God neither chose us nor called us because we were holy, but he called us that we might be holy, and holiness is the beauty produced by his workmanship in us. The excellencies which we see in a believer are as much the work of God as the atonement itself. Thus is brought out very sweetly the fullness of the grace of God. Salvation must be of grace, because the Lord is the author of it. Salvation must be of grace, because because the Lord works in such a manner that our righteousness is forever excluded. Such is the believers privilege - a present salvation; such is the evidence that he is called to it - a holy life.
- Charles Spurgeon
