This chapter is divided into five parts.
“Election was the work of God alone. Neither angels nor men were involved, for they did not even exist yet and were themselves the object of election. God is a Trinity, and whatever He does He does as a Trinity. Each member has a distinctive yet cooperating role in everything, including election.”
The Trinity and Election. Three paragraphs. Passages that are mentioned are Ephesians 1:3–4; John 15:16; 13:18; 15:19; Matthew 28:19.
Election in Christ. Ten paragraphs. The three verses that teach that election is “in Christ” are Romans 16:13, 2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 1:4. “Election is completely Christ related. It is in Christ, through Christ, by Christ, for Christ, to be in Christ. There is no election outside of Christ; all election is in Christ. This has bearing on salvation. There is no salvation except by Christ and through faith in Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). This also relates to union with Christ. The elect were united covenantly with Christ in election and then united experimentally with Christ in conversion, with the result that they are now in Christ.” In the eighth paragraph of this subsection the author asserts a problem exists for dispensationalists. I am unpersuaded by his argument.
Christ as the Elected One. Seven paragraphs. “Christ is not only the subject of election but in a sense is also the object of election.” A discussion follows, citing Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 12:18, Matthew 3:17, 17:5, Ephesians 1:6, Psalm 89, Luke 23:35, 9:35, 1 Peter 2:4, 6, Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 106:23, Exodus 3, Numbers 16:5, 17:5, Psalm 78:68–72, 1 Samuel 16:7–12. Comments made by Christopher Love, Jonathan Edwards, and John Calvin are cited.
The Barthian Theory. Three paragraphs criticizing Karl Barth’s position.
Conclusion. “These are deep waters which we must swim
with humility, caution, and wonder. Election is in Christ and related to Christ’s
election in a mysterious and glorious way. As God He is co-elector. As man – or
better, the God-man – He is chosen to be Savior, Mediator, and Head of His
people. In fulfilling His predestined office, Christ receives great glory,
which in turn redounds to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5–11).
Thus Christ has the preeminence in all things (Colossians 1:18), including
election.
