Arguments against Election Answered
Part 4
by Elder Brian Moore
To many the doctrine of election is a virtual unknown. This is a result of the fact that many followers of modern religion are never taught anything about the subject. Those that are taught something about the subject of election are usually given some contrived explanation that does not rightly fit with the plain teachings of the bible. This is the reason that there are so many false views on the doctrine of election. In part four of this short study, I would like to look at a couple of views about election that appear to be the most common arguments made against the doctrine of election.
One of the more common responses to the doctrine of election suggests that election would be an unfair practice on Gods part. This argument is often made and is usually the sidekick of every other argument that I have discussed in parts one through three of this study. This is an argument based on ignorance, first of all for anyone to question the fairness of God is to openly question the authority and sovereignty of Almighty God, and who is puny man to question the ways of God? The idea that through the act of election God would be unfair because he chose some and left out others is an incorrect understanding of the word election itself as it is used in the bible. The word election does not imply that God chose some over others, such as the populace would do in a modern day presidential election, on the contrary, the word election as used in the bible represents a choosing out of, not a choosing over. In other words God chose a people out of Adams race, this choosing had nothing to do with their deserving, free will or works and it was not merited, and that is why election should be viewed as an act of grace.
When an individual argues that election is unfair, they are not taking into consideration the depravity of man. The very idea of God being unfair lends itself to the false notion that everyone is good and everyone deserves a chance to be saved. The bible plainly teaches that this is not the case see Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” Isaiah 53:6 “all we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all,” Romans 3:10-12 “as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no note one.” Therefore, the fact that God would choose to save any is not to be ridiculed by being called unfair, but to be observed as an act of mercy and grace of an Almighty God. I have often used the following example when explaining the merciful and gracious aspects of election;
Suppose a Judge of the land is presiding over fifty guilty persons, all fifty of these persons deserve the just punishment for their crime, the judge however in an act of mercy decides to forgive five of these individuals for their crimes. Does this act of mercy qualify the judge as an unfair person, of course not, it demonstrates his compassion, mercy and gracious attitude toward guilty persons. The fact that the other 45 guilty persons were punished for their crimes is just and without argument, surely no one would accuse the judge of being unfair concerning the punishment of those that were guilty. Coincidentally, the act of forgiveness on the part of the judge toward the five guilty persons would be perceived as an act of mercy and grace as well as representative of the power and authority with which the judge possesses.
Another popular argument about the doctrine of election is that the very act itself would make God a respecter of persons. This argument usually comes by improperly taking Romans 2:11 out of context. In the second chapter of the book of Romans the apostle Paul is clarifying to the brethren at Rome that in regards to Jews or Gentiles that God is no respecter of persons. He is teaching them that whether one be a Jew or a Gentile that obedience and disobedience will be treated accordingly, therefore showing no special respect toward one or the other concerning blessings or chastisement. The argument that God is no respecter of persons appears to be a solid argument but in light of what the scriptures teach that is not the case. In the book of Genesis 4:4 we read “and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat therof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” (emphasis mine) In this particular case it is very obvious that not only did the Lord respect Abel’s offering he also respected the man Abel as well. In the book of Exodus 2:25 the text clearly states that God does respect “And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.” (emphasis mine). Further biblical evidence demonstrates the choice of God concerning respect when we read in Exodus 11:7 “But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast; that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.” I would like to note that the respect that is mentioned in the above scriptures is given to the individual based not based on their choice, merit or ability but it is given because they are chosen of God.
In conclusion, I hope that through this short study that I have answered and exposed the errors of many of the arguments against the doctrine of election. Although, not in depth, I hope that I have approached the subject in a manner that would stir up the pure mind of Gods children about Zion.
