"Elect" is often used to refer to God's people. It is translated from the Greek word “eklektos” and means "picked out, chosen." Different Bible verses translate “eklektos” as chosen (Matthew 22:14) or elect (Matthew 24:22) depending on the context. So, Christians are both chosen and elected!
God "calls" (or chooses) an individual to become part of the church. Before the world was created, God ordained that there would be a Bride for His Son. "…He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." (Ephesians 1:4) This group was predestined "to be conformed to the image of his Son." (Romans 8:29)
For what purpose is the church chosen? The church is to reign with Christ in His Kingdom. Remember the Lord’s prayer? “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus and his chosen bride will offer mankind life during that glorious 1,000 reign of Revelation 20. Then “…the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city…The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:3,17
