“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
(Ephesians 1:4)
The amazing truth that God chose His elect in Christ before the foundation of the world, as stated in Ephesians 1:4, should both humble us and fill us with awe. That is, before time began, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, God chose to save a people for Himself. This election is the starting point of His great work of grace in our lives, a grace that transforms and sustains us.[1]
For God did not only choose us before time began, He also provided the means for our salvation at that same time! (Revelation 13:8). And in His role as our Redeemer, Christ accomplished what we could never do. He lived a perfect life, fulfilled the Law, and died in our place, taking the punishment we deserve. His sacrifice on the cross is the means by which we are reconciled to God, for only through Christ’s finished work of redemption can we be brought into His family.
Our redemption is further secured in the fact that God’s election is unchangeable. This truth brings great comfort, knowing that our salvation is not based on our ability to maintain it. God in His sovereignty determined that His chosen people will be saved, and nothing can alter that (Romans 8:30). Even in our weakest moments, when doubt or sin clouds our vision, we can rest in the fact that God’s plan for us is unshakable.
As recipients of such grace, we are called to live in light of our election. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that as His chosen people we are to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” And one avenue where we can openly reflect His grace is by walking in obedience and thankfulness for the unmerited favor we have received.
So then ultimately, the doctrine of election points us to the glory of God. Ephesians 1:6 tells us that we are chosen “to the praise of His glorious grace.” And in the second chapter of that same epistle we are told “… that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:7). Every aspect of our salvation, from election to glorification, is designed to magnify the goodness and grace of God.
As a result, we should respond in worship as we marvel at the undeserved favor we have received, knowing that apart from His grace, we would be completely without hope. And yet, in choosing us, God set His love upon us, securing our place in His kingdom. Praise be to God for His unfathomable gift of grace!
Contemplations:
- Chosen Before Time: As I consider Ephesians 1:4, I am struck by the reality that God chose me before the foundation of the world, not because of anything I have done or could ever do. Rather, His choice was rooted in His love and grace. It both humbles and comforts me to know that my salvation is secure, not because of my own efforts, but because God, in His sovereignty, determined before time that I would be His forever.
- Redemption in Christ Alone: I reflect on the truth that God’s election is paired with redemption through Christ. It wasn’t enough that I was chosen; I needed a Savior. Jesus Christ, God’s spotless Lamb, bridged the gap between me and God. His sacrifice on the cross paid the debt I owed, making my reconciliation with God possible. Without Christ’s work as my Mediator, I would still be lost in sin. I am grateful that Christ accomplished what I could never do on my own.
- God’s Unchanging Election: I take great comfort in knowing that God’s election is unchangeable. Once God sets His love upon me, nothing can undo it. Romans 8:30 reminds me that those He predestined, He called, justified, and glorified. My salvation is therefore not dependent on my ability to hold onto God, but on His promise to hold onto me. In moments of doubt or weakness, I can rest in the assurance that His choice is final and that He will bring me to the end He has planned.
- Living in the Light of Grace: As I think about being chosen by God, I realize that this great grace calls me to live differently. 1 Peter 2:9 says I am part of a chosen generation, called to proclaim the excellencies of God. My life should reflect the grace I have received, not out of obligation but out of gratitude. I am called out of darkness into His marvelous light, and my response should be to walk in that light, living in obedience and reflecting the love of Christ to others.
Further References for Eph. 1:4:
Matt. 25:34; Col. 1:21; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Thess. 4:7; Deut. 7:7
[1] Hugh Peters, Milk for Babes, and Meat for Men, Or, Principles Necessary, to Be Known and Learned, of such as Would Know Christ Here, or Be Known of Him Hereafter, (Amsterdam: Successor of G. Thorp, 1630), 9.
