Finding the Words

I have been posted a lot about my beliefs in reformed theology. I have talked about the total inability of humanity and the perseverance of the saints in regard to their salvation. These beliefs are not really of much controversy; that is why I led with them. However, I would like to begin discussing the doctrine of election aka predestination. 

J.I. Packer defines it here:

The biblical doctrine of election is that before Creation God selected out of the human race, foreseen as fallen, those whom he would redeem, bring to faith, justify, and glorify in and through Jesus Christ.

The Westminster Confession of Faith talks about it here:

III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.

John Calvin----says it here:

Let us rest ourselves upon our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that He hath not deceived us, when He caused it to be preached that He gave Himself for us, and witnessed it by the Holy Ghost. For faith is an undoubted token that God taketh us for His children; and thereby we are led to the everlasting election, according as He had chosen us before.

Personally, I'm a fan of St. Augustine because he predates most theologians:
God elected believers; but He chose them that they might be so, not because they were already so...Neither are we called because we believed, but that we may believe; and by that calling which is without repentance it is effected and carried through that we should believe. 

Now that's dropping some 5th century knowledge on ya, lawya. But in all seriousness, I'll throw down on some biblical in a later post.