Ephesians 1:4

 

Ephesians 1:4

The First Blessing: We Have Been Chosen by God

Eph 1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

             1.      The First Blessing Given to Us by God Through Jesus Christ is that We have Been Chosen by Him – vs. 4*

a.       We have been chosen by God in Christ

                                                              i.      There is incredible insight into this truth found in the prayers of Jesus to God the Father for us

1.      We are given to the Son by the Father so that the Son can give us eternal life

a.       John 17:1-2 

2.      Those that are given to the Son are the ones that have true faith

a.       John 17:6 

3.      The Son prays exclusively for those that are given to Him by the Father

a.       John 17:9 

b.      God chose you before the beginning of time

                                                              i.      Before there was a need for salvation God had a plan to save us

1.      1 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:9 

c.       Paul gives us three reasons why we have been chosen by God

                                                              i.      That we would be holy

1.      Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 2:9 

                                                            ii.      That we would be blameless

1.      Philippians 2:15 

                                                          iii.      That we could stand before God in His love

1.      Those that Confess Christ stand in His love

a.       1 John 4:15-19 

2.      Those that have Christ in their hearts are rooted in His love

a.       Ephesians 3:17 

3.      Those that have accepted Christ’s sacrifice for them walk in His love

a.       Ephesians 5:2 

4.      Those that allow Christ to work through them share His love with others

a.    1 Thessalonians 3:12