Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 20. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

1. Ephesians 1:4

   For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him in love. (NET)

2. Romans 3:20-22

   ²⁰For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. ²¹But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (although it is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed— ²²namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, (NET)

3. Galatians 3:21-22

   ²¹Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. ²²But the scripture imprisoned everything under sin so that the promise could be given—because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ—to those who believe. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

God did not leave all mankind to perish. Out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, he elected some to everlasting life. He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver them from sin and misery and bring them into salvation by a redeemer. The cause is God's own kindness and will, and the rescue comes through a redeemer.

What can we ask our children?

1. Did God leave everyone to perish?
2. Why did God choose to save people, according to this answer?
3. Who is the redeemer God promised? (See question 21.)