The names of the elect are said to be “written in heaven,” and to be “in the book of life.” Phil. iv. 3; Heb. xii. 23.

The blessings to which men are elected are such as pertain to individuals, not to communities; and they are represented as elected to these spiritual qualifications, and not because they belong to the class which possesses them. They are elected “to salvation,” “to the adoption of sons,” “to be holy and without blame before him in love.” (2 Thess. ii. 13; Gal. iv. 4, 5; Eph. i.4.)

This election is unchangeable. This is self-evident.

It is not conditioned upon foreseen faith or repentance, but in each case upon sovereign grace and personal love, according to the secret counsel of his will.

A. A. Hodge, The Confession of Faith, 70.