Chosen

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV). Here is another great verse concerning our salvation. Notice the action words and who it is that performs the action.

Before the world was created, before its foundation was laid, God the Father chose those he loved and would predestine for adoption into his family as his children. He made this choice according to his will, not according to anything we had done or would do. According to Paul it is “. . . by grace [we] have been saved through faith. And this is not [our] own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV). Just like you and I choose who we will give gifts to, God chooses who to give the gift of eternal life to. Some who don't like the gift we give might try to return it to the store It came from. That is not true with the gift of salvation. Everyone who is chosen will desire to be born again; everyone will gladly accept.

These are verses used by those who believe that God in his sovereignty, according to his will, not the will of man, selects those who will receive the gift of salvation. This is a view of salvation as seen from heaven.

Prayer

Father, I am so thankful that you chose me before I loved you and caused me to be born again. I praise you for your glorious grace with which you have blessed me in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for adopting me as your child, as a son, and clothing me with his righteousness.