¹¹ though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of ^(A)him who calls—

¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[a] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and ^(A)election, for if you practice these qualities ^(B)you will never fall.

^9 (A)who saved us and ^(B)called us to^[a] a holy calling, ^(C)not because of our works but because of ^(D)his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus ^(E)before the ages began,^[b]

^4 (A)even as he ^(B)chose us in him ^(C)before the foundation of the world, that we should be ^(D)holy and blameless before him. In love ^5 (E)he predestined us^[a] for ^(F)adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, ^(G)according to the purpose of his will,

²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together ^(A)for good,^[a] for ^(B)those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he ^(C)foreknew he also ^(D)predestined ^(E)to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be ^(F)the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also ^(G)justified, and those whom he justified he also ^(H)glorified.

^9 (A)making known^[a] to us the mystery of his will, ^(B)according to his purpose, which he ^(C)set forth in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for ^(D)the fullness of time, ^(E)to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

¹¹ In him we have obtained ^(F)an inheritance, ^(G)having been predestined ^(H)according to the purpose of him who works all things according to ^(I)the counsel of his will,

¹⁴ They ^(A)will make war on the Lamb, and ^(B)the Lamb will conquer them, for he is ^(C)Lord of lords and ^(D)King of kings, and those with him are ^(E)called and chosen and faithful.”

Stand Firm

¹³ But ^(A)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, ^(B)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you ^(C)as the firstfruits^{[a] (D)}to be saved, ^(E)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through ^(F)our gospel, ^(G)so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵ So too at the present time there is ^(A)a remnant, chosen by grace. ^6 (B)But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

⁷ What then? ^(C)Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest ^(D)were hardened,