If all the passages relating to Election and Free Grace are located and examined, it will be found that all those regarding Election apply to the present and past ages, while those which teach Free Grace are applicable to the future age.

Election, as taught in the Bible, is not the arbitrary coercion, or fatalism, usually believed and taught by its advocates. Instead, Election is a selection according to fitness and adaptability to the end God has in view, during the period appointed for that purpose.

The doctrine of Free Grace, advocated by Arminians, is also a much grander display of God’s abounding favor than its most earnest advocates have ever taught. God’s grace or favor in Christ is ever free, in the sense of being unmerited. However; since the fall of man into sin to the present time, certain of God’s favors have been restricted to special individuals, nations and classes. By contrast, in the next age all the world will be invited to share the favors then offered, on the conditions then made known to all. "Whosoever will, may come and drink at life’s fountain freely." Rev. 22:17

In the present Christian age, there is an election. Some parts of the world are more favored with the gospel (which is free to all who hear) than others. Glance at a map of the world and see how small is the portion enlightened or blessed in any degree by the gospel of Christ. Contrast yourself, with your privileges and knowledge, with the millions in heathen darkness, who never heard the call, and who consequently were not called. When the called-out company (called to be sons of God, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord) is complete, then the plan of God for the world’s salvation will be only beginning.

The present Christian age is for making ready the chaste virgin, the faithful Church, for the coming Bridegroom. At the end of the age, when the Bride is made "ready" (Rev. 19:7), the Bridegroom comes. They that are ready go in with him to the marriage. Then the glorious work of restitution will begin.

In the next age, the new heaven and the new earth, the Church will no longer be the espoused virgin, but the Bride. Then shall "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! And let him that heareth say, Come! And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17

The Christian age is only a necessary preparation for the great future work. For this promised and coming blessing, the whole creation groans, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Rom. 8:22,19) It is a blessed fact that free grace in fullest measure, not merely for the living but for those who have died as well, is provided in our Father’s plan as the blessed opportunity of the coming age.

Some fail to see that those in their graves have as much interest in that glorious reign of Messiah as those who at that time will be less completely under the bondage of corruption — death.

As Jesus died for all, they all must have the blessings and opportunities which he purchased with his precious blood. Blessings in the Millennial age will be for all those in their graves — as well as for those not in them. It is because God plans for their release that those in the tomb are called "prisoners of hope."