Elect according to the foreknowledge of God

[StewardoftheMystery]

Do we choose God, or does God choose us? The words “elect” of God means that we are “chosen” by God. Predestined by God means God had “foreknowledge” of whom He would predestine to be His “chosen” people. We see mention of this in God’s “chosen” people Israel. We see mention of this in God’s “chosen” priesthood. We see God chose Zion, we see God chose His holy city. We see God chose Jerusalem; where God also chose to place His name. Don’t you know God’s chosen people are Zion? Don’t you know God’s Holy City, and God’s New Jerusalem are His “chosen” people? As Peter said, we are the “elect” according to the “foreknowledge” of God.

Jeremiah is a good example, whom God said He knew “before” He formed Jeremiah in the womb. And whom God said was sanctified and ordained to be a prophet “before” He was even born. It is the same with Jesus, whom God foreknew, and whom God had chosen before the foundation of the world.

Jesus said in John 6:44 that no one can come to the Son unless the Father “first” draws him.

Jesus also said in John 6:65 “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were “given” unto him of my Father.”

This is election, and being chosen “first” by God to come to His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 6:39 “And this is the Fathers will which has sent me, that of all which He has “given” me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”

Did we first create ourselves? Did we give birth to ourselves the first time? If we did not make ourselves and give birth to ourselves the first time, then how can we make ourselves a new creation and give birth to ourselves the second time? To God be the glory! Who makes one tree differ from another? Is it not God who makes all things? Did we earn the grace of God; or was it because God “first” favored us, and “first” loved us? Did we earn “the gift” of faith to believe?

It is written that faith comes BY hearing, and hearing By the Word of God. Did we “make” the ear that hears? No, it is God who makes, and gives us the ears to hear, and the faith to believe; and it is also God who “causes us” to walk the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. To God be the glory! Did we earn, or purchase “the gift” of the Holy Spirit, or was it freely given to us by God to His “chosen” people? Truth is, God knows whom He has chosen, He knows whom His elect are, even before they were born. God knows whose names are written in His book of Life even “before the foundation of the world”.

There is no boasting on our part, for everything we have, we have received from Him; to God belongs all the praise, honor, and glory!

I always like to prove all things by the words of God, so here are a few verses to confirm this message.


God chooses His people = God’s chosen, or elect.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy “God hath chosen thee” to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and “the Lord hath chosen thee” to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the Lord thy “God hath chosen” to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the Lord; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom “he hath chosen” for his own inheritance.

Psalm 89:3 “I have made a covenant with “my chosen”, I have sworn unto David my servant”
Psalm 105:6
O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob “his chosen”.
Psalm 105:26
He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom “he had chosen”.
Psalm 132:13
For the Lord hath “chosen” Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

Psalm 135:4
For the Lord hath “chosen” Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom “I have chosen”, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Isaiah 44:2
Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom “I have chosen”.
Matthew 12:18
Behold my servant, whom “I have chosen”; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few “chosen”.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are “chosen”.
John 6:70
Jesus answered them, Have not “I chosen you” twelve, and one of you is a devil?
John 13:18
I speak not of you all: I know whom “I have chosen”: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but “I have chosen you”, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but “I have chosen you” out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Acts 1:2
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles “whom he had chosen:”

Acts 1:24
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two “thou hast chosen”,

Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is “a chosen vessel unto me”, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

1 Corinthians 1:27
But “God hath chosen” the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1 Corinthians 1:28
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath “God chosen”, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Ephesians 1:4
According as “he hath chosen us” in him “before” the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning “chosen you” to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath “chosen him” to be a soldier.
James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not “God chosen” the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 Peter 2:4
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, “but chosen of God”, and precious,
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a “chosen generation”, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and “chosen”, and faithful.

Romans 8:29-33​

29 For whom he did “foreknow”, he also did “predestinate” to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30 Moreover whom he did “predestinate”, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's “elect?” It is God that justifieth.​

Jeremiah 1:5​

5 “Before” I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.​

Romans 9:8-26​

8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;​

11 (For the children being “not yet born”, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to “election” might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth)​

12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,24 Even us, whom “he hath called”, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”​

John 17:24
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast “given me”, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath “chosen us” in him “before” the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was “foreordained before the foundation of the world”, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Revelation 17:8 “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life “from the foundation of the world”, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”​

Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised “before” the world began;”​

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; “mine elect”, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel “mine elect”, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Isaiah 65:9
And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and “mine elect” shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Isaiah 65:22
They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and “mine elect” shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the “elect's” sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very “elect.”
Matthew 24:31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together “his elect” from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mark 13:20
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for “the elect's” sake, whom he hath “chosen”, he hath shortened the days.
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even “the elect.”
Mark 13:27
And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together “his elect” from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Luke 18:7
And shall not God avenge “his own elect”, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Romans 8:33
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's “elect?” It is God that justifieth.
Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according “to election” might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth
Romans 11:5
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to “the election of grace”.
Romans 11:7
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but “the election” hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
Romans 11:28
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching “the election,” they are beloved for the father's sakes.
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as “the elect of God”, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Thessalonians 1:4
Knowing, brethren beloved, “your election of God.”
1 Timothy 5:21
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and “the elect” angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for “the elect's” sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of “God's elect”, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
1 Peter 1:2
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 2:6
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, “elect”, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1 Peter 5:13
The church that is at Babylon, “elected” together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and “election” sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

God’s chosen people are the “holy city” Jerusalem, where God said He would place His name forever. ( 1 Kings 11:36, 2 Kings 21:4, 2 Kings 21:7, 2 Kings 23:27, 2 Chronicles 6:6, 2 Chronicles 33:4, 33:7, and Revelation 3:12)

 

[Luminary]

Do we choose God, or does God choose us? The words “elect” of God means that we are “chosen” by God. Predestined by God means God had “foreknowledge” of whom He would predestine to be His “chosen” people. We see mention of this in God’s “chosen” people Israel. We see mention of this in God’s “chosen” priesthood. We see God chose Zion, we see God chose His holy city. We see God chose Jerusalem; where God also chose to place His name. Don’t you know God’s chosen people are Zion? Don’t you know God’s Holy City, and God’s New Jerusalem are His “chosen” people? As Peter said, we are the “elect” according to the “foreknowledge” of God.

Jeremiah is a good example, whom God said He knew “before” He formed Jeremiah in the womb. And whom God said was sanctified and ordained to be a prophet “before” He was even born. It is the same with Jesus, whom God foreknew, and whom God had chosen before the foundation of the world.

Jesus said in John 6:44 that no one can come to the Son unless the Father “first” draws him.

Jesus also said in John 6:65 “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were “given” unto him of my Father.”

This is election, and being chosen “first” by God to come to His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 6:39 “And this is the Fathers will which has sent me, that of all which He has “given” me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”

Did we first create ourselves? Did we give birth to ourselves the first time? If we did not make ourselves and give birth to ourselves the first time, then how can we make ourselves a new creation and give birth to ourselves the second time? To God be the glory! Who makes one tree differ from another? Is it not God who makes all things? Did we earn the grace of God; or was it because God “first” favored us, and “first” loved us? Did we earn “the gift” of faith to believe?

It is written that faith comes BY hearing, and hearing By the Word of God. Did we “make” the ear that hears? No, it is God who makes, and gives us the ears to hear, and the faith to believe; and it is also God who “causes us” to walk the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. To God be the glory! Did we earn, or purchase “the gift” of the Holy Spirit, or was it freely given to us by God to His “chosen” people? Truth is, God knows whom He has chosen, He knows whom His elect are, even before they were born. God knows whose names are written in His book of Life even “before the foundation of the world”.

There is no boasting on our part, for everything we have, we have received from Him; to God belongs all the praise, honor, and glory!

I always like to prove all things by the words of God, so here are a few verses to confirm this message.


God chooses His people = God’s chosen, or elect.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy “God hath chosen thee” to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and “the Lord hath chosen thee” to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the Lord thy “God hath chosen” to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the Lord; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom “he hath chosen” for his own inheritance.

Psalm 89:3 “I have made a covenant with “my chosen”, I have sworn unto David my servant”
Psalm 105:6
O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob “his chosen”.
Psalm 105:26
He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom “he had chosen”.
Psalm 132:13
For the Lord hath “chosen” Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

Psalm 135:4
For the Lord hath “chosen” Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom “I have chosen”, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Isaiah 44:2
Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom “I have chosen”.
Matthew 12:18
Behold my servant, whom “I have chosen”; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few “chosen”.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are “chosen”.
John 6:70
Jesus answered them, Have not “I chosen you” twelve, and one of you is a devil?
John 13:18
I speak not of you all: I know whom “I have chosen”: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but “I have chosen you”, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but “I have chosen you” out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Acts 1:2
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles “whom he had chosen:”

Acts 1:24
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two “thou hast chosen”,

Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is “a chosen vessel unto me”, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

1 Corinthians 1:27
But “God hath chosen” the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1 Corinthians 1:28
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath “God chosen”, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Ephesians 1:4
According as “he hath chosen us” in him “before” the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning “chosen you” to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath “chosen him” to be a soldier.
James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not “God chosen” the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 Peter 2:4
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, “but chosen of God”, and precious,
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a “chosen generation”, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and “chosen”, and faithful.

Romans 8:29-33​

29 For whom he did “foreknow”, he also did “predestinate” to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30 Moreover whom he did “predestinate”, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's “elect?” It is God that justifieth.​

Jeremiah 1:5​

5 “Before” I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.​

Romans 9:8-26​

8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;​

11 (For the children being “not yet born”, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to “election” might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth)​

12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,24 Even us, whom “he hath called”, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”​

John 17:24
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast “given me”, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath “chosen us” in him “before” the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was “foreordained before the foundation of the world”, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Revelation 17:8 “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life “from the foundation of the world”, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”​

Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised “before” the world began;”​

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; “mine elect”, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel “mine elect”, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Isaiah 65:9
And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and “mine elect” shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Isaiah 65:22
They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and “mine elect” shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the “elect's” sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very “elect.”
Matthew 24:31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together “his elect” from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mark 13:20
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for “the elect's” sake, whom he hath “chosen”, he hath shortened the days.
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even “the elect.”
Mark 13:27
And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together “his elect” from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Luke 18:7
And shall not God avenge “his own elect”, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Romans 8:33
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's “elect?” It is God that justifieth.
Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according “to election” might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth
Romans 11:5
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to “the election of grace”.
Romans 11:7
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but “the election” hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
Romans 11:28
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching “the election,” they are beloved for the father's sakes.
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as “the elect of God”, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Thessalonians 1:4
Knowing, brethren beloved, “your election of God.”
1 Timothy 5:21
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and “the elect” angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for “the elect's” sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of “God's elect”, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
1 Peter 1:2
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 2:6
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, “elect”, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1 Peter 5:13
The church that is at Babylon, “elected” together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and “election” sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

God’s chosen people are the “holy city” Jerusalem, where God said He would place His name forever. ( 1 Kings 11:36, 2 Kings 21:4, 2 Kings 21:7, 2 Kings 23:27, 2 Chronicles 6:6, 2 Chronicles 33:4, 33:7, and Revelation 3:12)

You always do these so well Thank you!

I do have a question though if you don’t mind….

What would you say we are chosen for? The purpose of being called and elected?

 

[complete]

Do we choose God, or does God choose us? The words “elect” of God means that we are “chosen” by God. Predestined by God means God had “foreknowledge” of whom He would predestine to be His “chosen” people. We see mention of this in God’s “chosen” people Israel. We see mention of this in God’s “chosen” priesthood. We see God chose Zion, we see God chose His holy city. We see God chose Jerusalem; where God also chose to place His name. Don’t you know God’s chosen people are Zion? Don’t you know God’s Holy City, and God’s New Jerusalem are His “chosen” people? As Peter said, we are the “elect” according to the “foreknowledge” of God.

Hello @StewardoftheMystery,

Reading through your OP, I come back to your words in this first paragraph, which are echoed in your last sentence. I will place them side by side for comparison:-

1) Don’t you know God’s chosen people are Zion? Don’t you know God’s Holy City, and God’s New Jerusalem are His “chosen” people?
2) God’s chosen people are the “holy city” Jerusalem, where God said He would place His name forever. ( 1 Kings 11:36, 2 Kings 21:4, 2 Kings 21:7, 2 Kings 23:27, 2 Chronicles 6:6, 2 Chronicles 33:4, 33:7, and Revelation 3:12).

* I find your use of words here confusing. For 'Zion', 'God's Holy City' and 'The New Jerusalem' are places, yes? Yet you have personified them by using the word are, 'are Zion', 'are His chosen people', 'are the holy city Jerusalem'. God may inhabit these places with those whom He foreknew, and therefore was able to choose beforehand, but the places themselves are not figurative, that they should be personified in this way: they have substance, and are, or will be, real places, yes?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

33:7, and Revelation 3:12)

StewardoftheMystery said:-
Jeremiah is a good example, whom God said He knew “before” He formed Jeremiah in the womb. And whom God said was sanctified and ordained to be a prophet “before” He was even born. It is the same with Jesus, whom God foreknew, and whom God had chosen before the foundation of the world.

Hello @StewardoftheMystery,

This will probably sound, 'picky' of me, but I find your use of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only begotten Son of God, in comparison with that of a mere man, though one beloved and chosen by God, in relation to the fact that both were foreknown of God a little objectionable. For the Lord Jesus Christ as the Word, was there in the beginning with God, and is Himself God, so there is no comparison, is there?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

@StewardoftheMystery said:-
Jesus said in John 6:44 that no one can come to the Son unless the Father “first” draws him.

Jesus also said in John 6:65 “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were “given” unto him of my Father.”

This is election, and being chosen “first” by God to come to His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 6:39 “And this is the Fathers will which has sent me, that of all which He has “given” me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”

' No man can come to Me,
except the Father which hath sent Me draw him:
and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets,
And they shall be all taught of God.
Every man therefore that hath heard,
and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me.'
(Joh 6:44-45)

Hello @StewardoftheMystery,

I would like to comment on what you have said, above, but am not able to at the moment, for I have to go off-line. I look forward to coming back (God willing) to consider this, with you, in the light of John 3:15-18:-

' That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved.
He that believeth on Him is not condemned:
but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.'

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

You always do these so well Thank you!

I do have a question though if you don’t mind….

What would you say we are chosen for? The purpose of being called and elected?

We are called to serve the Lord and minister unto Him, and to serve a function in the body of Christ; according to God’s purpose, will, and gifts given to each individual.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

King James Version

​

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

 

[Luminary]

We are called to serve the Lord and minister unto Him, and to serve a function in the body of Christ; according to God’s purpose, will, and gifts given to each individual.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7​

​

King James Version​

​

​

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

Awesome!!!
And what would you say is Gods Purpose?

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Hello @StewardoftheMystery,

Reading through your OP, I come back to your words in this first paragraph, which are echoed in your last sentence. I will place them side by side for comparison:-

* I find your use of words here confusing. For 'Zion', 'God's Holy City' and 'The New Jerusalem' are places, yes? Yet you have personified them by using the word are, 'are Zion', 'are His chosen people', 'are the holy city Jerusalem'. God may inhabit these places with those whom He foreknew, and therefore was able to choose beforehand, but the places themselves are not figurative, that they should be personified in this way: they have substance, and are, or will be, real places, yes?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Yes Zion and Jerusalem are literal places, but God often shows us things in nature, and in a natural way first to “symbolize” what He is going to do in a new spiritual way.

The natural was just a shadow of things to come, just as the New Jerusalem is the bride of the Lamb. And we are also shown as a “spiritual” house made of Living stones.

Isaiah 51:16
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, “Thou art my people.”

Revelation 21
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared “as a bride”adorned for her husband

1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a “spiritual house”, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Hello @StewardoftheMystery,

This will probably sound, 'picky' of me, but I find your use of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only begotten Son of God, in comparison with that of a mere man, though one beloved and chosen by God, in relation to the fact that both were foreknown of God a little objectionable. For the Lord Jesus Christ as the Word, was there in the beginning with God, and is Himself God, so there is no comparison, is there?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

I’m not comparing Christ to men, I’m just showing how God chooses His anointed priesthood. Sorry to offend, but was not the Word made flesh in the man Jesus? And did not God choose Him to be an High Priest forever?

Jesus is also shown as the “Elect” according to the foreknowledge of God, which is why I included him in the anointed priesthood of God.

Jesus was purposed by God to come into the world at a specific point in time, which God had predestined to happen.

Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

 

[Luminary]

Yes Zion and Jerusalem are literal places, but God often shows us things in nature, and in a natural way first to “symbolize” what He is going to do in a new spiritual way.

The natural was just a shadow of things to come, just as the New Jerusalem is the bride of the Lamb. And we are also shown as a “spiritual” house made of Living stones.

Isaiah 51:16
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, “Thou art my people.”

Revelation 21
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared “as a bride”adorned for her husband

1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a “spiritual house”, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:22
>22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. <
You have come to myriads of angels 23in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Hebrews 11:16
“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Source: 52 Bible verses about Zion, As A Symbol

1Cor 3:16
>Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?<

2Cor 6:14
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”[c]
17 Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”[d]
18 And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”[e]

Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 6 - New International Version

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Paul’s Hardships - We put no stumbling block in anyone’s...

www.biblegateway.com

This is very exciting! Not many have the eyes and ears!!! So nice to meet you!

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Awesome!!!
And what would you say is Gods Purpose?

For us? I would say that we be made into the image of His Son.

Romans 8:28-29

King James Version

​

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called “according to his purpose.”
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

 

[Luminary]

For us? I would say that we be made into the image of His Son.

Romans 8:28-29​

​

King James Version​

​

​

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called “according to his purpose.”
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Cool But what purpose for the elect?

If the Spirit is given to all for their profit, then what makes the elect different? What makes them “separate” from the rest of mankind? Even though Salvation is for the World?

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Hebrews 12:22
>22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. <
You have come to myriads of angels 23in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Hebrews 11:16
“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Source: 52 Bible verses about Zion, As A Symbol

1Cor 3:16
>Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?<

2Cor 6:14
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”[c]
17 Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”[d]
18 And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”[e]

Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 6 - New International Version

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Paul’s Hardships - We put no stumbling block in anyone’s...

www.biblegateway.com

This is very exciting! Not many have the eyes and ears!!! So nice to meet you!

Yes, very good. And nice to meet you too.

God said He would place His name on Jerusalem, the holy city He has chosen to place His name…

Revelation 3:12
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and “I will write upon him my new name.”

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Cool But what purpose for the elect?

If the Spirit is given to all for their profit, then what makes the elect different? What makes them “separate” from the rest of mankind? Even though Salvation is for the World?

The elect are the anointed priesthood of God, which serve the Lord, not only on earth but also in heaven.

Revelation 7:14-15

King James Version

​

14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, “and serve him day and night in his temple:” and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

 

[Luminary]

The elect are the anointed priesthood of God, which serve the Lord, not only on earth but also in heaven.

Revelation 7:14-15​

​

King James Version​

​

​

14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, “and serve him day and night in his temple:” and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Yes! Thus fulfilling Scripture; A new Heaven and a new Earth

Beautifully done!!!(humble bow)
Thank you!!!

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Beautifully done!!!(humble bow)
Thank you!!!

I know you mean it figuratively, but please don’t bow to me. I would not understand the spiritual things of God, unless God had first revealed them to me by His Spirit. I am just a fellow servant. All the praise, honor, and glory belongs to God.

Revelation 22:9
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

' No man can come to Me,
except the Father which hath sent Me draw him:
and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets,
And they shall be all taught of God.
Every man therefore that hath heard,
and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me.'
(Joh 6:44-45)

Hello @StewardoftheMystery,

I would like to comment on what you have said, above, but am not able to at the moment, for I have to go off-line. I look forward to coming back (God willing) to consider this, with you, in the light of John 3:15-18:-

' That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through Him might be saved.
He that believeth on Him is not condemned:
but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.'

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Complete, concerning the “hearing”and “believing,” I wrote a thread that addresses this called “ Faith comes BY hearing and hearing BY the Word of God”

It covers this topic if you want to read it. Peace

 

[Luminary]

I know you mean it figuratively, but please don’t bow to me. I would not understand the spiritual things of God, unless God had first revealed them to me by His Spirit. I am just a fellow servant. All the praise, honor, and glory belongs to God.

Revelation 22:9
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

I meant it literal
The God in me, recognizes, honors, and humbles itself, before the God in you. For God is within……No other way could you do what you do. Nor could I see and hear, to be able to add and be of one accord!

And I also thank and honor the Human you are. For without your vessel, this could not be accomplished!

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

And I also thank and honor the Human you are. For without your vessel, this could not be accomplished!

God made both the vessel, and the message within the vessel. Blessed is the Lord. Peace and God bless

 

[Luminary]

God made both the vessel, and the message within the vessel. Blessed is the Lord. Peace and God bless

Yet the choice was given too you To use it as you will. And you -chose- to use it to such an end as this!

Indeed Glory to God! That is a given need not be spoken! But don’t sell yourself short, for you were called and were chosen. And you chose to follow **The Way!**

That alone, deserves honor in itself. For we are glorified also!

Romans 8:17
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings (which you have from what I’ve read) in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Romans 8:30
“and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Be careful that your humility not reject this! For you should be celebrating Right along with Him!
For Light has already won!