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Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

First, election is not God being arbitrary in picking and choosing who will be saved and depriving people of choice. It is not all predetermined fate.

Election is God's determination and selection in accomplishing His purpose; as can be seen from verse 11 above.

God's election is not based on anything done, nor by works.

Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Israel thought it could obtain justification to eternal life by the law. Israel was blinded to the righteousness of faith. They stumbled at the faith of Christ.

Romans 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

Israel should have known by the law and the prophets of the righteousness of faith in Christ.

God provoked them to jealousy by them that are no people, which could include Gentile believers in the believing remnant of Israel, and by a foolish nation which is the believing remnant of Israel.

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

This is the believing remnant of Israel, which believed the preaching of Jesus, Peter, and the disciples. It is by God choosing to save them thru faith. It is all, and always has been, by His Grace.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Israel had to place faith in Jesus as their Messiah, as the Son of God; then confess Him; be baptized; and produce the fruit of good works and righteousness of obedience to the law, in order to enter into the promised earthly kingdom.

Now both Jew and Gentile are saved by Grace. By believing that Christ died for our sins as our substitute, that he was buried, that he rose again for our justification.

Now Jew and Gentile, who believe, are not under the law and are promised a heavenly kingdom.

For Israel, and us, salvation is not by works, but by Grace.