Here it is to be observed with attention, how God, through his prescience, from the beginning elected the believers in Christ, and rejected the unbelievers. Read: “Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?” etc. Jas. 2:5.
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen,” etc. 1 Cor. 1:27,28.
“I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.” Is. 48:5,8; Mal. 1:2; Rom. 9:13; Eph. 3:11; 2 Tim. 1:9.
“Before they were sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure; then did I consider these things,” etc. 2 Esdr. 6:5.
“And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people?” Is. 44:7.
“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified.” Rom. 8:28–30.
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee,” etc. Jer. 1:5.
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,” etc. Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; John 15:16; Acts 13:48.