“Having foreordained us _unto adoption as sons_ through Jesus Christ unto Himself.” Verse 5, R. V. 7. According to what does God call us? “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_.” Rom. 8:28. 8. According to what have we been predestinated? “Being predestinated _according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will_.” Eph. 1:11. 9. How many does God desire to be saved? “_Who will have all men to be saved_, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:4. 10. Upon what condition is salvation offered? “_Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ_, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. 11. For how long must this faith be preserved in order to bring final salvation? “_He that shall endure unto the end_, the same shall be saved.” Matt. 24:13. See James 1:12; Rev. 2:10. 12. What scripture is sometimes cited as evidence that God is arbitrary in His dealings with men? “Therefore hath He mercy on whom He _will_ have mercy, and whom He _will_ He hardeneth.” Rom. 9:18. 13. But what other scripture shows with whom God _wills_ to be merciful, and with whom otherwise? “With the _merciful_ Thou wilt show Thyself _merciful_; with an _upright_ man Thou wilt show Thyself _upright_; with the _pure_ Thou wilt show Thyself _pure_; and with the _froward_ Thou wilt show Thyself _froward_.” Ps. 18:25, 26. See also Isa. 55:7. NOTE.—God wills that men shall be saved. He has foreordained the characters that will entitle men to salvation, but He does not _compel_ any one to receive Christ, possess this character, and be saved. This is a matter of individual choice. By His mighty acts and judgments in Egypt, God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” Ex. 7:3, 13, 22. But the same manifestations _softened_ the hearts of others. The difference was in the _hearts_, and in the way God’s message and dealings were received; not in God. The same sun which melts the wax hardens the clay. Ex. 8:32 says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart. 14. What, on man’s part, is essential to salvation? “_Choose_ ye this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15. “If any man _willeth to do His will_, he shall know of the teaching.” John 7:17, R. V. “_Believe_ on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. “Whosoever _will_, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.