The purpose] i.e. the purpose of salvation which existed in God's mind before creation: cp. Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:9.; 2 Timothy 1:9. According to election] i.e. the method by which God carries out His purpose is the selection of individuals and nations to be its instruments. So the Jews were selected to preserve the knowledge of God in the world, and to prepare for the call of the Gentiles. The selection is not to assured salvation, but to the privilege of helping to carry out God's plan of salvation for the world. Not of works] a further thought. God's choice proceeds from unmerited bounty.

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