conclusion

The biblical meaning of being chosen by God is a rich and multifaceted doctrine that reveals the depths of God's sovereignty, grace, and love. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, from God's choosing of Abraham and Israel in the Old Testament to the calling of believers in Christ in the New Testament. This divine election is rooted in God's eternal purpose and grace, not in human merit, and it carries profound implications for the identity, purpose, and assurance of believers.

As we reflect on this doctrine, we are reminded of the incredible privilege and responsibility of being chosen by God. It calls us to live lives that reflect His holiness, to fulfill His mission, and to rest in the assurance of His unchanging love. Being chosen by God is not just a theological concept; it is a transformative reality that shapes every aspect of the Christian life.