http://www.youmustbesaved.com/preview_052.htm

See what you think.

God Bless!

I have done about 1,000 hours of Biblical research on this issue.

You might find my studies of interest.

http://www.disciplemakerministries.org/cve.php

This is only about half of what I have done.

I am writing a considerable expansion of this now.

It is not yet finished. It is being reviewed by a number of friends now.

The book sounds very interesting, and I may have to see if I can locate a copy of it. I have no problem agreeing with William’s last sentence (“The church is chosen for salvation….”), which is basically the point I was trying to approach in this post.

steve

It is, to my knowledge, the most thorough, verse by verse exegesis on corporate election. Charles Ryrie, though a believer himeself in individual election, has stated that this book has been unanswered from the reformed/Calvanist view.

At any rate, I think you have done a good job of describing the difference between “individual” and “individualism”. It can seem like a tightrope walk at times. Overall, I think the western church has done too much to promote individualism, while at the same time destroying individual uniqueness.

Ahhh, what a paradox!

Rick, welcome to the blog. I’m not opposed to the “both/and” concept, but it sounds like you’re coming from a pretty standard Calvinistic perspective, in which case, you may find my writings here frustrating if you stick around! Having said that, you are very welcome, and feel free to disagree with me anytime.

steve

I’m of the opinion that every Christian doctrine ought to be rooted in the words of Christ. After all, everything in Acts, the epistles and in Revelation are built upon what Jesus taught the apostles as recorded for us in the Gospels, and while certain teachings may be expounded on further, the foundations are laid for us in Jesus’ words.

In John 6 we have two key verses, 37 and 44. And while 37 might seem corporate (“all that the Father gives Me…”), verse 44 clarifies and individualizes (“no ONE can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws HIM…”).

So, if all that the Father gives to Christ will be saved and risen up at the last day and only those who the Father individually draws (drags) to the Son will be saved, I am forced to believe that election is individual.

However, I could accept that the church is corporately elected, but I would be forced to conclude that so are each of its members. At the very least, no one can join under their own volition as they must be drawn by the Father and given a heart of flesh and faith. But then again, since no one can do anything to influence the Father’s decision regarding that (all gone astray, none seeking God, none doing good, etc.), it all comes back to His choice anyway.

The problem, as I see it, is that “individualism” flies heavily on the wings of pride–exalting self as all important and the basis for all decison-making. This is very much a part of the cultural experience of being American. Individualism is considered an American value. If we identify that value as wrong, how do we know ourselves correctly as individuals?

We each wrestle with different issues bouncing around in our souls concerning the question, “Who am I?” We may have insignificant feelings as an individual leading to negativism and lack of self-worth; or conversely, sensing our profound individual worth, we expect far too much recognition from others. Maybe we swing back and forth between the two perceptions. Ironically, we dishonor God if we fail to acknowledge and develop our gifts, and we dishonor Him to ride along collecting the glory for these gifts with which He has naturally endowed us.

What orders the flipping of this two-sided coin in our souls?

At least in part, the answer must lie in connecting within our hearts to the humility that is Christ’s nature. When humble with Christ, we can look at the wonder of who we are as an individual and not be carried away with pride. Through His presence, we can get our hearts around what His purpose is for such wonder, the application of His plan–redeemed for good works of service.

Community clearly is the practical function.
Joined in love with and among others, we see and can accept our created wonder; we find a safe haven to admit our pitiful state as a result of the fall; and we find fulfillment by moving into useful application of our gifts through works of service bringing both meaning and blessing into our individual and corporate lives.

In the Great I Am, we find the answer to “Who am I?”