Why?

So, Abraham took his cue from God and said, “Well, now, let’s talk a little about Sodom.” As he does this, he is playing the role that a prophet, or a man or woman of God, or the elect people are supposed to play. That is a role of intercession, because election is not for privilege. Election, being chosen by God, is so a world can know the truth of the Gospel.— Lectures in Old Testament Theology, page 145

<idle musing>
Indeed. But, as usual, we pervert it and make it all about us...
</idle musing>