Slightly back on topic (I love the off-topicness of PB sometimes.....
):
Ralph - read the intro to most of the epistles. Paul mentions election in the first chapters of most of his epistles. Here's the cool thing - He mentions it
in passing most of the time - sort of like 'you should know this already'.......
Example:
2 Tim. 1:8-12
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
It's mentioned often as part of one continuous pattern of thought alongside other things pertaining to salvation
without defense. It's simply assumed as right.....