Chosen In Him Before Time With A Purpose Series

Introduction

Verse 3 told us that God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Now, in verse 4, Paul explains the very first and most foundational blessing from which all others flow: we were chosen by God. Everyone longs to be chosen—for a team, for a promotion, for a relationship. It gives us a sense of worth and belonging. But this verse speaks of the ultimate choice, a divine selection that took place before time began, with a purpose that stretches into eternity.

I. The Timing of Our Election: Before the World Began

Paul begins by taking us back into the depths of eternity to show us when this choice was made.

A. A Pre-Temporal Decision: "...before the foundation of the world..."

This was not a plan B. Our calling is not an afterthought or a reaction to human history. Before God spoke creation into existence, He had you in His mind and in His heart.

B. A Grace-Based Decision:

Since this choice was made before we existed, it could not have been based on anything we did or would do. It was not based on our works, our merit, or our foreseen goodness. It was based entirely on the sovereign grace and pleasure of God, which guarantees our security.

II. The Ground of Our Election: In Jesus Christ

The verse is clear about the basis and location of this divine choice. It is not in ourselves.

A. Chosen in the Beloved: "...he hath chosen us in him..."

We were not chosen based on our own standing. We were chosen in Christ. God the Father looked upon His Son, the Beloved, and chose who would be united to Him. Christ is the truly Elect One, and we become elect by being placed in Him.

B. The Removal of Pride:

This truth demolishes all human pride. We cannot boast that we were chosen because we were smarter, stronger, or more righteous than others. Our standing is entirely dependent on our position "in Him." All the glory goes to Christ.

III. The Purpose of Our Election: For a Transformed Life

God’s choice was not merely to save us from hell, but to save us for a purpose. He chose us for something.

A. A Call to Consecration: "...that we should be holy..."

To be "holy" means to be "set apart." God chose us out of the world to be set apart for Himself. It is a call to live a life that is distinct, reflecting the character of the One who called us. We were chosen to be different.

B. A Call to Purification: "...and without blame before him..."

This points to a life of moral and spiritual purity. It is the image of a sacrificial lamb without spot or blemish. While our ultimate perfection will be realized in glory, the goal of our life now is to walk in righteousness, striving to live blamelessly before the watchful eyes of our loving Father.

C. The Atmosphere of It All: "...in love."

This small phrase envelops the entire truth. God’s choice of us was motivated by His love. And the purpose He calls us to—a life of holiness and purity—is to be lived out in an atmosphere of love for Him and for others. Love is both the source and the goal of our election.

Conclusion

This one verse should fill our hearts with humility, security, and purpose.

Humility, because we were chosen by grace alone.

Security, because we were chosen in Christ before the world began.

Purpose, because we were chosen to be holy and blameless.

God did not choose you by accident. He chose you in eternity, He chose you in His Son, and He chose you for His glory. May we live lives worthy of such a high and holy calling.