“In Him” – Ephesians 1:4

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).

I’ve had individuals quote this verse to me like this. No kidding. “He hath chosen us before the foundation of the world.” But that is not what the verse says.

We are entering into teaching that stands on a truth that is set forth in verse 3. It is crucial for us to understand that the entire book of Ephesians and its teaching rests on this central truth. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3).

We will see key words in the verses to follow. Words like in Christ, in him, by Jesus Christ, in the beloved, in whom, and in himself

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. God’s spiritual blessings are each realized to the full in Christ Jesus. And belief in the Lord Jesus Christ makes these spiritual blessings a reality. This is the plan of God before the foundation of the world. If you believe in Jesus Christ, how that He died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again from the grave on the third day with your God given free will, then His spiritual blessings in heavenly places are yours. If you

do not believe

in Jesus Christ, how that He died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again from the grave on the third day with your God given free will, then His spiritual blessings in heavenly places are

not yours.

Avoid allowing the word “chosen” to confuse you. But don’t avoid this Biblical word either. It’s true; we are chosen or selected. But what does the Holy Scripture say? Words matter, especially when they are God’s! Here’s a careful breakdown of this verse.

He (God the Father) has chosen us in Him (Jesus Christ the Son) before the foundation of the world (before you and the world even existed) that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Observe that the Bible does not say in this verse that we are chosen before the foundation of the world to receive eternal life. It does not say we are chosen to be in Christ. But the Bible does say that in Him (Christ) we are chosen to be holy and without blame before Him in love.

Holy and without blame” is clearly not speaking of “holy” behavior in your mortal life. Do you honestly believe you could ever behave holy before Him in love all the time? And do you honestly think it’s even possible to be without blame before Him in love? God requires perfection. And in Christ, you have it! God chose us (who are in Christ by faith) before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.

I say to you, believer, that in Christ you have become the very righteousness of God! God has chosen for this to be the case for all believers. Rejoice in the glory and the power of Christ. Thank Him. Worship Him. And praise Him!

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