Faithful on Fridays Blog

Eph. 1:3-14 Chosen

The word chosen, also translated elected, is a common reference in Scripture. It’s that wonderful, Judeo-Christian doctrine that reassures us that we were hand-picked to be children of God. However, we can never forget that alongside the privilege of being chosen are responsibilities that accompany it. We don’t seem to have trouble remembering the benefits of chosenness but sometimes forget there’s purpose behind His decision of election; chosen for a reason.

… even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4a

Some people have trouble understanding this ancient teaching which goes all the way back to Adam and they focus on those who are not chosen. We don’t have all the answers to explain election simply because scripture give them. Instead of questioning this doctrine why not focus on your standing with God, your gratefulness that He chose you, and how you should respond to Him in appreciation. Why not spend your time studying what you do know from scripture rather than on what you can’t explain? 

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! Romans 11:33 

How should you respond to a sovereign God who created the universe in His supreme authority, yet while He was working, was thinking about you? Did you know you’re on His mind? 

When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers—

the moon and the stars You set in place—

what are mere mortals that You should think about them,

human beings that You should care for them?

Yet You made them only a little lower than God

and crowned them with glory and honor.

You gave them charge of everything you made,

putting all things under their authority— Psalm 8:3-6 

As I mentioned earlier, there are responsibilities alongside the benefits of being chosen; we are called to live the higher life in Christ.

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12, 13 

Walking in forgiveness is one way to respond to God in your chosenness and copying those behaviors that pattern Jesus’ life. He is the ultimate forgiver and lived a life that was worthy of imitating.

Jesus was chosen by God for a purpose:

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38 

As we walk through Eph. 1:3-14 let’s focus our thinking those wonderful, rich words of promise. Chosen and forgiven. Let’s rejoice together that He was thinking about us when He created the world and there’s as much purpose to our lives as there was for Jesus’.