Some things in the Bible are hard to understand, while other things don’t have to be. The phrase, “God chose us before we were born,” shouldn’t be hard to understand, but for some it is.
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4
The Apostle Paul specifically directed this letter to God’s holy people in Ephesus. He continued by referencing them as those who were faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
Ephesus attracted many people because it served as a significant trade center in the province. Also, the center for the worship of Diana plagued the city with sexual perversion and idolatry.
So those in the church certainly stood out in a society that considered immorality a normal way of life. Therefore, Paul encouraged them with this next statement.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Ephesians 1:3
After saying those encouraging words he continued with our verse for today. In it, he told his readers how and when God chose them and us.
Growing up, we lived in a new development filled with young families which meant plenty of kids. We played together including sports like baseball, football, basketball, and so on.
Choosing teams was interesting. Two of us would take turns choosing who we wanted on our team. That method worked well until it came to the last two people.
One of the worst feelings was to be the last one standing. Especially if we had an odd number of players. Then that person became more like a consolation prize.
God Chose Us All
Our verse today says that God chose us. But not like we chose team members. He chose us all at the same time with no embarrassing moments because He left no one standing last.
We might ask, how could he do that? The apostle answered that question by saying, God chose all of us before we were even born.
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5
That brings us to another question some people may ask; Shouldn’t that mean we are all saved? No, it doesn’t. Here’s the reason why.
Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden creating a separation between God and man. Isaiah the prophet gave us one of the best descriptions of the results of their sin.
It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:2
Even though God decided in advance to adopt us, our adoption depends on us, not God. He has happily secured it. But the adoption procedure is completed only by our acceptance of Jesus.
God knew man would sin. So He issued this invitation before the foundations of the world came into existence. Therefore He gave us a choice. We must each choose to belong to the Son.
The Christians who made up the church in Ephesus no longer acted like their friends and neighbors. Thus Paul continued to encourage them by pointing them toward God’s grace.
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. Ephesians 1:6
God’s Adoption Process Differs from Ours
When it comes to our adoption into God’s family, some bibles use the word, predestination. That doesn’t mean we are automatically predestined to either heaven or hell.
It means we are predestined to one or the other according to the choice we make about Jesus. God chose everyone to join His family. But we must ratify that contract by choosing Christ.
When a couple adopts a child, they get to choose who they want in their family. Often the adopted child has no say in that decision. But they usually move to a better situation than before.
The Apostle Paul continued to encourage his readers. He told them of the benefits of accepting God’s invitation of adoption and the price He paid for it.
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7
Some folks don’t want anything to do with Jesus or as they put it, “religion.” Their reason is they want to know what’s in it for them right now. Paul said the following.
He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:8
Adopted for All Eternity
I love the promises given to us for this life. But it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. God had the big picture in mind when He chose us. And we must remember that.
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11
God chose us to live with Him forever.
But you, only you can decide if you want to spend it with Him or completely separated from Him.
Our gracious God, thank you that you chose each of us to join your family. We praise You because You purchased our freedom with the blood of Your Son, Jesus.
Related posts for those Called and Chosen by God.
- Our Inheritance In Christ
- Do You Obey God The First Time He Speaks?
- Called By God For The Glory Of God
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Very well written 🎉
Thanks Carrie, I appreciate that
I agree with Carrie, it is VERY well written.
Thanks Gary, God Bless