1. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. The people whom God had chosen for himself, he preserved amidst the general defection of their countrymen, vs. 1, 2.
2. The apparent apostasy of a church or community from God is not a certain test of the character of all the individuals of which it may be composed. In the midst of idolatrous Israel, there were many who had not bowed the knee unto Baal. Denunciations, therefore, should not be made too general, vs. 2 — 4.
3. The fidelity of men in times of general declension is not to be as- cribed to themselves, but to the grace of God. Every remnant of faith- ful men is a remnant according to the election of grace. That is, they are faithful, because graciously elected, v. 5.
4. Election is not founded on works, nor on any thing in its objects, but on the sovereign pleasure of God ; and it is not to church privileges merely, but to all the blessings of Christ's kingdom, vs. 6, 7.
5. It is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth. Israel, M'ith all their zeal for the attainment of salvation, were not successful, while those whom God had chosen attained the blessing, v. 7.
6. Those who forsake God, are forsaken by God. In leaving him, they leave the source of light, feeling, and happiness, v. 7.
7. When men are forsaken of God all their powers are useless, and all their blessings become curses. Having eyes, they see not, and their table is a snare, vs. 8 — 10.