WCF 3.5

3.5. Of God’s Eternal Decree

Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen, in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving Him thereunto: and all to the praise of His glorious grace.

Proof texts

• Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 — [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 [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
• Rom. 8:30 — [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
• 2 Tim. 1:9 — [9] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
• 1 Thess. 5:9 — [9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
• Rom. 9:11, 13, 16 — [11] 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 — [13] As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” [16] So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
• Eph. 1:4, 9 — [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 [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
• Eph. 1:6, 12 — [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. [12] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Eph. 1:4, 9, 11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

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