just as he chose us [kathos (Grk) is a very interesting conjunction which introduces the manner and timing of His choosing us – more when we handle this one]
in Him [this refers to the place or instrument of the choosing, the way or means in which we were chosen]
before the creation of the world [a temporal relative phrase indicating when this choosing occurred]
to be holy and without blame [an infinitive clause of purpose, the purpose of it all]
before Him (in his presence) [a locational or positional phrase refering back to being without blame in relation to who]
in love (because of his love) [this relative phrase goes all the way back to “the choosing” – no other link makes sense]
This is a staggering statement which I don’t want to lose in the midst of grammar or added explanation. Note the choosing well.
We have:
- the instrument or manner of His choosing you – Christ
- the time of His choosing you – before the world was created
- The purpose of His choosing you – for us to be holy and blameless
- The place of His choosing you – in His presence
- The reason for His choosing you – because He loves you
But take particular notice of the timing. This is staggering! That God chose you before the creation of the world is staggering. Incomprehensible. Utterly mind blowing. This doesn’t mean that God chose all human beings to be in Him from the beginning. This is not a universalist perspective as some would have us believe. It is a specifically “you” perspective. God knows those who are His from the beginning of time because He knows the end from the beginning. Let me rephrase that; He knows the end at the beginning. So He knows those who will chose Him and submit to his authority. Look at the discussion related to the Gems on the 153 fish in John 21:11 [Gems 120–125] God is the one true know-it-all.
But notice something else too. God’s purpose is for you to be holy and blameless before Him. He has made that possible in Christ. We all know that, or should do. But when was that purpose established? It was also put in place before the Creation of the world. Wow ponder on that for a while. God planned for you to be His before Creation, but not only that He prefigured Satan’s temptation, Adam’s fall, sin’s entry point. Knowing that, He planned for THE SOLUTION before the creation of the world. Nothing, BUT NOTHING, Absolutely Nothing, catches God by surprise. That is truly mind blowing. But when you are dealing with the One True Know-it all, nothing should surprise you. God’s plan is of monumental proportions. This is truly one of those verses which requires pondering – think deeply about it. When you link the choosing to the purpose, it adds the wow factor!
This verse is worthy of being memorized. But I trust you are already a step ahead of me. You should really memorize Ephesians 1:3-14. Remember it all in its setting. The jewels sparkle best when they are in the setting the craftsman has made for them. So too this verse. Enough said. To say more will detract from the majesty of this thought. Go think on it. Go experience the Bible as well as read it.
There is more love in God’s heart than there is sin in yours. Always.
Max Lucado
Love does more than make the world go round; it drives eternity too.
Anon