That God’s election of sinners was executed apart from any righteousness or merit—including faith—on man’s part is made even more clear by considering this issue under two theological headings.  First, the impact of sin on the human will and second, how the doctrine of unconditional election coheres with other aspects of salvation.

The Impact of Sin on the Human Will
The argument that God’s election is based on the condition of foreseen faith is not only without strong biblical warrant, it also fails to take into account the profound and pervasive effect sin has had on the human will.  For our discussion, the question is this:  Is it possible for a human being in his natural state to fulfill the condition of exercising saving faith in Christ?  Although we are held morally responsible to believe in Christ, Scripture appears to affirm a depravity so comprehensive (see Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5, 58:1-5; Proverbs 22:15; Jeremiah 13:23; 17:29; John 1:12-13; 6:44), that faith in Christ must be a gift from God, based on an unconditional choice of God to rescue individual sinners from their unbelief and sin.  When we understand the devastating effects of sin on the human will, we are better able to see the necessity of divine, unconditional election.

The Coherence of Unconditional Election with Other Aspects of Salvation
How unconditional election fits together with other aspects of our salvation also helps us to better see its truth.  First, it fits well with the doctrine of effectual calling.  There are many passages in the New Testament which indicate that God’s call to salvation truly brings people to Christ.  There is a general gospel call to all people (Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:16-24; Acts 17:30; Revelation 22:17), but there is also an effectual call that brings sinners to faith (I Corinthians 1:9-26; Romans 1:6-7; 9:23-24; Galatians 1:15).  The effectual nature of this call coincides well with unconditional election: those whom God has chosen to save, he brings unfailingly to Christ by way of his effectual calling.  In this call, he provides those whom he has chosen with faith to believe in Christ.  This is why Christ can say, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44).

Second, unconditional election fits well with the Bible’s teaching on justification.  Justification is God’s act of declaring guilty sinners righteous based on the righteousness of his Son Jesus Christ.  Our justification is grounded a work accomplished completely outside ourselves, apart from anything we have done (Romans 4:5-6; Titus 3:5).  The doctrine of unconditional election maintains the gracious nature of salvation by keeping every aspect of that salvation within the realm of God’s initiative and work.

Finally, it solidifies eternal security and final perseverance.  In Romans 8:30, Paul ties election together with final glorification.  The security and perseverance of those whom God unconditionally elected to salvation is certain—the believer can have the utmost confidence that God will carry his plan through to completion and that nothing can separate the believer from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35-39; see also John 6:37-40).  Unconditional election highlights the comforting truth that salvation belongs to the Lord from beginning to end.

How is God Just?  An Objection to Unconditional Election
One of the main objections against the doctrine of unconditional election is that it affirms injustice in God.  It is unfair, proponents of conditional election aver, for God to choose some to salvation and not others based solely in his initiative and choice.  This objection, however, betrays a misunderstanding of God’s justice.  In light of our sin against God, justice requires God to condemn the guilty.  All humans have sinned (Romans 3:23) and therefore, all are guilty and liable to condemnation and death (Romans 3:19-20, 6:23).

God, on the other hand, is not obligated so save anyone.  J.I. Packer, in Concise Theology, states the case succinctly when he writes, “God owes sinners no mercy of any kind, only condemnation; so it is a wonder and matter for endless praise, that he should choose to save any of us, and doubly so when his choice involved the giving of his own Son to suffer as sin-bearer for the elect” (Romans 8:32) (149). Any movement of God toward our salvation is pure grace.  Thus, the charge of injustice against unconditional election cannot stand.

Next: Problems With Conditional Election