The Doctrine of Election

Abstract

This research paper attempts to delineate on the notions of the doctrine or predestination, or more precisely the doctrine of election, as proposed by various prominent theologians and religious scholars such as John Calvin, Martin Luther, Wayne Grudem, John MacArthur, Norman Geisler, Arthur W. Pink, Gardner Spring and many others. This paper underscores the meaning and purpose of election as suggested in various literatures and works of these intellectuals. The doctrine of election is basically defined as the dogma that God has stipulated in choosing the ones He ought to choose irrespective of their individual merits and virtues and out of His sovereign power, autonomy, and free will. Moreover, this paper also addresses the debate between the Calvinists, proponents of John Calvin, and Armenians, advocates of Jacob Arminius, on the subject of doctrine of election. Furthermore, the paper concludes with the widely accepted and acknowledged view about the doctrine of election.

Keywords: Decree, Doctrine, Election, Predestination

Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….4

Discussion…………………………………………………………………………………………4

John Calvin's Doctrine of Election………………………………………………………..6

Wayne Grudem's Theology of Election…………………………………………………..7

Martin Luther and the Doctrine of Election……………………………………………...9

What is the Doctrine of Election? By John MacArthur…………………………………...9

Norman Geisler and the Unconditional Election………………………………………...10

The Doctrine of Election by Garner Spring……………………………………………...12

Calvinism versus Arminianism…………………………………………………………..13

Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………………13

End Notes………………………………………………………………………………………...15The Doctrine of Election

Introduction

The doctrine of election is vilified as an adversary of missions, evangelism, and a fervent trust in Jesus Christ. However, certain things could add to the truth. In veracity, this doctrine is big inspiration to evangelism and missions and it escorts to immense affection and ecstasy for Jesus Christ. Besides, the doctrine of election begets immense wellbeing to the heart of the priest or vicar while he advocates the gospel. According to Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952), election is the preliminary dogma. At one time, a lot of cerebral scholars were acclimatized to begin their methodical religious studies with the sermon on the qualities of God and a mediation of his everlasting verdicts. Pink, after scrutinizing the literature of many modern scholars, firmly states that this methodology pursued by his ancestors cannot be enhanced any further anymore. He further avowed that the existence of God cannot be traced and His never-ending principles paved the way for His works eventually. "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18). To further elucidate this point, Arthur gave an example of a builder that just like a builder sketches his plan sooner than he starts on to construct; accordingly the ultimate Divine Being foreordained the whole lot way before a lone being came into existence.

Discussion

Whilst a building is in the itinerary of formation, bystanders are often perplexed to pick out the rationale for many of its minutiae. As yet, they are unable to recognize any arrangement or blueprint since everything seems to be in bewilderment. However, if they may perhaps cautiously scrutinize the draftman's drawing and envisage the completed fabrication, then much that was previously confusing could become apparent. Correspondingly, God's interminable purpose could be outworked. Unless we are familiar with His interminable laws and orders, annals will remain an unfathomable ...