Does God pass over some for Salvation?
As taken from John MacArthur’s Study Bible, Sermons, as well as from Unconditional Election written by Earl Blackburn
Compiled with comments by Tim Gowens
Before I proceed to write about this most difficult doctrine, I want to state that I currently struggle with this doctrine – perhaps more than any other – but have come to the place where I am trusting God with it. Here are some questions that I have had regarding Predestination, foreknowledge, Election, and being “Called” of God, and the choice of God. I will state the question and answer it according to what the Bible has said. It is up to God to convince the fallen heart of man of anything true. My prayer is that He will bring many to a deeper closer walk of Trust in His perfect sinless state.
1. How can God Pass over some and choose others and hold the persons who He did not choose accountable for their sin?
2. If God Elects some and passes over others, how is this Fair? I always thought God was a fair and Just God!
3. Scripture says that He is not willing for any to die but for all to come to repentance. How does this line up with election?
4. The Doctrine of Election must not be true because it goes against man’s free will. Does man have a free will?
5. Isn’t salvation offered to All mankind? Did not God say for us to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel? If predestination and election is accurate, then why should we evangelize, if God has already chosen those who will come to know Him – what’s the point?
6. Has God limited Himself and His ability to know what man will choose? Is open Theism a valid doctrine?
7. There are apparently errors in the Bible since scripture seems to teach both opposing views. Is the Bible without error? If so, then how can there be opposing views in scripture?
8. I have always been taught that God Loves Everybody? How can a loving God predestine anyone to Hell?
9. Since scripture teaches both the Sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man, should I choose a Side?
10. If the Doctrine of Election is true, then why and how should I evangelize others?
Before I attempt to answer any question regard the doctrine of Election, I want to make some very important points as a platform to spring from. If you disagree with these points, you will only find that you will become angry and frustrated. I know that I certainly did – until I asked God to help me, thru the study of His word. I sought after Him and He answered. You should consider if you really want to proceed because this is a very difficult subject.
1. The doctrine of Election and predestination was almost an assumed position in the early church and Paul’s day. It is stated so often as an assumed position with no explanation or apology. It is most difficult for us now, because we as Americans have been brought up in a society where having a sovereign King is foreign to us. We are the masters of our fate – the captain of the ship, but are we really?
2. My choice and “Free will” will never be independent of God’s will. God teaches all throughout scripture that He alone is the author of life. (Job, chapters 38-42) How can a clay pot say to the one who made it – “Why did you make me this way?” (Romans 9) I have no right to question anything when it comes to the decisions of a perfect God who makes those decisions from a will that is independent from me. “Why” is completely bound up in His eternal will. That is a place I cannot go – and perhaps can never fully understand. I must trust Him – for the heart of our perfect God is trustworthy.
3. What I feel or don’t understand does not change the only source of truth – God’s Word! My mind, will and feelings, and nature are completely fallen. It was completely dead before Christ, but now I am alive in Him. (Romans 8) I still have residual fallen nature – even as a mature child of God. (Romans 7)
4. I cannot design God to be something that I have created in my fallen mind. I cannot make God into my own image. He is completely different and higher than all my ways and thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9) I am to bow to Him! He does not have to explain Himself to me. (Job cp 38-42) Ask yourself these questions – “Is my opinion of God more derived from the current modern church teachings and culture – or is it the result of my personal study of Scripture as taught by the Holy Spirit?” “Is the image of God that I have biblically Based?”
5. Because I am corrupted in all my nature, I must be willing to expose myself to the only source that is uncorrupted – Scripture. I must be willing to spend my time studying it – and submitting to it.
6. This doctrine offends many because it is a direct assault to our pride and ego.
7. I cannot expect a person who is not a believer to understand this doctrine. Nor can I expect a person who may be a believer – but stuck in his prideful condition, to accept this doctrine. I should expect Persecution to be the end result – since pride is at stake. Pride never dies easily – apart from the work of God in a person’s heart.
The Question?
How can God Pass over some for Salvation and choose others while holding the persons who He did not choose accountable for their sin?
The Answer!
God never planned on saving everyone. Otherwise He would have created a Salvation plan that does not include Hell.
Explanation from Scripture
Deut. 10:14-15
14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. 15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.
The “you” in vs. 15 is Israel. God chose them before they were ever created – and that for His own purpose. That choice is always completely done without the counsel of anyone or anything and is always with Wisdom. (Prov. 3:19-20)
Matt. 11:27
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Matt. 22:14
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
The call spoken of here is sometimes referred to as the “general call” (or the “external” call)—a summons to repentance and faith that is inherent in the gospel message. This call extends to all who hear the gospel. “Many” hear it; “few” respond (see the many-few comparison in 7:13, 14). Those who respond are the “chosen,” the elect. In the Pauline writings, the word “call” usually refers to God’s irresistible calling extended to the elect alone (Rom. 8:30)—known as the “effectual call” (or the “internal” call). The effectual call is the supernatural drawing of God which Jesus speaks of in John 6:44. Here a general call is in view, and this call extends to all who hear the gospel—this call is the great “whosoever will” of the gospel (cf. Rev. 22:17). Here, then, is the proper balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty: the “called” who reject the invitation do so willingly, and therefore their exclusion from the kingdom is perfectly just. The “chosen” enter the kingdom only because of the grace of God in choosing and drawing them.
Romans 9: 11- 24
(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Paul addresses the issue clearly. But notice in verse 19 that he never answers the question “Why” did God choose some and others He passed over – apart from His choice to show Mercy and Wrath. Mercy and Wrath are both just as equally beautiful and perfect – since they come from the Heart of God, and He has the right to demonstrate them on however He chooses.
Deut. 32:4
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice;
Righteous and upright is He.
Mark 13:20
And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
The “elect” could refer to the nation of Israel (cf. Is. 45:4), or those who become Christians during the Tribulation (Rev. 17:14). In either case, God cuts short the days for their benefit.
Romans 11:4-5, 7-8
“I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.8 Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.”
If someone is not chosen – not part of the election of Grace, then God causes their eyes to not see, and their ears to not hear. According to Romans 9 vs. 18, He hardens their hearts.
2 Timothy 2:10
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Paul viewed his sufferings for the Lord and for the sake of the Elect. If Election were not part of scripture, then Paul’s suffering was in vain.
James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
2:5 Has God not chosen. See note on Rom. 8:29; cf. 1 Cor. 1:26–29. the kingdom. Here James intends the kingdom in its present sense of the sphere of salvation—those over whom Christ rules—as well as its future millennial and eternal glory.
Those who will rule with Christ in the millennial age will not be the mighty, wealthy, noble, strong, well educated of this world, (although there is nothing that says He will not use some- but only the elect to the grace of Salvation) but will be characterized by those who are the weak, poor and humble. The high-minded, highly educated by the worlds systems (most often rooted in pride) – will not accept the Sovereign choice of God for it goes against all that he has worked for and pursued – Independence!
Jer. 9:23 says Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.
Romans 8:29-30
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
8:29 foreknew. Not a reference simply to God’s omniscience—that in eternity past He knew who would come to Christ. Rather, it speaks of a predetermined choice to set His love on us and established an intimate relationship—or His election (cf. Acts 2:23—an inviolable rule of Gr. grammar, called the Granville Sharp rule, equates “predestinated” and “foreknowledge;” see 1 Pet. 1:1, 2, and 1:20—the term must be interpreted the same in both verses). See notes on election in 9:10–24. predestined. Lit. “to mark out, appoint, or determine beforehand.” Those God chooses, He destines for His chosen end—that is, likeness to His Son (see notes on Eph. 1:4, 5, 11). conformed to the image of His Son. The goal of God’s predestined purpose for His own is that they would be made like Jesus Christ. This is the “prize of the upward call” (Phil. 3:14); cf. Eph. 4:13; Col. 1:28; Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 John 3:2). firstborn. The preeminent one, the only one who is the rightful heir (cf. Ps. 89:27; Col. 1:15–18; Rev. 1:5). Jesus Christ is the most notable one among those who have become “brethren” by being made like Him.
8:30 predestined – called. Paul uses the past tense for a future event to stress its certainty (cf. vv. 18, 21; 2 Tim. 2:10).
8:31–39 Paul closes his teaching about the believer’s security in Christ with a crescendo of questions and answers for the concerns his readers might still have. The result is an almost poetic expression of praise for God’s grace in bringing salvation to completion for all who are chosen and believe—a hymn of security.
So… In conclusion to the Question “How can God Pass over some for Salvation and choose others while holding the persons who He did not choose accountable for their sin?
The Answer as I see it is:
1. God never intended for everyone to be saved. If so, then there would be no Hell, and the doctrine of Salvation would not mention election – it would be completely up to the free will of man.
2. God is glorified in His wrath just as much as He is in gracefully choosing some for Salvation.
3. Jesus says to Nicodemus in John 3:8
8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
God does His work – and we cannot know whom He has chosen, and when He will do his work – thus we must preach the gospel to all creatures. Jesus didn’t say – Pray this little prayer – walk an isle – etc… This is not the statement that a modern day Preacher would say – but Jesus did. It is attached to the doctrine of Election and the choice of God.
4. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. (Deut. 32:4)
I must come to conclude that even though this is hard to accept – that God is perfect and just – and His choice is not unjust. He is trustworthy.
More reading on the subject
The nature of election
1. Election is the work of God from eternity (Eph.1:4,5;2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:9). God’s election did not come into effect after we chose Christ, but before we chose Christ. God’s choice of us preceded our choice of Him and His choice was before the foundation of the world. According to Rev. 17:8 the Lamb’s Book of Life was written before time began.
2. Election is sovereign and unconditional. God did not choose sinners because He saw they would repent and believe (foreseen faith) or in response to any other work they would do; instead He chose sinners to salvation according to His good pleasure (Eph.1:5 and 2:8-9; Rom. 9:11). 1 Peter 1:2 points out that election was “unto” obedience, not because of some act(s) of obedience on the part of sinners.
3. Election concerns individuals (Acts13:48; Rom.9:11).Paul says to the believers in Thessalonica, “knowing, beloved brethren, you election by God,” (1 Thess. 1:4).
4. The final aim of election is God’s glory and it is the work of His delight (Eph.1:4-6). God chose some and passed by others according to His own good pleasure, so that at the last He alone would be glorified (1 Cor. 1:30-31)
5. It is just (Rom. 9:16, 20-21). All that the infinitely holy God of heaven and earth does is just and good. While men in their partiality would choose people because of social status, position, economic state, appearance, etc…, God was not affected by any of these considerations. He did not choose individuals to be recipients of His salvation because of any good or because of any evil He saw in them. He was totally just in His election.
6. Election is not limited to Jews or to any other particular nationality, but extends to people of every race, tribe and language (Rom.9:24). Men may be proud of race, face, place, and grace (as the Jews were), but these things gain no favor with the Almighty. He has His chosen ones in every class and stratum of society, form every nation (Rev. 5:9).
7. The sovereign choosing of specific, unworthy sinners to salvation by God is unchangeable and effectual. The Lord does not add to or delete from His chosen. Their number was immutable fixed in eternity past. All of the elect shall be saved and shall enter into glory at last (Rom. 8:28-30; 2 Tim 2:19) As the Savior has said, “This is the will of the Father who sent me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” ( John 6:39)
8. This doctrine was taught not only by Paul the Apostle, but by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As the Savior began His ministry, one of the first sermons He preached was in the synagogue in Nazareth (see Luke 4:16-30). Jesus told of how God passed by all of the widows in Israel during Elijah’s day and sent the prophet to a heathen widow in Zarephath (v.26). What is the if it is not election? It is God passing by a multitude and showing grace and favor to the most undeserving and unworthy! Christ continues to expound the sovereign and distinguishing grace of God in the next verse (v.27) when He declares there were “many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and not of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” Again Christ illustrated the fact that God passes by many to show mercy to one! What was the result of the Lord’s teaching on the subject of election? Did the people rejoice? Did they respond favorably? Verses 28-29 tell us they “were filled with wrath” and sought to kill Him. That same type of response is often encountered today when God’s men and people faithfully proclaim the truth. The spirit that is filled with anger and wrath at the doctrine of election is not the Spirit of Christ, but of the rebellious human heart. Our Lord taught election in other sections of Scripture also (see Matt. 11:25-27; John 6:37, 39 & 15:16,19) One must not try to set Christ against Paul or vice versa; Paul preached that which he received from Christ his Redeemer. As C.H. Spurgeon once said, “It is not novelty, then, that I am preaching no new doctrine. I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines that are called by nickname, Calvinism, but which are surely and verily that revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.”
9. Election becomes evident in time and affects all phases of a believer’s life. The believers in the church at Thessalonica were told to know and be assured of their election of God. ( 1 Thess. 1:4). Just as individuals were chosen in eternity past to be saved, they shall in time be called to receive that salvation (2 Thess. 2:13-14), which shall change and affect every aspect of their lives. This is clearly seen in Paul’s injunction to the Colossians “as the elect of God, holy and beloved,…” (Col. 3:12-4:6). Areas which would be wrought upon by God’s electing grace were: the believer’s heart and mind before God, his relationship with his fellow man and brethren, his marriage and family, and his work. Every sphere of life is covered. It must be noted that holiness is a mark of all of God’s elect, blood-washed people. If there is no holiness, there is no salvation, nor election! That is why Peter tells us to make our calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:5-11).
10. Lastly, as the nature of election, it is not only a choosing unto salvation, but also to vocation and service. Christ chose twelve apostles (John 6:70), and Paul was chosen into special service (Acts 9:15,16 & 17:26).
Gr. Greek