2. In a way of holiness —
[One ground on which many object to the doctrines of election and predestination is, that these doctrines are hostile to the interests of morality. But for such an objection there is no real foundation. On the contrary, they are the greatest security of a life of holiness, seeing that they have insured to us the attainment of holiness as a preparation for the ultimate possession of glory. God, we are told, has "chosen us :" but to what has he chosen us ? to salvation independent of holi- ness ? No ; but to salvation in the way of holiness : He has chosen us, " that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love." Here it deserves particular attention, that God has not chosen us because we were holy, or because he foresaw we should become holy} but in order that ive might be holy : he has chosen us to holiness as the means, as well as to glory as the end. He has ordained both the means and the end ; and the end solely by the means. Hence, wherever election and predestination are spoken of, they are spoken of in this view, as having respect to holiness, and as assuring to us the attain- ment of holiness : God has chosen us " through sanctification of the Spirit, as well as through the belief of the truth e," and has " predestinated us to be conformed to the image of his Son f."
c ver. 5, 6. <i ver. 9, 11. with 2 Tim. i. 9.
e 2 Thess. ii. 13. 1 Pet. i. 2. f Rom. viii. 29.