Who are God’s Elect?

The question who are God’s elect is one of the most important topics in the Bible. Many people wonder how the elect are chosen, and whether they can be sure they are part of that group. The word “elect” refers to those who respond to God’s call for salvation, those who remain faithful to Him until the end. The Bible offers guidance on how one can be part of this faithful group. A key verse that helps answer this question is Revelation 14:12:

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV)

This verse summarizes the character and identity of God’s elect in the end times. The elect must believe in Jesus and obey God’s commandments. This article will explore in detail what this means and how it applies to your life.

Who Are God’s Elect According to the Bible?

The Bible uses the term “elect” to describe those chosen by God. In Isaiah 45:4, God says:

“For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me.” (Isaiah 45:4, NKJV)

In the Old Testament, the elect were God’s chosen people, Israel. In the New Testament, the concept broadens to include spiritual Israel – all who believe in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles:

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” (Colossians 3:12, NKJV)

God’s elect are not chosen arbitrarily. They are those who respond to His call, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and live in obedience to His will. Their election is confirmed through faith and perseverance.

The Faith of Jesus: Trusting in the Savior

Revelation 14:12 highlights two characteristics of the elect: they have the faith of Jesus and keep the commandments of God. Let us first examine the faith of Jesus.

The phrase “faith of Jesus” means more than just believing in Him. It also refers to the faith that Jesus Himself had—a deep trust in God, submission to His will, and loyalty unto death. To be part of the elect, you must share in this kind of faith.

Believing in Jesus

Faith begins with believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)

This faith is not mere intellectual agreement but personal trust. It involves surrendering your life to Him:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8, NKJV)

Salvation is by grace through faith. But true saving faith leads to action—it changes the heart, mind, and lifestyle.

The Faith of Christ in Action

Jesus demonstrated faith in His Father even during the most painful moments of His life:

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42, NKJV)

He trusted God in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, when He cried:

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke 23:46, NKJV)

To have the “faith of Jesus” is to live by that same trust, even when circumstances are difficult. God’s elect are those who cling to God in times of trouble, persecution, and temptation, just as Jesus did.

Keeping the Commandments of God

The second part of Revelation 14:12 says that the saints “keep the commandments of God”. This is not legalism. Rather, it is the natural fruit of faith. Jesus said:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NKJV)

God’s elect are not saved by commandment-keeping, but their obedience shows their faith is genuine. James confirms this:

“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17, NKJV)

The elect do not choose between faith and obedience—they embrace both.

What Are God’s Commandments?

Some people believe that the commandments only refer to moral principles or Christ’s teachings. But the Bible consistently connects God’s commandments to the Ten Commandments given on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:3-17):

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NKJV)

Jesus reaffirmed the Ten Commandments when He said:

“But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17, NKJV)

When asked which ones, He listed commandments from the Ten Commandments. The elect do not pick and choose which commandments to follow; they seek to honor all of God’s law.

The Law and Grace Together

Many misunderstand the relationship between law and grace. Paul explains:

“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” (Romans 3:31, NKJV)

Grace does not cancel obedience. It enables it. The Holy Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts (Hebrews 10:16), and we are empowered to live righteously:

“That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:4, NKJV)

The elect obey not to earn salvation, but because they have it. Their obedience is an expression of love and gratitude.

The End-Time Relevance of Revelation 14:12

Revelation 14 describes the final conflict between good and evil. Revelation 14:9-11 warns against worshiping the beast and receiving his mark. Then verse 12 gives a contrast—God’s true people:

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV)

This verse reveals who will stand in the last days. They will resist the pressures of the world, remain loyal to God’s commands (not church tradition), and reflect the character of Christ.

The Patience of the Saints

The word “patience” in Revelation 14:12 also means perseverance or endurance. Jesus said:

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)

Being part of the elect is not about one moment of belief, but a lifetime of faithfulness. The saints do not give up during trials. They endure through tribulation and remain loyal to Jesus under pressure.

How to Become Part of God’s Elect

Becoming part of God’s elect is not about being born into the right family, attending a certain church, or doing enough good works. It involves a personal relationship with God, rooted in belief and obedience.

Step 1: Repent and Believe the Gospel

“Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15, NKJV)

Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of life. It means turning away from sin and turning toward God. Faith in the gospel means trusting Jesus’ death and resurrection for your salvation.

Step 2: Be Born Again

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, NKJV)

To be part of the elect, you must receive a new heart and become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Step 3: Obey God’s Word

Jesus said:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, NKJV)

Obedience is part of the Christian walk. It shows that you love and trust God. The elect honor God’s Word in every area of life, including keeping the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11), avoiding idols, honoring parents, and speaking truth.

Step 4: Persevere in Trials

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12, NKJV)

Endurance is key to remaining in God’s elect. Trials will come, but God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). His elect stay faithful even when it costs them everything.

Step 5: Be Filled with the Spirit

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NKJV)

The Holy Spirit gives the elect power to obey and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Without Him, we cannot live the Christian life.

The Final Vindication of the Elect

At the end of time, the elect will be vindicated. Jesus said:

“He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds.” (Matthew 24:31, NKJV)

They will be with Christ forever, having overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony (Revelation 12:11). They will sing a new song that no one else can sing (Revelation 14:3), and they will follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).

Conclusion: The Call to Faith and Obedience

Revelation 14:12 gives a simple but profound picture of who God’s end-time people are. They trust in Christ completely and obey God fully.

Being part of the elect is not about earning God’s favor, but about responding to His love with faith and faithfulness. The path is narrow, and the journey can be hard, but the reward is eternal life with Jesus.

Will you accept the salvation call to be part of God’s elect?