The doctrine of election: an honest and personal discussion

In following with Bill's anthropology post I've arrived once again to my disparagement with some Calvinistic doctrines. It is also possible that this is what Bill is leading up to. The following is not intended to put anyone down or propose an argument. I especially direct the previous sentence towards Berny whom all of you know him to be the most outspoken Calvinist on this blog. This is not directed towards him though he may reply if he wants to, or not. But I would like to hear what you guys have to say on the weaknesses and/or strength of my arguments which focus on the doctrine of election and irresistible grace. The post is long so if you don't have the time, then feel free to skip it or read it later.

My issues with the doctrine of election:

By definition justice demands proper retribution to the one who does wrong for the wrong committed[1]. According to the book of Romans “…all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.”[2] This is said in the context of not keeping the Law of Moses. Even before the Law was given sin reigned in the world because of Adam’s transgression.[3] Hence, we all deserve the appropriate retribution for sin, which is death.[4] The second half of this story has been revealed through Christ whose righteousness He offers to all men in the free gift of justification onto life.[5] It is God’s Grace that now reigns,[6] and by definition cannot be earned. No man can stake a claim on grace; it is offered, not bought or earned.[7]

According to John G. Reisigner the doctrine of election is “the truth that God sovereignly chooses, or elects, certain individuals to be saved.”[8] Some argue that the doctrine of election is unjust because it grants grace to some and not others. Regarding this point R.C. Sproul makes mention of an interesting Bible passage in his book, “The Holiness of God.” He brings up the parable of the vineyard workers.[9] In this parable Jesus brings attention to the reaction of the workers that were hired earliest. They thought it was unfair that some have only worked one hour and yet are receiving the same pay that they are. The landowner in the parable reminds them that He is being fair in giving them what he promised, only he chose those whom he hired later to be paid more for their labor and in that he was showing kindness[10]. R.C. Sproul’s passage goes on to remind us that it is fair that all are condemned. That is the deserved justice of all men. It is God’s grace to elect those whom He chooses unto justification. Where some are elected it is God’s grace; where some are not elected it is God’s justice.

The following arguments grant that it is not unjust when men are condemned to die according to their sins, but they do present that taken from a biblical perspective of men over the course of scriptural history the doctrine of election is not supported.

1. The hope for salvation was given to all men in Adam.[11] This hope was for his and future generations of men. As sin reigns in all men because of Adam[12], meaning because we are of Adam’s seed, hope similarly applies to all men because we are of Adam’s seed and counted Abraham’s seed to whom the promise of the sacrificial lamb was given of whom Isaac is a figure.[13] If all men hope for salvation then all men who cry out to God for mercy God will grant it to them.[14] To argue that some men (the non-elect) don’t hope for salvation is to argue that some men are not descendant of Adam. To argue that some men (the elect) hope for salvation in Christ and some hope (the non-elect) for salvation in other things is to argue that men (the elect) know of Christ and His work from birth; all hope for salvation in something and when it is presented to them in the form of Christ (the only true form of salvation) they are granted the choice to believe and have within their lifetime to make that choice.
2. Man is created in the image of God. This levels all men. Incorrectly saying that God grants the opportunity for some and not all to be redeemed belittles this great honor of being made in the image of God. It is because we were made in His image that Christ came[15] to men. No other creature is given this honor and to no other creature does Christ come to in the manner that He does for mankind. It is because He loved us that He made us in His image and vice versa, and therefore expresses His love on the cross and grants adoption.[16] All are made in His image. All can be redeemed by the work of Christ. (I would tend to agree more with the doctrine of election if it was to argue that the non-elect is not made in the image of God, but from my understanding this pursuit will find no fruition.) There is no difference between men (elect or non-elect) and all men can have the righteousness of God.[17]
3. Covenants in the OT, though mediated by individuals, applied to communities of people and in some cases all creatures as in the case of Noah and the flood.[18] God makes covenants with groups of people through individuals. The doctrine of election implies that God makes covenants with individuals. On the other hand, God defines in scripture that the covenant He makes is with a group of people: those that believe.[19]
4. There are too many verses stating that anyone who believes may be saved. These verses also imply that all can believe.[20]
5. It does not reasonably lead from Scripture that God is more glorified when He alone makes decisions. Some of God’s first words to man grant him the choice between life and death[21], and some of the last words in Scripture encourages man to make the same decision.[22] God is glorified in giving men the opportunity to interact with Him and make the proper decision.
6. Saying that God elects us individually and causes us to irresistibly turn to Him, and later tack a claim that we still mysteriously make a decision sounds very much like we don’t really have a say in the matter and the word “mysteriously” was added to cover up the fact that it is a self-contradicting statement. I believe this “mysterious” assertion was made in light of the irrepressible evidence from scripture that man does have a say in the matter. John MacArthur makes a similar statement but uses the word “faith” instead of mystery (see Footnote).[23] I’ll present a tongue-in-cheek example: If Obi-Wan Kenobi uses the Jedi mind trick to convince a group of stormtroopers to let him past a checkpoint one cannot say that the storm troopers had a choice in the matter. On the other hand, if I tell my son to clean up his room he has a choice and he can exercise it several ways.
7. The doctrine of election undermines the mystery of the Gentiles that Paul speaks of.[24] The Jews spent thousands of years wrongly believing that they alone were elect only to surprisingly find out that not only did they have the hope of salvation, but the rest of the world did as well.[25]

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[1] "justice." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 23 Jun. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/justice>.

[2] Romans 3:23

[3] Romans 5:12-21

[4] Romans 6:23

[5] Romans 5:18

[6] Romans 5:21

[7] "grace." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 23 Jun. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grace>.

[8] http://www.soundofgrace.com/sep97/elect1.htm

[9] Matthew 20:1-16

[10] Matthew 20:15

[11] Genesis 3:15

[12] Romans 5:14

[13] Romans 4:16

[14] Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13

[15] Hebrews 2:16

[16] Romans 8:15

[17] Romans 3:22

[18] Genesis 2:17, Romans 5:12-14, Genesis 9:1-17, Genesis 17:1-21, Deuteronomy 29:1, Psalm 89, etc.

[19] Romans 9:33

[20] II Peter 3:9, John 3:15 & 16, Romans 10:9, John 11:26, John 12:46, Acts 10:43, Romans 9:33, I John 5:1

[21] Genesis 2:16-17

[22] Revelation 22:17

[23] Those statements defining God’s sovereign choice of believers are not in the Bible to cause controversy, as if God’s election means sinners don’t make decisions. Election does not exclude human responsibility or the necessity of each person to respond to the gospel by faith. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37).

Admittedly the two concepts don’t seem to go together. However, both are true separately, and we must accept them both by faith. You may not understand it, but rest assured—it’s fully reconciled in the mind of God. {Emphasis added}

[24] Romans 11:25

[25] Romans 11

"Lord, may this post not cause any division or dissension within the body of your bride however small a part of it we represent. May it bring edification through interpersonal relationships and discussion, and may these things bring us closer to You. May no one find offense in it. I love you Lord and I know that many of those that read this blog do to. Blessed be You Name forever, for You know all things. Teach me what You want me to know and let me be content with what You don't want me to know."

Seeking to walk in Christ's love by the power of the Holy Spirit,
Remy.