Exposition of the Canons, First Head of Doctrine, Of Divine Predestination: Article 7 (2)

In the first place, we must give our attention to the proposition that election is "out of mere grace." The term grace has several connotations in Holy Scripture, all of which are rooted in the idea of grace as an attribute of God Himself. God, as the God of all infinite perfections, is in Himself gracious, that is, beautiful, pleasant. As such, His grace means that He delights in Himself also, and is filled with favor toward Himself as the triune God. He is graciously inclined toward Himself....