1Th_1:4 - "Elect" Based On Acceptance of Christ.

25. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 - "Elect" Based On Acceptance of Christ.

"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

Since Mr. Nettleton, on page 33 of his book, included 1 Thessalonians 1:4 along with Colossians 3:12, it is imperative that we examine the context and see the meaning of this verse. Nettleton accused some men who disagree with him on election as avoiding these two verses.  His statement on page 33:

"By now it ought to be clearly recognized that God uses language that some men avoid." The only thing we seek to avoid is doing what Mr. Nettleton did. That is, taking one little phrase or verse out of context without considering the rest of the chapter or other verses that relate to the same subject. Concerning 1 Thessalonians 1:4, you will find that God many times calls the saved "his elect" or "his chosen." But this is after the fact that they have put their faith in Jesus Christ. When a person accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, they are the chosen and referred to as the "chosen" or "the elect." Christians are referred to as "the elect" only on the basis of their acceptance of Christ.

Notice in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 where Paul states:

"So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.  (7) For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything." (8)

If you will notice that it says, "but also in every place your faith." It does not say "God's faith in you," but "your faith in Christ." You see, the Scriptures mean exactly what they say. I do not know how one could get "election to salvation" out of these verses when Paul speaks to them and says that it is "your faith that is spoken abroad." Not--"God's faith in you." It is "your faith in God" that you speak about so freely and strongly. In fact, Paul said that he needed not to speak anything. There was not anything that Paul could add to what those in Thessalonica were doing. They were that strong in the faith and knew what they believed and were ready to stand behind it. Not because they were elected. They were only referred to as "God's elect" because they had put their faith in Christ out of their own volition and free will.