God has saved us. He has chosen us to live a holy life. It wasn’t because of anything we have done. It was because of his own purpose and grace. Through Christ Jesus, God gave us this grace even before time began.
Before something even happens, I announce how it will end. In fact, from times long ago I announced what was still to come. I say,‘ My plan will succeed. I will do anything I want to do.’I will send for a man from the east to carry out my plan. From a land far away, he will come like a bird that kills its food. I will bring about what I have said. I will do what I have planned.
The Lord who rules over all has made a promise. He has said,“ You can be sure that what I have planned will happen. What I have decided will take place.I will crush the Assyrians in my land. On my mountains I will walk all over them. The yokes they put on my people will be removed. The heavy load they put on their shoulders will be taken away.”That’s how the Lord carries out his plan all over the world. That’s how he reaches out his powerful hand to punish all the nations.The Lord who rules over all has planned it. Who can stop him? He has reached out his powerful hand. Who can keep him from using it?
Here is what happened. Rebekah’s twins had not even been born. They hadn’t done anything good or bad yet. So they show that God’s purpose is based firmly on his free choice.
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose.God planned that those he had chosen would become like his Son. In that way, Christ will be the first and most honored among many brothers and sisters.And those God has planned for, he has also appointed to be saved. Those he has appointed, he has made right with himself. To those he has made right with himself, he has given his glory.
