Meaning: The quote "The salvation of the elect was as certain before His advent, though accomplished by it, as afterwards" by John Darby, a clergyman, reflects the theological concept of predestination and the role of Christ's advent in the salvation of the elect. In this quote, Darby emphasizes the certainty of the salvation of the chosen individuals (the elect) even before the actual occurrence of Christ's coming to earth. This concept has its roots in the theological discussions of predestination, grace, and the role of Christ in the salvation of believers.

John Darby was a prominent figure in the 19th-century Christian church, known for his role in the development of dispensationalism, a theological framework that emphasizes the distinct periods or "dispensations" in God's plan for human history. His teachings and writings have had a significant impact on evangelical and fundamentalist Christian movements.

The quote highlights the belief that God's plan for the salvation of the elect was established and certain even before the actual historical event of Christ's advent. This idea is rooted in the concept of predestination, which asserts that God, in His omniscience and sovereignty, has already determined the fate of individuals, including their salvation or damnation, before the foundation of the world.

In theological terms, the notion of the salvation of the elect being "as certain before His advent" refers to the idea that God's election and predestination of believers occurred prior to the incarnation of Christ. This implies that the work of salvation was already accomplished in the divine plan, even though it was historically fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Darby's assertion that the salvation of the elect was "accomplished by" Christ's advent emphasizes the pivotal role of Jesus' coming to earth in actualizing and fulfilling the predetermined plan of salvation. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection are central to the redemption and salvation of believers, as these events are seen as the means through which God's predetermined plan of salvation is realized in human history.

The quote also underscores the idea that the certainty of salvation for the elect is not dependent on the historical sequence of events, but rather on God's eternal decree and redemptive plan. This theological perspective aligns with the broader understanding of God's sovereignty and the belief that His purposes are unchanging and immutable, transcending human history and temporal realities.

Moreover, Darby's emphasis on the certainty of salvation for the elect both before and after Christ's advent reflects a particular understanding of the relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency in the context of salvation. While affirming the certainty of God's predestined plan, this perspective also acknowledges the importance of Christ's redemptive work as the means through which this plan is realized in the lives of believers.

In summary, the quote by John Darby encapsulates the theological concepts of predestination, the certainty of salvation for the elect, and the pivotal role of Christ's advent in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It reflects a particular understanding of the relationship between divine sovereignty and human history, emphasizing the eternal certainty of God's plan for the salvation of believers, regardless of the temporal unfolding of events.