A Brief Explanation of Election and Reprobation
In eternity (past), our Triune God ordained all things that would come to pass in time. God is immutable: the same yesterday, today, and forever (1 Sam 15:29; Ps 110:4; Jer 4:28; Heb 6:17–18; 7:21; 13:8). God’s creation of humanity is part of His eternal purpose and decree to bring glory to Himself. All things are from Him; and to God be the glory, great things He hath done (Phil 4:20; 1 Tim 1:17).
Human history is a completed story. The divine Author is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). He knows all things because He is omniscient (1 Jn 3:20); but He is also the eternal, primary cause of everything. The story is written, finished; and God is unfolding it for us to witness. Nothing will frustrate that which has been eternally decreed (Ps 148:8; Eph 3:11). Stated another way, the wisdom and power of God ensures that everything is as it ought to be. Both good and evil have been written into the story; and God is causing all things to work together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
God has revealed to humanity what He has deemed appropriate and sufficient for us to know about deity, and His works that perfectly accomplish His sovereign will (Phil 2:13). This revelation is the Holy Bible, God’s written Word (Ps 119; 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 4:12; 2 Pet 1:19–21). In the Bible, we learn of God’s election and reprobation of humanity. This is clearly the teaching in several passages. It is the major theme of Romans chapter nine. Ephesians chapter one is also a key text in looking at these two inseparable themes of eternal salvation and damnation.
Before the foundation of the world, God ordained some people to eternal life (Acts 13:48). He graciously chose some people from the beginning for salvation (2 Thess 2:13); the remnant people saved by grace and not by their own will or their own works (Jn 1:12–13; Rom 11:5–6; Eph 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).
In the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, and in love, He predestined some to adoption as sons (Acts 2:23; Eph 1:4–5), that is, the children of God, whom the Father gave to the Son (Jn 17:2, 6, 24; 18:9; 2 Tim 1:9). In doing so, before all time, God the Father wrote the names of His elect (chosen ones) in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 13:8; 17:8; 21:27).
In time, God the Father would draw His elect to His Son, to whom they belonged (Jn 6:44, 65; 1 Cor 6:19–20). Jesus Christ, the God-man, our Lord, knows those who are His (2 Tim 2:19); those given to Him before Creation (2 Tim 1:9). These were they whom the Apostle Paul labored and suffered for in the stewardship of the Gospel entrusted to him (1 Cor 4:1–2; 9:17; 2 Tim 2:10).
As a minister of the Gospel, Paul preached Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 1:18, 23; 2:2, 4; Col 1:28). He called his hearers to repentance and faith (Acts 17:30). This ministry to gather in God’s elect, redeemed people into Christ’s church, is a work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, in and through those men of God called to be preachers of the Gospel of God (Mk 3:14; 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 1:1; 2:15). Jesus promised that He would lose not one of His own beloved (Jn 10:28–29; Rom 8:31–39). This is the sure salvation of the predestined elect.
What about the rest of humanity? Does God’s eternal counsel, purpose, will, and decree pertain to them? If everything is from God and eternally determined by Him; then, we must answer affirmatively. It is my objective here to be as clear as possible because of the sinner’s dislike of the doctrine of reprobation.
The Apostle Paul helps us by way of Old Testament examples. There is Esau and Pharaoh (Rom 9). God loved Jacob; but He hated Esau (Mal 1:1–3; Rom 9:13). This was true before they were born and before they did anything to warrant God’s judgment and wrath (Rom 1:18–32; 2 Cor 5:10). God had mercy on Jacob; and He was just with Esau, showing the latter no favor (Rom 9:15–16).
In the case of Pharaoh, God’s irresistible will was to raise up the royal reprobate to the most elevated heights of human power and authority. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart to oppress His chosen people, Israel (Ex 1–14). The Bible tells us that God’s purpose in Pharaoh’s reprobation was for the world to know the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. God is glorified in the deliverance of His people from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Rev 5:9; 7:9).
By way of illustration, God identifies Himself as the Potter. Each person ever conceived is clay in His hands, to do with as He pleases. Some clay vessels are for common use; and some clay vessels are for honorable use — according to the will and work of the Potter (Jer 18). He does as He pleases with whatever belongs to Him. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it because God is the Creator and sustainer of it all (Ps 24:1; Col 1:16–17; Heb 1:2–3).
In summary, if some are appointed to life; then some must be fitted for destruction. If some are saved; then some are damned. God, alone, is the Savior (Ps 3:8; Jon 2:9; Rev 19:1). He sent His only begotten Son into the world to save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:16).
Jesus Christ did not fail to redeem each soul given to Him by the Father. These are they who believe because of God’s Holy Spirit sent to them (Jn 14:26; 15:26); and who granted them faith (Phil 1:29), as a gift (Eph 2:8–9). This is the Spirit whom the world cannot receive (Jn 14:17).
In conclusion, what God determined in eternity comes to pass in time by the working of God’s providence. He does all His holy will (Eph 1:11). Most of humanity is predestined to ruin. This is God’s design; for He has made all things for Himself, even the wicked, like Esau and Pharaoh, for the day of evil (Prv 16:4).
The Christian response to both the doctrine of predestinated election and predestinated reprobation is unwavering faith in the Word of God, both incarnate and written. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knew those who were His sheep (Jn 10). His judgment on the last day will declare to the reprobate, “Depart from Me, I never knew you” (Mt 7:23). With fear and trembling, let us marvel and rejoice at so great a salvation (Heb 2:3) …and the revelation of God’s sovereign will and sovereign grace in our lives.
Finally, the response of the reprobate to these biblical teachings is expected. They do not believe our report (Is 53:1); which is exactly what God’s report reveals about them. They do not believe because they do not belong to Jesus Christ (Jn 10:26). For this purpose, they were made and are manifest.
David Norczyk
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
October 21, 2024
