Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 16

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…"

Text: Ephesians 1:4

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE WORD “CHOSE” (“eklegomai”)

It is humbling to ponder the idea of God choosing us before the foundation of the world. There are a number of fundamental thoughts associated with this idea of being “chosen”. Three may be highlighted.

1. The Sovereign Prerogative of God

To God belongs sovereignty. It is His prerogative to choose whom He wills. He can choose independently without error and without any assistance (from man).

2. The Purpose of God

This word “chose” carries with it a high sense of purpose. God always has a purpose in mind when He does something as major as exercising “choice”.

3. The Love of God

Behind every choice that God makes, we will find a great heart of love. The idea of a loving God is most refreshing.

TWO PURPOSES HIGHLIGHTED

That God has a purpose is further brought out by use of the word translated “that” (The Greek infinitive is used here to indicate definite purpose).

“That we should be holy” (“hagios”)

The blessings of God are to be treasured. However, they are not designed only to bring us joy in life. They are meant to help us “be holy”. The emphasis on being holy may be traceable to a number of things. The following two stand out.

1. A strong Old Testament emphasis

One of the strongest messages in the Book of Leviticus is the theme of “holiness.” The following text well summarizes the thrust of this book.

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel,
and say to them : ‘You shall be holy,
for I the LORD Your God am holy.'”
LEVITICUS 19:2

2. A logical consequence of the redemption in Christ in the New Testament

Sin not only demeans, but it also destroys. We have been gloriously redeemed from sin because of God’s grace. Surely, we cannot continue to contemplate living a life of sin! What is the opposite of a sinful life? Logically, it is a life of holiness.

“And without blame” (“amomos”)

The second idea serves to explain and strengthen the thought of “holiness”. Holiness and blamelessness necessarily complement each other. In the Old Testament, animals used for sacrifices must be defect free. This idea finds its corresponding expression in “without blame”. We need not stand appalled by these two great challenges. We have His blessings to enable us to fulfill His purposes.