The San Diego Presbytery publishes a document that highlights some of the distinctives of reformed expression of the Christian Faith. Here's what they say about divine election.
Our salvation and sanctification are based entirely on God’s initiative and God’s
grace. It is not primarily about our choice but God’s choice. The Reformed
understanding of election is that God has chosen us in Christ for salvation and
service—
• To be redeemed,
• To be God’s own “treasured possession,” a holy nation and a kingdom of
priests,
• To live holy and exemplary lives, zealous for good works,
• Resulting in praise for the glory of God’s grace.
Our salvation is not an accident we stumble into or a destiny we create. It is God’s
gracious purpose for our life and it is for God’s glory.
God has elected us out of grace.
God has elected us from eternity.
We are elected in Christ, that is—
Christ is God’s elected Son, chosen to redeem God’s creation and to be Mediator
and Savior for humankind. Our election is not direct, but indirect—we are
elected on account of Christ, with the result that those who are now grafted into
Christ by faith are also be elected.
As those chosen by God, we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus.
Our purpose, then, is to glorify God by our redeemed and sanctified life.
Our faith in Christ and our good works are evidence and confirmation that we are
chosen by God to be His.
Election is a doctrine intended to reassure Christians of the security of their
salvation and of the steadfast love of God for them, and to instill in them a sense of
divine purpose and a zeal for good works.
A person may know with complete assurance, on the basis of the promises of
scripture and God’s faithfulness, that if they are trusting in Christ for their
salvation, they indeed are in Christ and are elected.
Scripture
Psalm 139:16; John 15:5, 8, 16; Ephesians 1:4-7, 11-13; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 1:9
Confessions
Scots Confession 3.08
Second Helvetic Confession 5.052, 5.053, 5.059-60
What Is Not Affirmed
Any doctrine—
• That denies God’s initiative in calling persons to Himself.
• That asserts that all people will ultimately be reconciled to God.
• That asserts a profession of faith without bearing any fruit.
