before the foundations of the world were laid. [See also] 2 Ti 1:9. For the election of God does not follow our faith and righteousness but precedes it as efficient cause (Ro 8:30). Augustine carefully considered what Paul writes Eph 1:4: He chose us, not because we were holy or were made holy, or because He foresaw that we would be holy, but: He chose us in Christ, he says, and [He did] that before the foundation of the world, that we might be holy and blameless before Him. For the election or purpose