T – total depravity
U – unconditional election
Some quibble about this one but regardless of the camp they come from, it is clear & without a doubt that the “elect”, as seen in the Scriptures, describes those in Christ (true Christians).
In light of total depravity, we cannot turn to Him on our own any longer. We need God to pursue us before we can pursue Him. To do this, He elects us or chooses us to come to Him. This is not based upon anything in us which is why we call it unconditional. As such, God is actively choosing who He will have mercy and compassion on and call to Himself. (Rom. 9:15, Exodus 33:19)
Some will say this sounds unfair. However, we must keep in mind that in our natural and rebellious state that only seeks after self, we deserve judgement, even unto Hell. God would be perfectly justified to throw all of His creation into the fire because of its corrupted state; however, instead He chooses to redeem some of us and make us a part of His family. We do not deserve it which speaks of the depth of His love.
God’s election is what begins our path toward salvation which is something that we will see further information in the next points to the TULIP tool for the 5 points of Calvinism.
Ephesians 1:4-8; Romans 9:11
For more reading:
Note: This topic is also known as predestination.
Monergist Gratia 
Thanks for your teaching on the first two points of Calvinism. The doctrine of election is not easily resolved in my mind. For the sake of discussion, let me pose 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” I find it plausible that God, for example, would include Pharaoh among those He provided opportunity to make the right choice, even though God knew in advance the outcome. I’ve been framing the Egyptian scenario of multiple plagues (why not one plague, one test of Pharaoh?) as placing Pharaoh and other unbelievers in a hallway with a progression of doors along the hallway, each (as for example, one door for each plague) offering the invitation toward every man/woman the opportunity to “choose life” (Deut. 30:19). However, as in the case of Pharaoh, every plague (and door) he allowed himself to go through (walk past in the hallway), he became more hardened against God, all the way to the final plague in which his firstborn son was taken from him by God. Hardness of heart had gone all the way to stubborn rejection and perhaps even blasphemy (unpardonable sin?). Currently, I am sharing my faith with people, some of whom give evidence of being what some might consider outside of God’s election. But, as you would agree, it is not for us to determine, and so we continue to pray and share God’s Word in the power of His Spirit. Thanks for your insights.
LikeLiked by 1 person