Are we saved and called according to our works or according to God's own purpose?
We are saved and called with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to God's own purpose and grace. That purpose was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began, already in the mind of God and predetermined in His counsel.
Les explains that the God who created and holds everything together has saved us and called us with a holy calling. This calling is not according to our works, but according to His own purpose. That purpose and grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began, already in the mind of God. Les takes us back to Acts chapter 2, where the Godhead came together and precipitated everything according to their counsel that predetermined all these things. Paul could write in Ephesians that we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. Les says this is mind-boggling and can only be taken by faith: we cannot comprehend it, but it is what the Word declares.
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,
More Questions
Is God's calling based on our works or on His own purpose and grace?
God called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace — we did not arrive at salvation by our own effort or willing.