ONE IN A MILLIONS
Ephesians 1:4-6
Introduction:
I would like you to be open minded about our subject in order that we might be able to understand this biblical teaching. I believe our scripture passage teaches us four basic things concerning election.
I. THE MEANING (v. 4a)
“Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Chris...”
Let us begin by studying what election is… the verse is not really a working definition of election but it gives us an idea as to what election is.
“He (Father) chose us in (Christ) before the creation of the world”
If we would rephrase that to be a definition, we would say that election is that “Sovereign and independent choice of God, since eternity past of whom He would save through Christ”
Every believer in Jesus Christ and those who would believe were chosen to be saved. The sovereign and independent choice of God is clearly taught in the scripture.
In John 15:16 “You did not choose me but I choose you”
Also in John 6:44 “People cannot come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me; and I will raise them to life on the last day.”
So, the father has to draw the person first to be saved. It is very clear from the scripture that a man cannot be saved unless that God has not chosen him. The father determined before hand who will be saved.
II. THE REASON OF ELECTION (v. 4b)
“so that we would be holy and without fault before him...”
Have you asked this question in your self? Why did God choose me? The verse says that we may be HOLY and BLAMELESS in His sight.
When Christ comes into our lives, we become holy and blameless; that is POSITIONALLY of course (in HIS sight) but in the eyes of men (PRACTICALLY) well, that’s another story.
But isn’t that wonderful that…
Unrighteous and wickedly sinful – God declares Holy and Blameless
Worthy to die and be condemned – God declares worthy to receive eternal life.
Praise is to God!
Now, since we have been chosen to be Holy and Blameless, we are to manifest this holiness in our lives. We are to strive to be Holy and Blameless in man’s sight, because we are already Holy and Blameless in God’s sight.
III. THE FOUNDATION OF ELECTION (vs. 4c-5)
“Because of his love. God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children”---this was his pleasure and purpose.
Now, how did God elect Christians? What is the foundation of His election?
He chooses us out of love and kindness. And out of His love for those whom He has chosen to save. God also predetermined since eternity past that Jesus Christ would die for them. This was the ultimate show of love.
IV. THE OUTCOME OF ELECTION (vs. 5, 6)
“… this was his pleasure and purpose. Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!”
He has chosen us to be part of His own heavenly family; above all the main result of our being chosen (elected) by God is that he is GLORIFIED.
Think about this!
If ever the salvation of man is dependent upon his choice then the glory would not be for God but of man. But, so that man could not boast or take the credit for himself. God elected man before the foundation of the world who would be saved.
(See Ephesians 2:8, 9)
THOUGHTS TO PONDER:
First of all, Gods Sovereign election and mans will cannot be reconciled in our own
limited mind. But both are taught in scripture and should be accepted. Don’t try to find a middle ground.
Secondly, Why election? Without election, sinful man left on his own will not to seek God (Romans 3:9-11)
Thirdly, This truth is for believers not for unbelievers and there is an expected positive response after realizing this truth of election. Our response must be Praiseful Gratitude and Service. Amen!
