Speaking comprehensively of salvation in Jesus Christ, Paul wrote, “… just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him …” (Ephesians 1:4). God did this because of His great love or grace (1 John 4:9). If we ask the classic questions, fundamental yet crucial aspects about our preservation from sin will be revealed.
- Who? “He hath.” God the Father is the one who planned the ability for mankind to be saved after Adam and Eve chose to sin in the Garden of Eden (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
- What? “Chose us.” This is referred to as election. Every person who submits to God’s scheme of salvation is referred to as the “elect” (Colossians 3:12). They are chosen through their individual yearning to be saved.
- How? “In Him.” Jesus was the way or provision for God taking away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
- When? “Before the foundation of the world.” This was not an emergency fix. God knew this was needed from before time began (2 Timothy 1:9).
- For what? “That we should be holy.” Someone who is redeemed in Christ is changed thoroughly, down to their core (Philippians 2:15).
Many New Testament verses are chocked full of meaning if we will only look for them. Ephesians 1:4 is fantastic for providing so much information about salvation. Take in that information, learn from simple texts, and then make your choice of grace.
Kyle Campbell
