Caleb Bulow

How the Bible Defines: Election: Clearing the Muddied Waters of Calvinism Caleb Bulow

How the Bible Defines: Election

It is not uncommon to find the word election defined in a Bible dictionary as "chosen by God for salvation" or something similar. Many dictionaries and lexicons include an alternate definition: "choice, select, best in its class." A close look at the New Testament will reveal a number of passages where this word occurs without a clear indication of the intended definition. In these passages, how are we to determine which was the intended meaning?

The Greek Old Testament is an often-overlooked resource that provides rich scriptural contexts from which to derive the meaning of key biblical words. You are cordially invited to embark on an exploration of Old Testament stories and passages that contain "election." Along the way, you will see what the inspired writers meant when they used the word in certain stories, such as that of Korah's rebellion and of the remnant in Isaiah's prophecy. By the end, you just might find that one of the above definitions has no basis within the pages of scripture.