Chosen In Him

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the SAINTS which are at Ephesus, and to the FAITHFUL in Christ Jesus: . . . According as He has CHOSEN us in Him BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD having PREDESTINATED us . . . according to the good pleasure of His will (quoted directly from Ephesians 1:1-5).

I often wonder what part of this is difficult to understand. This simple passage tells us several plain truths.

The saints at Ephesus (and all others who have been set apart by God for His praise) were chosen by God unto this place before the world began.

All of them were thus predestinated unto the adoption (literally "placed as") of sons. It also tells us why this was done: to the praise of the glory of His grace.

Where does faith come into all this? In verse thirteen of this chapter we learn that faith is the seal of ownership—it is the evidence of election. It is the fruit (evidence) of the Spirit.

To say that these or anyone else are chosen because they believe is a gross perversion of the simple truth set forth in this glorious passage of scripture.

No, my friends, I am compelled to set before you this simple, man humbling and Christ exalting truth from God’s word.

If you live with God in eternity, it will be because your precious heavenly Father chose you before the world began to be conformed to the image of His dear Son. Salvation if of the Lord!

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith