On his website, Arminian Perspectives, Ben Henshaw has a questions page at which he answers questions about Arminianism and Calvinism that visitors to his site pose in the comment section of the page. Here is a question (edited for clarity) submitted by a man named Paul followed by Ben’s answer:
Question: Can you direct me to any information on the Biblical definitions of “choose, chose and chosen?” I don’t at all believe in Calvinism, but I have difficulty in understanding the concepts relating to these terms. I’ve heard Calvinists use scriptures such as Acts 13:17, Luke 6:13, John 15:16 and Mark 13:20. I know God is just and fair and gives all equal opportunity to come to him, but I can’t reconcile these scriptures.
Answer:
Acts 13:17 has reference to God’s choosing of the patriarchs. This was an election of who would be the chosen covenant head of His people. To better understand this, you should really read up on the corporate election view (which I hold to). That should really help you out. Here is a good post to get started on:
https://arminianperspectives.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/corporate-election-quotes/
But even the choosing of the patriarchs wasn’t unconditional, as the promises being fulfilled was dependent on faith and obedience (Gen. 15:6; 22:11-18; 26:3-5, etc.).
Luke 6:13 has reference to being chosen to the apostolate (an election to service), but that did not guarantee salvation, since one of those chosen (Judas) was not saved.
John 15:16 also has reference to the apostles alone, and again it is clear that even the apostles, who are “already clean” can still be “cut off” if they do not remain in Christ by faith.
Again, I highly recommend the article on corporate election quotes linked to above. I would also recommend following the links to the articles, especially in the first section by Dr. Brian Abasciano.
Here is another good one that deals with some of the examples you mention here: http://evangelicalarminians.org/glynn.Dr.Brian-Abasciano-Responds-To-Dr.Dan-Wallace-On-The-Issue-Of-Corporate-Election/.
Ben did not address Mark 13:20, but that seemed to be raised merely for its mention of the term “the elect.” That is basically covered by the answers Ben gave for the other passages and their pointing to resources on corporate election.
