One of the most fascinating (and misunderstood) concepts in the Bible is the idea of being “elect” or “chosen” by God. The New Testament gives us several glimpses into this idea, showing us what it means to be called into a relationship with God, not as a passive observer but as someone invited into a life of purpose, mercy, and grace.
The Greek word for “elect” is “eklektos,” which means to be chosen or selected. This word appears 23 times in the Greek New Testament.
But who are God’s elect, and what does it mean to be among them? Is it an exclusive club that doesn’t allow outsiders? Is it wrong to wish that God’s heart of mercy and love has room for more than just a “few” elect?
Below, we will explore 13 takeaways from these 23 New Testament appearances of the word “elect.” We’ll focus on what it means to be “chosen” by God and how this impacts our lives and relationship with Him.
Let’s dive in.
1. Many are called, but few are elect (chosen)
Jesus utters this cryptic phrase twice in the Gospel of Matthew.
“So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:16)
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
TAKEAWAY: Many may hear the call, but only a few will truly follow the law of love. Our Father calls us to repent and love one another as Christ loved us, but only a few respond wholeheartedly. The way of the world is the way of self-destruction. The way of Christ is the way of life… “and few there be that find it.” (See Matthew 7:13,14)
2. The Great Tribulation will be cut short for the sake of the elect
In what’s known as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus spoke of the challenging times that would come before His return.
“And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” (Matthew 24:22)
“Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. (Mark 13:20)
TAKEAWAY: God’s love for His elect is so profound that He promises to intervene during humanity’s darkest hours to preserve His people.
3. Antichrists and false prophets target the elect with spiritual deception
Jesus warns us that deception will rise in intensity, with false prophets and false messiahs attempting to mislead even those traveling along the narrow road to life.
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
This prophetic truth appears once again, in almost identical fashion, in the book of Mark.
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” (Mark 13:22)
TAKEAWAY: Antichrists and false prophets have come and will continue to come in God’s name. You’ll know them by their fruits. Love is obedience to God. If we reflect the love of God towards our neighbor, we are obedient children. However, if we operate out of hatred, fear, revenge, and a lack of compassion for God and neighbor, we are in error. Let us discern that to oppose Christ’s law of love is the literal definition of “antichrist.” Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall (See 1 Corinthians 10:12).
4. The elect will be gathered together and kept from harm just prior to the final outpouring of God’s wrath upon the earth
When the time comes for Jesus to return, He will gather His elect from all over.
“And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)
“And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” (Mark 13:27)
TAKEAWAY: These verses paint a beautiful picture of God sending His angels to gather His elect from every corner of the earth and heaven. God has a plan.
5. God will vindicate the elect
When the time comes for Jesus to return, He will gather His elect from all over.
“Now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly.” (Luke 18:7)
TAKEAWAY: God hears the cries of His people and will act on their behalf, bringing justice and relief.
6. Jesus Christ is God’s elect
Jesus Himself is referred to as God’s “elect,” showing us that this idea of being “chosen” is deeply rooted in right relationship to God.
“And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” (Luke 23:25)
The word used for “Chosen” in this verse is the word “elect.” As the firstborn of all creation, Jesus Christ was the first “elect” or chosen of God.
“For this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” (1 Peter 2:6)
The word used for “choice” in this verse is the word “elect.” Again, the Bible refers to Jesus as “elect.”
TAKEAWAY: Jesus is the ultimate example of being “chosen” and sets the pattern for us to follow. This means that the “chosen” look like Jesus, not the world. That is, they love God and do no harm to their neighbor.
7. The elect are justified by God and free from spiritual accusation by men
God’s chosen are justified by Him, and no one can bring a legitimate charge against them.
“Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;” (Romans 8:33)
TAKEAWAY: When God justifies, human opinions lose their weight. The justification of the elect is secure in Christ.
8. The elect are instructed to clothe themselves with nine things: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and gratefulness
Being chosen by God is reflected in one’s actions and attitudes.
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things [put on] love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15)
TAKEAWAY: The lifestyle of God’s elect reflects His love, compassion, and peace. Their lives bear fruit that shows the heart of God to the world.
9. God has angels who are elect
Interestingly, even certain angels are referred to as “elect” or chosen.
“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21)
TAKEAWAY: Just as with humans, God has assigned specific roles to His angels, reflecting His organized and intentional design.
10. Paul’s ministry was dedicated to ensuring the salvation of the elect
Paul poured his life into serving and guiding those chosen by God.
“For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10)
“Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,” (Titus 1:1)
TAKEAWAY: The Apostle Paul’s heart was to ensure that God’s chosen ones would grow in their faith and knowledge of the truth, equipping them to live out their calling.
11. The elect are chosen by the foreknowledge of God and by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
Peter describes how God’s elect are known to Him and set apart by the Holy Spirit.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:” (1 Peter 1:1,2)
TAKEAWAY: God’s choice is grounded in His foreknowledge, and His Spirit actively works in the lives of His elect, shaping them for His purposes.
12. The elect are a chosen people called to declare the goodness and mercy of God
Being chosen isn’t just for personal blessing; it’s a call to share God’s light with others.
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” (1 Peter 2:9,10)
TAKEAWAY: God’s elect serve as a beacon of light in a dark world, declaring His mercy and goodness to a broken world.
13. The elect will accompany Jesus Christ in His defeat of those who wage war against Him
In the end, God’s chosen ones will stand with Jesus in His final triumph.
“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14)
TAKEAWAY: The elect are not just observers in the Kingdom. Instead, they are participants in God’s victory over death, darkness, hatred, and despair.
Conclusion
Understanding what it means to be part of God’s elect gives us a glimpse into His heart and His purpose for mankind. Far from being a closed or exclusive group, God’s elect are chosen to reflect His character, embody His compassion, and declare His goodness to the world. As we align ourselves with His call, we realize that being “elect” isn’t about privilege—it’s about purpose. God doesn’t love some of us more than others. He is impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11) and never changes (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17, Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8). He loves us all — but only some of choose to love Him. When we fail to love God, we lose sight of why should love each other. Christ came to correct man’s faulty views of God by bringing mercy and truth. (John 1:17) He is calling us love deeply, serve humbly, and live in a way that reflects His own goodness. Will you respond to the call?
BONUS VIDEO: The Difference Between God’s Election and Man’s Election
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