HE CHOSE US IN HIM (Ephesians 1:4)

HE CHOSE US IN HIM (Ephesians 1:4)

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)

Verse 4 - He chose us - The doctrine of election is emphasized throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 7:6; Isaiah 45:4; John 6:44; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:29; 9:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:2). The form of the Greek verb behind “chose” indicates that God not only choseby Himself  but for Himself to the praise of His own glory (verses 6, 12, 14). God’s election or predestination does not operate apart from or nullify man’s responsibility to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Matthew 3:1, 2; 4:17; John 5:40).

Before the foundation of the world - Through God’s sovereign will before the creation of the world and, therefore, obviously independent of human influence and apart from any human merit, those who are saved have become eternally united with Christ Jesus. (1Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8; 17:8).

Holy and without blame before Him - This describes both a purpose and a result of God’s choosing those who are to be saved. Unrighteous persons are declared righteous, unworthy sinners are declared worthy of salvation, all because they are chosen “in Him” (Christ). This refers to Christ’s imputed righteousness granted to us (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9), a perfect righteousness which places believers in a holy and blameless position before God (Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 2:10), though daily living inevitably falls far short of His holy standard.

In love - This phrase belongs at the start of verse 5, since it introduces the divine motive for God’s elective purpose. (Ephesians 2:4; Deuteronomy 7:8).