Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about choice?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that human choices are real and morally significant, yet God sovereignly and graciously chooses a people for himself in Christ. Jesus says his disciples did not choose him, but he chose them (John 15:16), and John 6:44 teaches that no one comes to Christ unless the Father draws him. Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:28-30, and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ground salvation in God’s eternal purpose, calling, and love rather than human merit. At the same time, Scripture summons people to respond faithfully: Joshua calls Israel to choose whom they will serve (Joshua 24:15). God’s sovereign election therefore humbles believers, assures them of grace, and strengthens obedience.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • John 15:16

    You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

  • Ephesians 1:4-5

    [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love; [5] having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

  • Romans 8:28-30

    [28] We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.

  • Revelation 13:8

    All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.

  • Joshua 24:15

    If it seem evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.

  • Galatians 1:15

    But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace,

  • Acts 13:48

    As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth;

  • John 6:70

    Jesus answered them, "Didn't I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?"

  • John 6:44

    No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Nave's Topical Bible

See also

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about choice and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about choice