1 Thessalonians 1:4

“knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election”

“Knowing”: An additional reason for thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 1:2). “Brethren beloved of God”: “Brothers, whom God loves” (TCNT). “They are the objects of His affection and care (Romans 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Judges 1:1; Deuteronomy 33:12)” (Marshall p. 52). “Your election”: Immediately when some see the word "election" they think of God choosing people before the foundation of the world, regardless of the choices they would make in life, for salvation or damnation. Yet the context and the passage itself does not agree with such. Calvinistic idea of election. First, Paul knew they were elect, yet the true Calvinist would have to concede that even outward actions, such as church membership, is not. guarantee that one is really chosen by God, because Calvinistic election argues that God chooses one regardless of one's own choices in life. Carefully note that Paul put. lot of stock in their behavior, in how they responded to the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:6ff). Paul believed in an election that included human choice and human freewill. In this context the "elect" are expected to work (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Paul also knew that the "elect" could lose their salvation (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5).

The election taught in the Bible is God choosing us, because we have chosen Him: People are "called" through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), yet all are called (Mark 16:15). Those who obey the call and choose God, become those that God considers His own (Matthew 22:14). Too many other passages contradict. Calvinistic concept of "election": God desires all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). God shows no partially (Romans 2:11). Jesus died for all men (John 3:16). Christians are commanded to grow and thus make their election “sure” or certain (2 Peter 1:10). The fact that Paul calls these Christians "elect" infers that Christians now compose the true people of God (1 Peter 2:9). The language that was associated with the nation of Israel is now deliberately used in reference to the church. The church is the true Israel of God (Romans 2:28; Galatians 3:28; Galatians 6:16).

Fields notes, “God's election (or choosing) is never independent of man's response. In olden times the nation of Israel was chosen, yet it was later cast off for unbelief (Matthew 8:11; Romans 11:20)” (p. 34).

The Arrival of the Gospel in Thessalonica