The Bible doctrine of election has two sides. God chose to save sinners by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10). God foreknew us in Christ before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:2). However, our call and election in Christ is made sure in time (2 Peter 1:10).
Our election in Christ is based upon God's foreknowledge and our responsibility. Our election in Christ was before time began. Yet, we are responsible to receive Jesus Christ by faith (John 1:11-12). Our call and election is made sure, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10; 3:18). Our election is sure in Christ alone.
God foreknew us in Christ (Romans 8:29-30). Yet, we must be born again at a certain point in time. God foreknew the time of our conversion, but we must receive God's grace through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:15; 2:20). Our election is sure in Christ, when we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31).
The debate over election continues, as some look at the doctrine from God's foreknowledge, and others look at it from man's responsibility. Election includes all whom God foreknew in Christ. However, election also includes all who believe the gospel of Christ. Our election is in Christ alone, according to the foreknowledge of God. Yet, our election is made sure by faith in Christ.
