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(While we would not agree with every detail of this article, we believe it worthy of reading - ABapistVoice.com)
 A Southern Baptist Looks at the Biblical Doctrine of Election
ELECTION
 
STATED AND DEFENDED
 
Its MeaningIts BlessingsIts EvidencesIts Implications, etc.
 
 Election is the gracious purpose of God,according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners... Baptist Faith and Message, Article V 
By ERNEST C. REISINGER 521 WILDWOOD PARKWAYCAPE CORAL, FLORIDA 33904
Chapter 1
 
THE IMPORTANCE
 
OF DOCTRINE:
 
James L. Sullivan, past president of the Sunday School Board, wrote in theFlorida Witness, April 17, 1975.
 
Baptist doctrines are more important than most of us realize. They not onlyexpress our experiences and beliefs, they also determine our directions. Theyeven shape our programs whether local or national. They are to the churchessentially what the backbone is to the human body. They give unity and stability;they provide sturdiness enabling us to endure the bumps of opposition, evenpersecution.Doctrines are of the utmost importance whether they are oral or written. Theysystematize our expressions of faith. They express our experiences in writtenunderstandable form. They proclaim to others our Christian testimony. Theyconstitute the framework in which we carry on our daily activities.The church which neglects to teach doctrine weakens its membership, worksagainst its unity, invites instability in its fellowship, lessens conviction among itsmembers and stalemates its future progress. It is impossible for us to exaggeratethe importance of doctrine. This truth needs to be stressed constantly beforeevery believer.
ABSTRACT OF PRINCIPLES
 The following is an excerpt from the Fundamental Laws of the Southern BaptistTheological Seminary written into its charter on April 30, 1858: "9 EveryProfessor of the institution shall be a member of a regular Baptist Church; and allpersons accepting Professorships in this Seminary, shall be considered by suchacceptance, as engaging to teach in accordance with, and not contrary to, theAbstract of Principles hereinafter laid down." (Mueller: History of SouthernSeminary; BROADMAN PRESS: P. 238).
I. THE SCRIPTURES 
 The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God,and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge,
 
faith and obedience.
II. GOD
 There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in andof himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creaturesowe the highest love, reverence and obedience.
III. THE TRINITY 
 God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personalattributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.
IV. PROVIDENCE 
 God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, andperpetually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and all events; yet so asnot in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will andresponsibility of intelligent creatures.
V. ELECTION 
 Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life - notbecause of foreseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ - inconsequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.
VI. THE FALL OF MAN 
 
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