The Greek eklogē refers to election or divine selection — God's sovereign act of choosing people for salvation and service. It appears in Romans 9:11 (Jacob was chosen before birth), 11:5 (a remnant chosen by grace), 11:7 (the elect obtained what Israel sought), 11:28 (the patriarchs' eklogē is irrevocable), 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (Paul's confidence in the Thessalonians' election), and 2 Peter 1:10 (make your calling and election sure).
Eklogē is one of the most contested and most glorious doctrines in the NT. Paul's treatment in Romans 9-11 insists that election is: (1) by grace not works (9:11; 11:6), (2) in Christ (Ephesians 1:4), (3) for the purpose of holiness and witness (1 Peter 2:9), and (4) grounds for assurance rather than pride (Romans 8:33). The mystery of election is not an excuse for passivity but a foundation for confident mission — God has chosen; His purpose will not fail. 'Those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified' (Romans 8:30).