Doctrine of election and its application to biblical studies Essay

Doctrine of election and its application to biblical studies - Essay Example The doctrine of election is a critical aspect in theology as it plays a vital role in the lives of many Christians. This doctrine has overwhelming biblical support and has extensive application in biblical studies. The doctrine of election is has been one of the most debated doctrines in theology. Those who support the doctrine, and who are the majority, claim that God predestined the fate of all humans. In this context, election means that from the beginning, God selected some people out of his sovereignty for salvation. On the other hand, opponents of the doctrine claim that there is no way that God can select or choose some individuals at the expense of others. They deem that is the doctrine of election was true, then there should no be evangelism and that God could not have wasted his time creating the individuals he did not select. However, there is considerable evidence in the scriptures that God has his chosen people both in the Old and New Testament. The doctrine of election rests in the premise that man does not have power to choose his fate, but God has the sovereign authority to predestine the fate of man. This paper will discuss in detail the doctrine of election. It will provide a historical overview of the doctrine, tracing its origin. It will also discuss the nature of the doctrine in terms of its validity, uniqueness and distinguishing features. In addition, this paper will seek to analyze the biblical defense of the doctrine and discuss its application in biblical studies. Finally, the paper will analyze some opposition to the doctrine and provide a conclusion based on the findings. ... It will also discuss the nature of the doctrine in terms of its validity, uniqueness and distinguishing features. In addition, this paper will seek to analyze the biblical defense of the doctrine and discuss its application in biblical studies. Finally, the paper will analyze some opposition to the doctrine and provide a conclusion based on the findings. Introduction The doctrine of election depicts that God singled certain persons in his mind from both angles and men and ordained them into the eternal life and blessedness. Prior to creating them, he decided their destiny just as a builder plans and determines every part of the building before laying the building materials for performing his design. Therefore, election may be the part of advice of God where He did it from all perpetuity purpose in Himself to show His grace upon His creatures. A definite decree about the creatures made the election effective (Pink, 2). The largest podium for discussions in the Christian community is t he doctrine of unconditional election. Most opponents of the doctrine of election deem that God bestows the choice of each person’s salvation upon himself or herself. They assert that people are the one to choose whether they will believe in God or not. This means that the person has to decide upon his life and it applies even in the modern society. In support on the doctrine of election, Piper counters that God chooses whom to save, which is the meaning of election. He claims that man is dead in sins and therefore, no condition where man has to meet with God before He chooses to save him from his sinful actions (1). God chose some individuals before the foundation of the world. Such chosen people acquired their redemption at the cross and God