There is a striking thing about Ephesians 1: Paul tells us about our salvation without giving us anything to brag about.

Paul writes that God the Father “chose us in him before the foundation of the world” and “predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ,” (Eph. 4–5 ESV). Notice who is doing the choosing. God is. Notice when He did it: before the foundation of the world. Before you were born. Before you could speak. Before you could believe. Before you could make a decision for Jesus, God chose you in Christ.

That turns decision theology completely on its head. Christianity is not ultimately the story of sinful people deciding to give their hearts to Jesus. It is the story of a gracious God who gives Jesus to sinners.

Jesus Himself says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you,” (John 15:16a ESV). Faith certainly believes, receives, trusts, and confesses Christ. But faith is not the cause of our salvation. Faith itself is God’s gift. Dead people do not decide to become alive. God raises the dead.

And that is why Paul’s words are so comforting. If salvation finally depended upon your decision, then you would always have to wonder whether your decision was sincere enough, strong enough, or faithful enough. But Paul directs you away from yourself and into the eternal heart of God: “He chose us in him.” Your salvation begins not with your will, but with His grace.

And God has not left His choice hidden somewhere in eternity for you to discover. He has brought it to you in Christ. You have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of your trespasses. You have heard “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation,” and having believed, you have been “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,” (Eph. 1:13 ESV).

This is the great comfort of election: God wanted you before you ever knew to want Him. He sought you before you sought Him. He loved you before you loved Him. He chose you in Christ before the foundation of the world.

So, when doubts arise, do not look inward and ask, “Did I choose Jesus sincerely enough?” Look to Christ crucified and risen and hear something infinitely better: He chose you!

Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank You that our salvation rests not upon the weakness of our will, but upon Your eternal grace in Christ. You chose us in Him before the foundation of the world and redeemed us through His precious blood. Keep us from trusting in our decisions, feelings, or strength. Fix our eyes upon Jesus and assure us through Your Word and Spirit that we belong to You. Preserve us in the true faith until we receive the inheritance You have promised; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Your Servant in Christ,

Rev. Richard S. Cody
Fourth Vice President
Missouri District