Ephesians 1:4 (ESV)
“…he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…”
DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever stood outside on a clear night and looked up at the stars, wondering just how vast the universe really is? Now imagine this: before a single star was hung in the heavens, before the earth had form, before time itself began—God set His love upon you. This is the wonder of divine election.
Paul, in this opening chapter of Ephesians, lifts our eyes to eternity past to remind us that salvation is not an afterthought or a backup plan. It is not a result of our efforts or our worthiness. Rather, it is a sovereign act of God’s love and mercy. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” Not randomly. Not reluctantly. But in Christ, and with joy.
To be “chosen” means to be wanted, to be loved, to be set apart by God for His own purposes. And all of this happened before we had done anything good or bad—before we could even lift a finger. That’s grace. Pure grace.
But notice the center of this choosing: “in Him.” God’s election is always Christ-centered. We are not chosen apart from Christ, or because of anything in us, but solely because of His perfect work. He is the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), and we are chosen in Him, wrapped in His righteousness, and destined to be made holy and blameless before the Father.
This truth isn’t meant to puff us up or cause division—it’s meant to humble us, to stir our hearts to worship, and to fill us with deep assurance. If God’s love for us began before time, it will not end in time. What God began in eternity, He will surely carry to completion in eternity.
Let your heart rest in this today: you are not an accident. You are not merely the product of human decision or effort. You were in the heart of God before the world began.
Prayer
Father in heaven,
What words can we offer for such mercy? You, the Eternal and Holy One, set Your love upon us before the foundations of the earth were laid. You chose us in Christ—not because of who we are, but because of who You are. Your grace humbles us, and Your sovereign love gives us peace. Help us to walk in holiness, not to earn Your favor, but because we already have it in Christ. May this truth stir in us deeper worship, stronger faith, and a longing to live for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.