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 him who calls—
he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened,