Paragraph 8.1
Chapter 8: Of God’s Purpose of Grace
That Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which he regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;a that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connexion with the end;b that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable;c that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy;d that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree;e that it is ascertained by its effects in all who believe the gospel;f is the foundation of christian assurance;g and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves, demands and deserves our utmost diligence.h
a. 2 Timothy 1:8–9; Ephesians 1:3–14; 1 Peter 1:1–2; Romans 11:5–6; John 15:16; 1 John 4:19; Hosea 12:9
2 Timothy 1:8–9
1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
Ephesians 1:3–14
1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love 1:5 He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, 1:6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 1:8 that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 1:9 And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. 1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God's own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory. 1:13 And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth-the gospel of your salvation-you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 1:14 who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of His glory.
1 Peter 1:1–2
1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Romans 11:5–6
11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
11:5 In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 11:6 And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.
John 15:16
15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will remain-so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
1 John 4:19
4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
4:19 We love because He first loved us.
Hosea 12:9
12:9 And I that am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.
12:9 But I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt. I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.
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b. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:14
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14
2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2:13 But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. 2:14 To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 13:48
13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
John 10:16
10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
Matthew 20:16
20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
Acts 15:14
15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15:14 Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own.
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c. Exodus 33:18–19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:23–24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28–29; James 1:17–18; 2 Timothy 2:9; Romans 11:32–36
Exodus 33:18–19
33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
33:18 Then Moses said, "Please show me Your glory." 33:19 "I will cause all My goodness to pass before you," the LORD replied, "and I will proclaim My name-the LORD-in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
Matthew 20:15
20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
20:15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
Ephesians 1:11
1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God's own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
Romans 9:23–24
9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
9:23 What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory- 9:24 including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles?
Jeremiah 31:3
31:3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.
Romans 11:28–29
11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
11:28 Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. 11:29 For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable.
James 1:17–18
1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
2 Timothy 2:9
2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
Romans 11:32–36
11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
11:32 For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone. 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! 11:34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?" 11:35 "Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?" 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
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d. 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1:26–31; Romans 3:27; 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 3:5–7; 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:12
1 Corinthians 4:7
4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
4:7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
1 Corinthians 1:26–31
1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1:26 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1:28 He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, 1:29 so that no one may boast in His presence. 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Romans 3:27
3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
3:27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.
Romans 4:16
4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring-not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
Colossians 3:12
3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
1 Corinthians 3:5–7
3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. 3:6 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 15:10
15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1 Peter 5:10
5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
Acts 1:24
1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
1:24 And they prayed, "Lord, You know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen
1 Thessalonians 2:13
2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2:13 And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God-the word which is now at work in you who believe.
1 Peter 2:9
2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Luke 18:7
18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
18:7 Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?
John 15:16
15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will remain-so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
Ephesians 1:16
1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
1 Thessalonians 2:12
2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
2:12 encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
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e. 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 8:28–30; John 6:37–40; 2 Peter 1:10
2 Timothy 2:10
2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
1 Corinthians 9:22
9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
Romans 8:28–30
8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 8:29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 8:30 And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
John 6:37–40
6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 6:39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 6:40 For it is My Father's will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
2 Peter 1:10
1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
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f. 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10
1 Thessalonians 1:4–10
1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1:4 Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you, 1:5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction-just as you know we lived among you for your sake. 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. 1:7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 1:8 For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more. 1:9 For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God 1:10 and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead-Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.
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g. Romans 8:28–39; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29
Romans 8:28–39
8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 8:29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 8:30 And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? 8:33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 8:34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God-and He is interceding for us. 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 8:36 As it is written: "For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 8:39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 42:16
42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
42:16 I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.
Romans 11:29
11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
11:29 For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable.
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h. 2 Peter 1:10; Philippians 3:12; Hebrews 6:11
2 Peter 1:10
1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
Philippians 3:12
3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Hebrews 6:11
6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
6:11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
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