His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the concept of “Election or Rejection” from the Orthodox Christian perspective, showing that God’s salvation is offered to all people, but it is the human being who freely chooses the path of life or destruction.

1. Universality of Salvation:
God desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. The Pope cites scriptural passages showing that God takes no pleasure in the death of the sinner but in his repentance. Salvation is available to everyone, but it is received through faith, repentance, baptism, and life in the Spirit.

2. Free Will and Human Responsibility:
Election is not a predestined decision by God but the result of a person’s free response to His grace. God has set before humanity life and death, blessing and curse, and invited each person to choose life.

3. Refutation of Predestination:
The Pope rejects the Protestant idea that God predetermines some people for salvation and others for damnation. Such belief contradicts God’s justice and love. If salvation were predetermined, repentance and striving would have no meaning.

4. The Possibility of Falling Away:
He clarifies that believers can fall and perish if they turn away from the faith. Scripture warns repeatedly about apostasy. Salvation requires perseverance and faithfulness until the end.

5. The Role of Spiritual Struggle:
Salvation is both a gift and a responsibility. True believers live in repentance and obedience, walking in righteousness and holiness as Christ did.

6. Erasure from the Book of Life:
Names can be written in the Book of Life but also erased through sin and apostasy. Remaining steadfast in holiness ensures abiding in divine grace.

Spiritual Message:
God’s desire is that all may be saved, but He does not compel anyone. Salvation is a lifelong journey of repentance, faith, and communion with the unchanging God.

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