“…even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world….” – Ephesians 1:4 

Scripture reading: Romans 8:29-39

Ephesians 1:3-14 is the longest sentence in the Bible. In our English translations it adds some punctuation to break it up, but in the original, it is one sentence. Try diagramming that sentence. In that long sentence, we see the preposition “in” used often. In verse 4, we see that we are chosen “in Him.”

To be chosen in Christ puts us in a unique relationship. We are then “in Christ.” Before the foundation of the world, in God’s electing love, we were given to Christ. We can understand this in two ways. We can understand that in election. God ordained Christ’s work on behalf of his people. This is the primary way we should understand this.

Another way to understand this is in terms of a relationship, which we will see explained in the following verses. Since it is a relationship established in eternal election, it is an eternal relationship.

Romans 8 makes this clear in such a beautiful way as it describes the unbreakable chain of salvation in Rom. 8:29. This truth is never simply theoretical. It is practical. This is why Romans 8 ends by saying that there is nothing that will, “…be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39b)”

Our election “in Him” ensures that our eternal life will be in the presence of the Lord. Though we might face many trials and temptations, we are held fast by God’s eternal decree of salvation.

Suggestions for prayer

Thank God for his electing love in Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you a heartfelt fervor to walk in fellowship with Him.

Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.