What is the relationship between election and salvation?

The relationship between election and salvation is foundational to understanding how God operates in redemptive history. Election itself refers to God's sovereign choice to love and save a particular group of people. However, it is crucial to distinguish that election is not synonymous with salvation; rather, election leads to salvation. As articulated in Romans 9, those elected by God are assured of their eventual salvation, but they must still come to faith in Christ through the proclamation of the gospel. Thus, while election is the divine method through which God saves, individuals must respond to the gospel message in faith, demonstrating that election works in harmony with God's redemptive plan.