If God chooses some for salvation and not others, isn’t that unfair and arbitrary?

This question strikes at the heart of one of Christianity’s most challenging doctrines. For most believers, the idea of divine election feels uncomfortable: is God playing cosmic favourites with eternal destinies? Is this really what Scripture teaches? Does God’s sovereignty in salvation make Him arbitrary or unjust?

The answer is a resounding no. While predestination remains a profound mystery, Scripture reveals God’s election is anything but arbitrary. Let’s explore why.

 

WHAT “ARBITRARY” REALLY MEANS

Before we dive into Scripture, we need to clarify our terms. When we say something is arbitrary, we mean it’s done without reason, purpose, or consistent principle—like flipping a coin or drawing names from a hat.

Election, on the other hand, refers to God’s eternal, unconditional choice of specific individuals for salvation. The crucial distinction is this: God’s election is sovereign but not arbitrary. His choices flow from His perfect character and eternal purposes, not from randomness or whim.

 

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: ELECTION SERVES DIVINE PURPOSE

Scripture consistently presents election as purposeful, not random. Consider Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:11: God works “all things according to the counsel of his will.” This includes election. God’s choices aren’t impulsive but flow from His eternal plan.

Notice how often Ephesians 1 connects election to purpose. Three times Paul emphasises election is “to the praise of his glory” (verses 6, 12, 14). God’s choice to save specific individuals serves the ultimate purpose of displaying His character and bringing glory to His name.

When Romans 8:29 tells us God “foreknew” those He predestined, it’s not referring to foreseen faith or human choices. In biblical language, to “foreknow” means to set one’s love upon beforehand. It speaks of God’s predetermined choice to love, not His passive observation of human decisions. This makes election purposeful, not arbitrary—grounded in God’s eternal love, not human merit.

 

IS GOD’S CHOICE ARBITRARY? GOD’S CHARACTER RULES OUT UNFAIRNESS

The strongest argument against arbitrary election lies in God’s character itself. God cannot act contrary to His nature, and His nature is perfectly wise, just, and holy.

Consider Romans 11:33-36, where Paul marvels at the “depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God.” While God’s judgements are “unsearchable,” they’re not unreasonable. His perfect wisdom governs every decision, including election. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust they flow from infinite wisdom.

When Paul anticipates the objection “Is there injustice on God’s part?” in Romans 9:14, his answer reveals something crucial: God’s mercy is a free gift, not an obligation. Since all humanity deserves condemnation due to sin (Romans 3:23), God would be perfectly just to save no one. The fact He does save anyone demonstrates mercy, not injustice.

God’s holiness ensures He acts consistently with His perfect character. As 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us, “He cannot deny himself.” Every aspect of election—from its eternal origin to its ultimate purpose—reflects God’s unchanging, perfect nature.

 

ADDRESSING THE “UNFAIRNESS” OBJECTION

“But it still seems unfair!” This is the heart cry behind most objections to election. Paul anticipated this exact response in Romans 9, using the potter and clay analogy to address it.

The potter has the right to shape clay according to his purposes—some vessels for honour, others for common use. Similarly, as Creator, God has the sovereign right to direct His creation according to His wise purposes. This isn’t arbitrary power but the legitimate authority of the One who made all things.

Here’s the key insight that transforms our perspective: the question isn’t “Why doesn’t God save everyone?” but rather “Why does God save anyone?” Given the universal nature of human sinfulness and rebellion against God, justice would demand condemnation for all. That God chooses to show mercy to some reveals His grace, not His unfairness to others.

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us God’s ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Our limited human perspective cannot fully grasp infinite divine wisdom. When we struggle to understand election, we’re called to trust in God’s revealed character rather than demand complete comprehension.

 

IS GOD’S CHOICE ARBITRARY? ELECTION’S PURPOSE-DRIVEN NATURE

Scripture reveals several clear purposes behind God’s election, further demonstrating its non-arbitrary nature.

1. Election displays God’s glory by showcasing His attributes. Romans 9:22-23 speaks of God’s patience with “vessels of wrath” and His mercy toward “vessels of mercy.” Through election, both God’s justice and mercy are magnificently displayed.
2. Election ensures salvation’s security. Romans 8:29-30 presents the unbreakable chain: those God foreknew, He predestined; those He predestined, He called; those He called, He justified; those He justified, He glorified. God’s purpose guarantees the completion of salvation for every elect person.
3. Election creates unity in diversity. Ephesians 2:11-22 shows how God’s election transcends human categories, bringing Jews and Gentiles together into one body. This isn’t random selection but purposeful design to demonstrate salvation crosses all human boundaries.

 

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Understanding election as purposeful rather than arbitrary has profound practical implications for Christian living.

• It produces humility. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” If our salvation flows from God’s gracious choice rather than our merit, we have no room for spiritual pride—only grateful worship.
• It builds confidence in God’s plan. Romans 8:28 assures us that “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” When we understand that our salvation itself flows from God’s eternal purpose, we can trust that everything in our lives serves His wise plan.
• It motivates evangelism rather than hindering it. God ordains both the end (salvation of the elect) and the means (gospel preaching). In Acts 18:9-10, Jesus encouraged Paul to keep preaching in Corinth because “I have many people in this city.” God’s sovereignty in election doesn’t make evangelism pointless—it makes it effective.

 

CONCLUSION: IS GOD’S CHOICE ARBITRARY?

While election may appear arbitrary from our limited human perspective, Scripture reveals it as flowing from God’s eternal purpose, perfect wisdom, and holy character. The doctrine doesn’t answer every question we throw at it, but calls us to trust the One whose ways are perfect even when they’re beyond our understanding.

The real question is whether we trust His revealed character and promises. When we struggle with the doctrine’s implications, we’re invited to rest in the truth the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25).

For believers, election offers profound comfort: our salvation doesn’t depend on our faithfulness but on God’s unchanging purpose. For seekers, it offers hope: if we’re drawn to Christ, the drawing itself may be evidence of God’s electing love.

Rather than making God arbitrary, predestination reveals Him as the God of purpose, wisdom, and grace—the One whose every choice serves His glory and His people’s ultimate good. In a world that often seems random and chaotic, what could be more comforting than knowing our eternal destiny rests in the hands of the One who works all things according to the counsel of His perfect will?

 

IS GOD’S CHOICE ARBITRARY? RELATED FAQs

If God has already chosen who will be saved, why should we bother evangelising? This objection misunderstands how God’s sovereignty works. God ordains both the end (salvation of the elect) and the means (gospel preaching and evangelism). God uses human proclamation of the gospel as His chosen method for calling His elect to faith. We evangelise not despite God’s election, but because of it—knowing God’s Word will not return empty but will accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:11).

• Doesn’t election based on God’s choice rather than foreseen faith make evangelism pointless? Actually, the opposite is true. If election were based on foreseen faith, people would ultimately determine their own salvation, making God’s role secondary. However, since election flows from God’s sovereign purpose, evangelism becomes the powerful means by which God effectually calls His chosen ones. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”—making preaching essential to God’s saving work.
• How do contemporary Reformed scholars respond to the “arbitrary” accusation? Leading Reformed theologians like RC Sproul emphasise God’s election flows from His holy will and wise purposes, not randomness. John Piper argues election serves to magnify God’s grace and demonstrate His glory, making it deeply purposeful. Michael Horton points out calling election “arbitrary” assumes we deserve salvation, when Scripture teaches all deserve condemnation. The scholars consistently distinguish between God’s freedom to choose and mere arbitrariness.

If election is true, does that make God the author of sin? No, this conclusion doesn’t follow from the doctrine of election. Election deals with God’s choice to save some from sin, not His creation or causation of sin. God permits sin but doesn’t cause it, and all of us are fully responsible for our sinful choices. God’s decision not to elect everyone to salvation doesn’t make Him responsible for our sin—it simply means He chooses not to intervene with saving grace in every case.

• How can we reconcile divine election with human responsibility? Scripture presents both divine sovereignty and human responsibility as equally true, even though we can’t fully reconcile them philosophically. Jesus told His hearers “you will not come to me that you may have life” (John 5:40), holding them responsible for their unbelief, while also saying “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him” (John 6:44). This tension is resolved not by human logic but by trusting God’s ways are higher than our ways.
• What about Bible verses that seem to say God wants everyone to be saved? Verses like 1 Timothy 2:4 (“God desires all people to be saved”) and 2 Peter 3:9 (“not wishing that any should perish”) are understood by Reformed scholars in context. These passages either refer to God’s revealed will (His moral desire expressed in the gospel call) versus His secret will (His eternal decree), or they refer to “all kinds of people” rather than every individual. The context of these passages supports reading them as describing God’s heart for people from every nation and social class.

If I’m struggling with assurance of salvation, how does election help? Election actually provides the strongest possible foundation for assurance. If our salvation depended on our own faith or works, we might rightly worry about our spiritual consistency. However, if our salvation flows from God’s eternal choice and unchanging purpose, it rests on the most secure foundation possible—God’s own character. The fact that we’re concerned about our salvation and are drawn to Christ may itself be evidence of God’s electing grace working in our hearts.

 

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