The Humble Calvinist: Unconditional Election

The topic of unconditional election (the "U" in the Calvinist TULIP) often generates a lot of discussion when I address it in the classroom. Here are a few keys to understanding unconditional election: 

1. Unconditional election is about present misson not postmortem mansions. 

We have to start where the Bible does. The story of election really gets going in Genesis 12. From all the people on earth, God chooses Abraham and promises him people, place, privilege, and purpose. The focus is not first and foremost about where Abraham goes when he dies (though surely the God of Abraham is the God of the living). The focus is about God choosing Abraham and his descendants to be a priestly kingdom, a people who will image God in God's world. In a sin-filled world, to be elect will mean to be suffering servants and martyrs. Election is about being empowered by God's Spirit to fight the good fight against sin, death, and the devil, not about sitting on clouds playing harps and eating chocolate. Election obviously includes the hope of the resurrection, but that's part of the package deal of dying with Christ and living by the Spirit in the present life that we may attain the resurrection of the dead. Election means mission.

2. Unconditional election is about doxology.

Doxology is a fancy word for worship. Election is about whether at the end of the day we sing, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" or "Praise God and me from whom all blessings flow." This is also why...

3. Unconditional election is about humility. 

Election is not about patting ourselves on the back. Quite the opposite. When we say "election is unconditional," we're answering the question, "Why would God choose Abraham? Israel? Us?" The Calvinist says, "It's not because Abraham, Israel, or we are so great." 

The opposite of unconditional is conditional. In other words, God chose you because of something you bring to the table. Is that what we want to say? The question everyone asks is "Why would God choose Abraham? Israel? Us?" Calvinists say, "We know it's because of the love and grace of God in Christ, but we ultimately can't get to the bottom of this mystery. But we know it's not because of something good we bring to the table." It's the alternative here that sounds horribly prideful to Calvinists: "Why? Because God knew about our faith, our spiritual intelligence, how in tune we would be with him. That's why he chose us!" 

4. Unconditional election is a call to action.

This can get quite confusing for some. Election means we're all just puppets, right? False. God draws people to himself through the various means, especially the proclamation of the gospel and through the witness of the new creation people. There's some complicated philosophical and theological discussion to be had here, but suffice it to say that if someone says, "Election means we don't have to preach the gospel/care about the lost/do anything but kick back and relax," they most certainly don't understand election. Election also gives us the boldness to proclaim the gospel, not a watered-down version that appeals to itching ears or the spirit of the age. Election means trust in God's Word and Spirit.

There's obviously a lot more one could say, but I'll stop there. If you'd like to add your voice to the discussion, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts, comments, or questions on this topic.