1 Peter 2:10

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

As indeed he says in Hosea: "I will call them who were not my people 'my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call 'my beloved.'"

And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.

Even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor, I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

So it depends not upon man's will or exertion, but upon God's mercy.