' 神救了我們，以聖召呼召我們，不是按照我們的行為，卻是按照他自己的計劃和恩典；這恩典是在萬世以前，在基督耶穌裡賜給了我們的，' 提摩太後書 1:9 

for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].