¹¹ Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad^(A)—in order that God’s purpose^(B) in election might stand:

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] make every effort to confirm your calling^(A) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,^(B)

⁹ He has saved^(A) us and called^(B) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(C) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

⁴ For he chose us^(A) in him before the creation of the world^(B) to be holy and blameless^(C) in his sight. In love^{(D) 5} he^[a] predestined^(E) us for adoption to sonship^[b](F) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure^(G) and will—

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good^(A) of those who love him, who^[a] have been called^(B) according to his purpose.^{(C) 29} For those God foreknew^(D) he also predestined^(E) to be conformed to the image of his Son,^(F) that he might be the firstborn^(G) among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined,^(H) he also called;^(I) those he called, he also justified;^(J) those he justified, he also glorified.^(K)

⁹ he^[a] made known to us the mystery^(A) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed^(B) in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment^(C)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^(D)

¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[b] having been predestined^(E) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose^(F) of his will,

¹⁴ They will wage war^(A) against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over^(B) them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings^(C)—and with him will be his called, chosen^(D) and faithful followers.”

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you^(E) to this through our gospel,^(F) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵ So too, at the present time there is a remnant^(A) chosen by grace.^{(B) 6} And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;^(C) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

⁷ What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.^(D) The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,^(E)