“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”
(Ephesians 1:4)
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture weaves a single, unbroken thread—that of God’s enduring covenant of grace. This covenant is neither random nor reactionary, but eternally ordained. Long before the world began, God purposed to glorify Himself in the salvation of sinners through Christ Jesus.
In the garden, amid the wreckage of Adam’s fall, God promised redemption. In Noah’s day, He preserved a remnant by grace. To Abraham, He gave covenantal blessing. Through Moses and David, He continued to unfold His plan.
And in the fullness of time, God revealed the mystery of creation’s redemption through Christ in whom we see grace given, not earned, and mercy shown, not merited. “The substance of the Covenant of faith in all ages being one and the same.”[1]
This covenant is unilateral in that it does not depend on man’s faithfulness for its fulfillment but on God’s sovereign will alone. This covenant cannot be altered and it will never fail because it is the Word of an unchanging, eternal God that secures it. Therefore, it spans across generations, nations, and the scope of eternity.
All who are in Christ—chosen before the foundation of the world—are brought into the fellowship of this holy covenant not merely to be spared eternal destruction but in order that they might be sanctified. For God’s matchless grace not only saves sinners, it also makes them holy and without blame before Him.
In light of such mercies, how can God’s people not overflow with thanksgiving? The Lord has done all this for us: electing, redeeming, sanctifying, and glorifying. Every promise, every act of patience, every demonstration of grace—from Adam to the last soul God calls to Himself—declares the same glorious truth… that God saves sinners for the praise of His glorious grace!
Contemplations:
- I Marvel at the Grace Given to Me. Though I am but dust, and worse—sinful—I have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Your covenant, O Lord, embraces me though I have no merit, and this truth humbles my soul.
- I See the Riches of Your Covenant Throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, You are the same God—merciful, just, and faithful. Each passage unveils more of Your mercy. How blessed I am to live in the light of Christ’s fulfillment of Your eternal redemptive plan!
- I Long to Understand More Deeply. Keep me from approaching these truths lightly, Lord. Let me meditate more often on what You have done for me in Christ, knowing that without your grace and mercy I would be forever without hope. And let these reminders of Your covenant continually shape my thoughts, my praise, and my life.
- I Know I Was Chosen in Love. Before I was born, You knew me. You made me, saved me, and called me to holiness, that I may bring praise to the wonders of your glorious grace. I rejoice in Your sovereign love, Lord.
Prayer
[Thanksgiving for the Covenant]
O Covenant-Keeping God,
My heart swells with gratitude as I reflect on the vastness of Your grace. Before the mountains were brought forth, before the heavens were stretched out, You had already chosen to set Your love upon me in Christ. You purposed that I should be holy and without blame before You because it pleased You to magnify Your mercy in my otherwise hopeless estate.
I thank You that the promise You made in Eden did not falter, and that the covenant with Noah, Abraham, and David were not forgotten because all were shadows pointing to Your glorious Son. I praise You for revealing Yourself not only in word, but in action as well, by sealing Your covenant of grace with the blood of Christ.
For every part of Your redemptive history, Lord, I give thanks. For the ark that saved Noah, for the ram that took Isaac’s place, for the blood on Israel’s doorposts, for the songs of David, for the warnings of the prophets, and above all, for the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world—I praise You.
How blessed I am to be a partaker in this eternal plan. Thank You for being a God who delights to save. Thank You for remembering me when I had forgotten You, and for calling me when I had no strength to respond.
I bless You, Lord, that the righteousness of Christ is mine by faith, and that through Him I am no longer condemned but accepted—no longer a stranger, but adopted—no longer lost, but found. Let the remembrance of Your covenant mercy stir in me continual praise. Let me not grow cold to the wonder of Your love. But as I rehearse Your promises, may I read them with delight and speak of them often to others.
Let me walk today with the joy of the redeemed. Let me speak with the hope of one who has been called. Let me labor with the strength that comes from knowing You are faithful to fulfill all that You have promised. And when my faith is weak, remind me that the covenant does not depend upon me but upon You—and You never fail.
You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… and my God forever. In Christ Jesus, You have made all things sure.
In His name I give thanks,
Amen.
Further References for Ephesians 1:4
Matthew 25:34; Ephesians 2:10, 4:15-16, 5:27; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
[1] Francis Roberts, Mysterium & Medulla Bibliorum the Mystery and Marrow of the Bible, (London: R.W. for George Calvert, 1657), 889.
