Chosen by God - Classic Text | Alexandria
Chosen by God, by R.C. Sproul, represents a modern defense and explanation of the doctrine of divine election—the idea that God chooses individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world. Often met with misunderstanding and passionate debate, the concept of election, sometimes mistakenly conflated with fatalism, has stirred theological and philosophical discussions for centuries.
References to divine selection appear throughout the Old Testament, particularly in God's chosen people, Israel. However, it is in the New Testament, especially within the writings of the Apostle Paul, that the doctrine begins to take clearer theological form. Paul's letters to the Romans and Ephesians, penned in the mid-1st century AD, contain passages that speak of predestination and God's sovereign will in salvation, laying the groundwork for later interpretations. The early church fathers grappled with these texts, seeking to reconcile God's sovereignty with human free will. These early interpretations, emerging in the context of a burgeoning Christian faith amidst the Roman Empire, set the stage for future elaborations.
Throughout church history, differing views on election have emerged, often sparking vigorous debate. Augustine of Hippo, in the 5th century, heavily influenced Western theology with his emphasis on God's grace and predestination, a perspective that would resurface during the Reformation. In the 16th century, John Calvin championed the doctrine of election, solidifying its place within Reformed theology. Conversely, Jacobus Arminius and his followers challenged Calvinistic tenets, advocating for a view that emphasized human agency in accepting or rejecting God’s grace. Sproul's work builds upon this Reformed tradition, attempting to make it accessible to a modern audience and answering common objections raised against it. Its publication sparked renewed discussion about the compatibility of divine sovereignty and human freedom, a debate that continues to shape contemporary theological discourse.
Chosen by God continues to influence discussions on soteriology (the study of salvation) and remains a key text for those seeking to understand the Reformed perspective on election. Its lasting legacy resides not only in its clear articulation of a complex doctrine, but also in its ability to inspire both faith and critical inquiry into the mysteries of God’s relationship with humanity. Does the concept of divine election diminish human responsibility, or does it highlight the magnitude of God's initiative in salvation? This question, provoked by Sproul's work, invites continued contemplation and exploration.