Expert: Rev C.Brian Ross - 10/25/2010

Question
Hello. I've seen references to "the elect" (not a direct quote) in the new testament. I know some churhes teach predestination on salvation but was curious to know what the bible teaches on it.

Answer
Hi Michelle!

I hate starting off with an apology - but when I received your question, I decided that it would take more consideration than I had time for at that moment (my mother-in-law had gone into hospital!), and left it to work at that evening!  Unfortunately, I then forgot all about it, and it got 'lost' in all of the other e-mails that fill up my Inbox!  So, I apologise for the delay, and I hope that you will forgive me!  :-)

The whole subject of predestination is one that tends to polarise people into one of two 'camps' - those who interpret the biblical teaching of Rom.8:29-30 as saying that God has chosen, from before the beginning of time, all who are going to be saved; and those who interpret John 3:16 as saying that each of us makes his/her own decision as to whether, or not, we will follow the Lord Jesus.

I want to suggest that both are wrong!  I came to this conclusion through reading an excellent book that you may be able to acquire - Mere Christianity, by C.S.Lewis.  The problem is that both of the traditional positions view time only as we experience it - past, present, and future in a linear form.  They see Almighty God at the beginning of time either choosing (in the future) those who will follow Him; or merely gazing into that future and knowing who will do so.

My own illustration (much more easily portrayed with a PowerPoint presentation!) is of a long parade.  Imagine that I am standing on the sidewalk (if I've got the correct North American term!) watching that procession go by.  I see the first band pass in front of me - each row being, if you will, a 'present' moment.  As it moves on, it becomes part of my 'past'.  The bands, and floats, and majorettes, and whatever that have still to pass me are, in a sense, part of my 'future'.  Because of the density of the crowd, I can only see what is directly in front of my eyes.

Now, imagine that you are a reporter for a local radio station.  In order that you may report better, they have hired a helicopter for you, and you are hovering hundreds of feet above the parade!  As you look down, you are able to see the beginning of the parade, the final band (or whatever), and the particular part of the parade that is passing in front of me - all of it simultaneously!!!

This is an illustration - and no more! - of what it is like for us, and for God.  We are on the ground, able to see each moment as it passes, but unable to see the future, or even 'see' the past (although we will carry memories of much of it).  He sees ALL of 'time' simultaneously!

So, back to your real question.  In ways that I certainly don't understand, but for which I am very grateful, God grants me the faith to respond to His grace, as demonstrated so wonderfully by the Son at Calvary (you might wish to visit my audio blog site at www.revcbross.blogspot.com to listen to a short message on The Trinity!), and because He is outwith time, He knows what I am 'going to do' 'before' I do it.

You may be interested to know that those who study quantum physics actually back up this picture, even from a non-theological perspective.

Of course, the bottom line is the question - "Are you one of the elect?"  The paradox, from a human, time-bound, perspective is that you will only know that you are, when you choose to become one!  To explain that any further would require a book, or a long face-to-face session - neither of which, sadly, is possible!

It is a complex subject, and I am unable to give you a set of 'proof-texts' that would satisfy everybody.  I fear, too, that in my attempt to help, I may have left you even more confused!  If so, please feel free to get back to me, and I will try to help further (and much more promptly!!)

Blessings

C.Brian Ross (Rev)