All Elect?

Not too long ago in class we were discussing the idea of election. In this particular case it involved the idea of Israel being elect and therefore how do we handle the idea of election/reprobate. If someone is elect then by definition wouldn't there then have to be someone not elect, a reprobate? However, what if by the mere definition of being elect, we are all elect?

The definition of election is to be chosen for a purpose. In modern times this idea has translated into a means of salvation, to be chosen for a purpose of salvation. This is not what I am going to talk about because of the possible ramifications that will ensue. What I am talking about is the basics of being chosen for a purpose.

In class we have discussed numerous times how Israel and the Hebrew people were chosen by God and how that everyone else is "not chosen" like the Egyptians and the numerous "-ites" of the Promise Land. But what if those people were even chosen by God? I will admit this is a weird position but if we approach it from this angle, I believe most (not all) of our "election" problems will then solve themselves.

As mentioned early the idea of election is to be chosen for a purpose. I believe this to be true. But I believe that not only were the Hebrew people God's chosen people but so were the other nations. The way to describe this though is through subject object terms: the Hebrew people are the subject and the groups they interact with are therefore the objects. I will use the Egyptians to prove this point. God chose the Israelites to show who He is to the nations by various means. They were His people. He blessed them and was with them. However, what if the Egyptians were also chosen by God for a purpose. That purpose, I believe was to show the Egyptians and later the world who God is, by using the Israelites as the subject. The Bible says that God rose Pharaoh up so that His glory would be shown. If that is the case then it is clear by definition of election that God chose the Egyptian people as a means to show his glory to the world by using them in the Israelite narrative. Israel is the subject, Egypt is the object. The purpose, to show God's glory.

This is just one example among what I believe to be many. The Hebrew people taking over the promise land: subject=Israel, object="-ites" of Canaan, purpose=to show God's glory and to pour out His wrath among the wicked nations Canaan by using the Israelites. The same argument can even be applied using Babylon and Persia toward Israel: Subject=Israel, object=invading nations, purpose, to test Israel and later to punish them for their own wickedness.

So, everyone is elect. We all have a purpose. I were so bold I would even attempt to apply this to salvation, however I will leave that up for you.