Corporate election refers to God’s choice of groups rather than individuals. This concept is evident in God’s election of Israel in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:6) and the Church in the New Testament (Ephesians 1:4-5). Paul often uses plural pronouns when discussing election, suggesting a corporate focus.
Individual Election in Scripture
Scripture also provides examples of individual election. For instance, God chose Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), Moses (Exodus 3:10), David (1 Samuel 16:1-13), and Paul (Acts 9:15).
Election to What?
We must distinguish between election for tasks and election to eternal life from context. When God selects individuals, it is within the context of working with the chosen group of people. Moses to free Israel, Paul preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles are two prime examples. It is a mistake to assume that when God elects, it is always to eternal life as He elects to tasks of service. From the quantity of references God electing to eternal life is less prevalent than to tasks of service.
Exegesis of Romans 8:29-30
The context of Romans is to save believers from God’s temporal wrath. Chapter 8 focuses on the assurance and security of believers as a group. In chapter 7, Paul explains how the law exposed his sin and presents the solution to his wretchedness. Romans 8 begins with no condemnation for the believer and how the Spirit enables us to serve God and avoid temporal wrath. Paul states we can be co-heirs with Christ and can be “son-placed” at the bema. Paul finishes this inheritance section, by demonstrating God’s ability to complete the work. Note the tense of the Golden Chain, Paul uses past tense showing that if a believer lives by the Spirit, God is faithful.
Reconciling Corporate Election with Romans 8
Election is not mentioned in vs.29-30. God’s calling is not election. God calls all men to be saved (John 7:37b); to accept the free gift from the giver of eternal life (John 12:32).
Paul’s repeated goal is for believers to be “conformed to the image of his Son” (2 Cor. 3:18). While it is an individual objective of each believer, the goal impacts the corporate.
Election could be wrapped into predestination, but that depends on how one defines predestination, which is beyond the scope of this article.
Implications for Soteriology
Understanding election corporately maintains the Gospel’s simplicity: salvation by faith alone. It also upholds the assurance of salvation. We must distinguish between the conditions for entering the kingdom (faith) and having a rich entrance (faith plus godly character). As 2 Peter 1:10-11 suggests, making our calling and election sure relates to our entrance into the eternal kingdom, not our possession of eternal life.
Our understanding of election should not obscure the simplicity of the gospel. Regardless of one’s view on election, salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone and offered to all mankind, not a predetermined selection process.
