Chosen in Him to Be Holy

A Verse

Ephesians 1:4

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

A Comment

Believers have been chosen in Christ before the creation of the world that they might be holy and blameless in God’s sight. This divine action of God’s choice is directed toward the purpose of our holiness. His choice was not based upon God thinking or believing that we were more predisposed to holiness than others. Hence, Paul clarifies that this choice was “before the creation of the world.” Furthermore, this divine choice had a particular aim: our holiness. Just as God chose Israel for a particular purpose in the world, which was to be a blessing to all nations, so also, God has chosen us for an explicit purpose. In fact, God’s choice of Israel in the Old Covenant and God’s choice of believers (both Jew and Gentile alike) was not aimed at excluding others from blessing but rather as a means for others to be blessed through a holy people, a chosen race, a people possessed by God for His purpose.

As we contemplate this spiritual blessing of being chosen in Christ, let us be sure that we see that this choice is unto holiness for the sake of God’s glory and the good of others as believers fulfill the mandate of the risen Christ.

A Prayer

O’ Jesus, eliminate our boasting and our pride. Humble us that we might be useful tools in the hands of our Redeemer. Grant us to press on in maturity unto holiness as those chosen in You before the foundation of the world. Use us so that others may come to know You. In Your great name, we pray, Amen.

A Blessing

The Lord be the shelter above you,
the tower around you,
and the rock beneath you all your days until Jesus comes. Amen.

From Grace Be with You: Benedictions from Dale Ralph Davis