CD 1.9

1.9. First Head of Doctrine, Article 9

This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality or disposition in man, as the prerequisite, cause or condition on which it depended; but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc.; therefore election is the fountain of every saving good, from which proceeds faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle: "He hath chosen us [not because we were but] that we should be holy, and without blame, before Him in love" (Eph. 1:4).

Proof texts

• Eph. 1:4 — [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Eph. 1:4 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
3. WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · WLC Q12 · WLC Q13 · WLC Q14 · WCF 3.1 · BC 5.1 · 1689 3.1