Writers and speakers often use the words predestination and election interchangeably. However, this usage may create confusion. Predestination is the truth that God sovereignly purposes everything that will ever happen. He sovereignly brings to pass everything that he himself has planned (cf. Rom. 11:36, NIV). This includes every event of every person’s life and everything about that person, down to the very hairs of their heads (cf. Matt. 10:30, NIV). The many verses that speak of “all things” being under God’s sovereign control can only be true if predestination is true (cf. Rom. 8:28, NIV). Election is the truth of predestination applied to one specific area, or one category of the “all” things, namely, our personal salvation. The doctrine of election is the truth that God sovereignly chooses, or elects, certain individuals to be saved.

You have probably heard the following popular illustration about election. This is what I was taught in Bible School. 

I believe in election because the Bible teaches election. However, it is a true election in that it involves voting. First, God votes for you. Then, the Devil votes against you. And lastly, you cast the deciding vote. Now that is a wonderful illustration, but it is the worst theology possible. Someone has noted that (1) this makes God and the Devil equal in power. The Devil has the power to deadlock God and frustrate his purposes; (2) man is mightier than both God and the Devil because he alone has the power to break the deadlock. Someone else has said, “In this election, the Devil was not a registered voter and since you were of non-age, you were not able to vote. That leaves only one vote—God’s!”

I want to emphasize at the very beginning that not all sincere Christians agree with my understanding of the subject of election. If you have never heard this subject discussed or taught, it may “throw you for a loop” the first time you hear it. I urge you not to believe it just because someone else does; and likewise, do not reject it because your favorite preacher does not believe it. Prove that you have a Berean spirit and look at the texts of Scripture and see what they are actually saying. If you disagree with my understanding of election, that does not mean you do not love God. I have personal friends who love the Savior just as much as I do and disagree with me about election. John Calvin will not be at heaven’s gate interviewing you about your view of election. You may be wrong about many subjects and still go to heaven, but you cannot be wrong about trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. However, the Bible does say a lot about “God choosing some sinners,” and we must understand in some way the many verses that use these words.