Election: Scripture for Calvinistic View

Question 1

State Calvinistic View

Answer 1

Election is “unconditional,” i.e. not predicated on foreseen faith in the believer. God’s antecedent election creates faith in the elect. “Those of mankind that are predestined unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid…hath chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works…” (Westminster Confession III.v).

Question 2

John 6:37 (+argument)

Answer 2

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

Argument: From Christ’s “Bread of Life” discourse. The Father’s GIVING is prior to the believer’s COMING.

Question 3

John 15:16 (+argument)

Answer 3

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Argument: From Christ’s discourse to the disciples on the “Vine and the Branches”. The disciple’s response to Christ is a consequence of the Lord’s prior call.

Question 4

Romans 8:29 (+argument)

Answer 4

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Argument: In the Calvinistic view, God’s foreknowing and electing are virtually synonymous; God does not elect on the basis of foreseen faith–rather, his election produces faith.

Question 5

Romans 9:10-12,16 (+argument)

Answer 5

And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”… So then it [God’s election] depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Argument: The “bottom line” of election is God’s mercy, not human desire or effort. From an Arminian perspective, Jacob and Esau are representatives of the -nations- of Israel and Edom; the text refers to national election rather than to the eternal election of individuals.

Question 6

John 1:12-13 (+argument)

Answer 6

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Argument: Election is God’s mercy, not human desire or effort (same as Ro 8:29).

Question 7

List of verses used to support Calvinistic view

Answer 7

List of verses used to support Calvinistic view:

1. John 1:12-13
2. John 6:37
3. John 15:16
4. Romans 8:29
5. Romans 9:10-12,16