Ephesians 1:4
Verse
Context
Spiritual Blessings
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love5He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
According as he hath chosen us in him - As he has decreed from the beginning of the world, and has kept in view from the commencement of the religious system of the Jews, (which the phrase sometimes means), to bring us Gentiles to the knowledge of this glorious state of salvation by Christ Jesus. The Jews considered themselves an elect or chosen people, and wished to monopolize the whole of the Divine love and beneficence. The apostle here shows that God had the Gentiles as much in the contemplation of his mercy and goodness as he had the Jews; and the blessings of the Gospel, now so freely dispensed to them, were the proof that God had thus chosen them, and that his end in giving them the Gospel was the same which he had in view by giving the law to the Jews, viz. that they might be holy and without blame before him. And as his object was the same in respect to them both, they should consider that, as he loved them, so they should love one another: God having provided for each the same blessings, they should therefore be ἁγιους, holy - fully separated from earth and sin, and consecrated to God and αμωμους, without blame - having no spot nor imperfection, their inward holiness agreeing with their outward consecration. The words are a metaphor taken from the perfect and immaculate sacrifices which the law required the people to bring to the altar of God. But as love is the fulfilling of the law, and love the fountain whence their salvation flowed, therefore love must fill their hearts towards God and each other, and love must be the motive and end of all their words and works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hath chosen us--Greek, "chose us out for Himself" (namely, out of the world, Gal 1:4): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past. in him--The repetition of the idea, "in Christ" (Eph 1:3), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings (Eph 3:11). before the foundation of the world--This assumes the eternity of the Son of God (Joh 17:5, Joh 17:24), as of the election of believers in Him (Ti2 1:9; Th2 2:13). that we should be holy--positively (Deu 14:2). without blame--negatively (Eph 5:27; Th1 3:13). before him--It is to Him the believer looks, walking as in His presence, before whom he looks to be accepted in the judgment (Col 1:22; compare Rev 7:15). in love--joined by BENGEL and others with Eph 1:5, "in love having predestinated us," &c. But English Version is better. The words qualify the whole clause, "that we should be holy . . . before Him." Love, lost to man by the fall, but restored by redemption, is the root and fruit and sum of all holiness (Eph 5:2; Th1 3:12-13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
According as he hath chosen us in him,.... This choice cannot be understood of a national one, as Israel of old were chosen by the Lord; for the persons the apostle writes to were not a nation; nor does he address all the inhabitants of Ephesus, only the saints and faithful in Christ that resided there; nor are they all intended here, if any of them. However, not they only, since the apostle includes himself, and perhaps some others, who did not belong to that place, nor were of that country: nor does this choice regard them as a church; for though the saints at Ephesus were in a church state, yet the apostle does not write to them under that formal consideration, but as saints and faithful; nor are these persons said to be chosen to church privileges, but to grace and glory, to be holy and blameless: besides, from Eph 1:3, the apostle seems to speak of himself, and some others, who first trusted in Christ, as distinct from the believers at Ephesus, Eph 1:13, nor is this choice of persons to an office, for all that are here intended were not apostles, or pastors, or deacons: nor can it design the effectual calling, or the call of persons in time by efficacious grace; because this was before the foundation of the world, as follows: but it intends an eternal election of particular persons to everlasting life and salvation; and which is the first blessing of grace, and the foundation one, upon which all the rest proceed, and according to which they are dispensed; for according to predestination are calling, justification, and glorification. The author of this choice is God, God the Father, who is distinguished from Christ, in whom this act is made; and it is according to his foreknowledge, and is an act of his grace, and is entirely sovereign: the objects of it, us, are not angels, but men, considered as unfallen with respect to the end, and as fallen with respect to the means; and these not all mankind: to choose, implies the contrary; and they that are chosen are distinguished from others, and are represented as few; nor do all men partake either of the means or end appointed in the decree of election; and yet some of all nations, Jews and Gentiles, are included in it; though none for any previous qualifications in them, as not for their good works, faith, holiness, or perseverance therein; for these are fruits and effects of election, and therefore cannot be causes or conditions of it: and this choice is made in Christ; and the persons chosen are chosen in him, and by being chosen they come to be in him; for this refers not to their openly being in him at conversion, as believers, but to their secretly being in him before time. Christ, as Mediator, is the object of election himself; and all the elect were chosen in him as their head, in whose hands their persons, grace, and glory are, and so are safe and secure in him: the Arabic version renders it, "by him"; not as the meritorious cause, for Christ's merits are not the cause of election, though they are of redemption and salvation; but as the means, in order to the end: the Ethiopic version renders it, "to him"; to salvation by him, and to the obtaining of his glory; as if he and his benefits, being the end of this choice, were intended; which was made before the foundation of the world: and that it was so early, is certain, from the love of God to his people, which this is the effect of, and which is an everlasting love; and from the covenant which was made with Christ from everlasting, on account of these chosen ones, when Christ was set up as the head and representative of them; and from the provision of all spiritual blessings for them in it, which proceeds according to this choice; and from the preparation of a kingdom for them from the foundation of the world; and from the nature of God's decrees, which are eternal; for no new will, or act of will, can arise in God, or any decree be made by him, which was not from eternity: God's foreknowledge is eternal, and so is his decree, and is no other than himself decreeing. The end of this choice follows, that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love; the objects of it are not chosen because they were holy, but that they might partake of the sanctification of the Spirit; that they might be sanctified by him here, and be perfectly holy hereafter; and be without fault and blame, both in this life, as instilled by the righteousness of Christ, and as washed in his blood; and in the life to come, being entirely freed from all sin, and without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; and appear so in the sight of Christ, who will present them to himself, and in the sight of his Father, to whom they will also be presented by him, even in the sight of divine justice: and this will be all "in love", or "through love", as the Syriac version renders it; or "through his love", as the Arabic version; for the love of God is the source and spring of election itself, and of holiness and happiness, the end of it; and which is shed abroad in the hearts of God's people now, and will be more fully comprehended and enjoyed in the other world; and which causes love again in them to him. A phrase somewhat like this is used by the Targumist on Ecc 11:6 where, speaking of a man's children, he says; "it is not known unto thee which of them , "is chosen to be good", this, or that, or both of them, to be alike good.'' Some copies put the stop at before him; and read the phrase, "in love"; in connection with the words following, thus, "in love", or "by love hath predestinated us"; so the Syriac version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 God’s people are holy and without fault in his eyes because they trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice for their sins (see 1:7; 5:25-27; Col 1:22; Titus 3:5-7; Jude 1:24).
Ephesians 1:4
Spiritual Blessings
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love5He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Chosen to Be Holy
By Alan Redpath30K56:01ROM 7:24ROM 8:291CO 1:30EPH 1:4EPH 5:18HEB 12:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost importance, surpassing any other conventions happening in Dallas. The speaker also discusses the three possible outcomes for the world: the immediate return of Jesus Christ, the absolute destruction of civilization, or the continuation of the current state. The main focus of the sermon shifts to the experience of the fullness of the Holy Spirit, with the speaker introducing the theme for the day and laying a foundation for further discussion. He references Ephesians 1:4 and emphasizes the need for continuous blessings and transformation in the believer's life. The speaker also addresses the issue of rationalizing sin and the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal weaknesses. He concludes by highlighting the spiritual warfare that the Church faces and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit to effectively reach and transform lives.
The Hidden Things of God - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead5.5K55:11Church HistoryEPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of the apostle Paul and his journey after losing everything. Paul, once a skilled speaker, finds himself reduced to making tents and relying on his own labor for survival. However, he remains faithful to God and continues to trust in His plan. The speaker then goes on to explain the role of each person of the Godhead in the blessings that believers have in Christ. The sermon emphasizes the predestination of believers and the redemption and forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Fourfold Challenge to Holiness
By Alan Redpath3.5K32:23HolinessLEV 11:44MAT 6:33ROM 7:24ROM 8:291CO 1:30EPH 1:4HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He references Ephesians 1:4, which states that believers are chosen in Christ to be holy. He also discusses the resistance to holiness, using Romans 7:24 to highlight the struggle that believers face in overcoming sin. The speaker then points to 1 Corinthians 1:30, which describes Christ as the source of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He concludes by expressing his longing for a Holy Spirit revival in the church, as he believes that this is the only alternative to the ruin of Western civilization or the imminent return of Christ.
Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 5
By Paris Reidhead3.3K44:33Everlasting LoveEPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God in bringing people from death to life. He compares the transformation of a boulder into living flesh to the miracle of salvation. The speaker also highlights the role of each member of the Trinity in the process of salvation: God the Father planned and purposed it, God the Son provided it, and God the Holy Spirit perfects it in believers. The sermon emphasizes the availability of this power to believers for their ministry and service for Christ.
His Name -- the Counsellor
By C.H. Spurgeon3.2K48:48GEN 10:32PSA 55:22JER 45:5JHN 6:37ROM 8:28EPH 1:41TI 1:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the title given to Christ as a counselor. He explains that Christ is a counselor in three ways: as God's counselor, as our counselor in times of trouble, and as a counselor for those seeking worldly greatness. The preacher emphasizes that God's ways may seem roundabout to us, but He always goes straight to His purpose. He encourages listeners to cast their burdens upon the Lord and seek greatness in Christ rather than worldly pursuits. The preacher also highlights the significance of Christ's birth and how it relates to the past and future of the world.
Particular Redemption, Mission
By Paul Washer2.7K1:02:54PSA 37:9ISA 6:3ISA 53:7ACT 15:14ACT 15:17ROM 1:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of simple preaching and the need for humility in delivering the gospel. He shares his experience of preaching a simple message that attracted a large crowd and led to opportunities to speak about his beliefs. The preacher also discusses the importance of relying on the power of God rather than eloquence or intellectual arguments. He then delves into the biblical story of Peter's vision, highlighting its significance and the lessons it teaches about God's cleansing power.
What Love Is This? - Part 2
By Dave Hunt2.4K09:50ROM 3:23EPH 1:4This sermon delves into the history of the Reformation beyond Calvinism, exploring the diverse groups like the Mennonites and Zwinglians. It highlights the enforcement of Reformation doctrine by state churches like the Westminster Assembly in England, showing the intolerance towards dissenting beliefs. The sermon discusses the Calvinist beliefs of total depravity, unconditional election, and limited atonement, emphasizing the theological differences within Christianity.
His Chosen People
By J. Sidlow Baxter2.1K52:32Chosen PeopleMAT 7:13MAT 23:5ROM 8:29EPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to Christ after conversion. They encourage the audience to yield their souls, bodies, minds, and brains to Jesus in a careful and unemotional manner. The speaker highlights the power of God's love to cleanse, fill, renew, and sanctify believers. They also discuss the concept of divine election in Christ, using the Greek language to explain its meaning and significance. The sermon concludes with an exploration of the verb "hath elected" and its profound implications.
Crisis of the Spirit Filled Life
By Paris Reidhead1.9K34:25Spirit FilledMAT 6:33EPH 1:4PHP 3:8COL 2:161JN 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that being filled with the Spirit brings joy, freedom, and liberty to the Christian life. He criticizes the misconception that being filled with the Spirit leads to bondage, explaining that it is actually meant to bring believers into a deeper relationship with God. The preacher highlights the importance of having a pure heart and a desire to please God in order to experience the fullness of the Spirit. He also emphasizes that loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength enables us to do anything we want, as our desire will be aligned with pleasing God.
The Guaranteed Harvest
By Paul Washer1.9K1:17:26EvangelismPSA 2:6MAT 6:33JHN 6:37ACT 1:8EPH 1:4REV 5:1REV 7:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and giving more to the cause of Christ. He urges the audience to prioritize the Great Commission and the gospel over worldly pursuits. The preacher warns the young people in the congregation that they will be held accountable for their privilege of hearing the Bible taught. He also highlights the need for believers to have a deep knowledge of God and a vision of Christ. The sermon concludes with the introduction of a strong angel proclaiming a message that is meant for the entire universe.
Vocational Fellowship - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K56:37FellowshipJER 1:5JER 17:12MAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 8:28EPH 1:41PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the real nature of God's call to any life or ministry. The fundamental factor in God's call is fellowship with Himself. The Bible is centered around God seeking to have a relationship of fellowship with mankind. True Christianity is defined by fellowship with God, and Jesus desires to have the same perfect fellowship with His followers that He had with the Father. The speaker encourages listeners to grasp the significance of belonging to the Lord and being part of His eternal purpose.
Vocational Fellowship - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K1:08:33FellowshipJER 1:5JER 17:12MAT 26:31ACT 1:8EPH 1:4HEB 1:8HEB 2:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of evil and its constant presence in the world. They explain how evil works to break up and divide, leaving nothing whole or complete. The speaker suggests that where Christ is given more prominence, the enemy becomes more concerned and seeks to disrupt and disconnect. However, the sermon also highlights the hope of recovery through the Son, who voluntarily came to earth to recover what was lost and testify against the wrongs of the world. Ultimately, the Son took on the evil and its consequences, drawing it onto Himself and offering a solution for redemption.
Vocational Fellowship - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:05:38FellowshipPSA 2:8JER 1:4JER 17:12ACT 1:8EPH 1:4HEB 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in line with God's purpose. He uses the story of Hosea and his unfaithful wife as an example of how God sovereignly works to restore and forgive His people. The speaker also highlights the need for ministers of God's word to embody the message they preach and to share in the passion of God's heart. He references the prophet Jeremiah as an example of someone who faced numerous challenges and yet remained committed to God's calling. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the grace and faithfulness of God in the face of human weakness and sin.
Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K55:03ZionPSA 132:13MAT 6:33EPH 1:4EPH 4:1HEB 12:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the specific purpose and calling that God has for each individual. He encourages listeners to see their lives as being part of a greater destiny and to live with a sense of purpose and focus. The speaker also highlights the constant efforts of the enemy to hinder and destroy the testimony of believers, but reminds listeners to listen to their own new nature and long for fellowship with God's people. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to live in alignment with God's purpose and to rely on Him in the face of opposition.
His Workmanship
By Charles E. Fuller1.6K50:21WorkmanshipMAT 6:33ROM 8:28ROM 12:1EPH 1:4EPH 2:8In this sermon, Reverend Charles E. Fuller emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of God's love and salvation to the world. He encourages the audience to share the "Heavenly Sunshine" with as many people as possible. The sermon also touches on the need for salvation, courage, faith, trust in God, and finding comfort in the Father's house. Reverend Fuller shares letters from listeners who have been impacted by his radio program, expressing gratitude for the spiritual guidance it provides. The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to dedicate themselves to God's will and to pray for His blessings.
Moses, God's Servant: Last 40 Years
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:02:51MosesEXO 3:2EXO 4:1NUM 12:3PRO 29:18MAT 22:14JHN 15:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Moses and the lessons he had to learn before being used by God. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness, where he had to learn about himself and about God. Eventually, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, symbolizing the need for vision in serving the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparation before being used by God, using the example of Moses and even Jesus, who was prepared for thirty years before his ministry began. The sermon also highlights the work that God commissioned Moses to do, including delivering the Israelites from Egypt and receiving the law and the pattern for the tabernacle. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize their own strengths and talents as tools for serving God, but to also rely on Him and be willing to be consumed and purified by His presence.
Romans 6 - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.5K56:41JHN 7:17JHN 10:18ROM 3:23ROM 6:6ROM 6:11EPH 1:4This sermon delves into Romans chapter 6, emphasizing the profound truth that believers have died with Christ and risen to newness of life. It highlights the importance of accepting by faith that our old sinful nature was crucified with Christ on the cross, leading to freedom from sin's power. The message underscores the need for believers to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to make this truth a reality in their lives.
Hope
By Paris Reidhead1.5K39:04HopeMAT 6:33JHN 3:3ROM 8:29EPH 1:42TI 1:91PE 1:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and not allowing small things to disrupt our lives. He acknowledges that we are creatures of the present, constantly influenced by external factors. However, he reminds his audience that there is another dimension to consider - the eternal perspective of God. The preacher encourages the listeners, who are strangers and have been deprived of their rights and possessions, to remain submissive and not become bitter or rebellious. He assures them that God knew them before the world began and has made sufficient provision of grace to maintain their peace and glorify Him in any situation that may come their way.
(Divine Attributes) 09 the Sovereign Triune God of the Universe
By Denny Kenaston1.5K1:08:19Character Of GodPSA 139:1PRO 2:6MAT 6:33ACT 2:23ROM 8:28EPH 1:4REV 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God. He recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar, who was brought down by God's judgment and spent seven years crawling on his hands and knees and eating grass like an animal. The preacher also highlights instances where individuals have received divine revelations and insights through the Holy Spirit. He further explains the role of each person of the Trinity in the work of salvation, with Jesus being the visible image of the invisible God. The sermon concludes with examples of God's creative power and control over nature, emphasizing His authority over life and death.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K51:41Heavenly CallingMAT 6:33ACT 2:41ROM 8:11CO 10:16EPH 1:4EPH 2:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the special character of the current dispensation. God is forming a heavenly and spiritual Israel in this time, contrasting with the old earthly and temporal Israel. The first Israel refused to move on with God and was ultimately destroyed. The speaker also highlights the unity of the church in Christ, where believers are united as one loaf and one cup. The church is described as a spiritual entity, just as Christ is present in the world spiritually. The speaker calls for a revolution in understanding the true nature of the church and not simply attaching the term "church" to anything.
Exhortations Considerations Revelations
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:07:21ExhortationMAT 6:33EPH 1:4HEB 13:5HEB 13:91PE 1:2In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a paragraph from the book of Peter, specifically verses 13 to 21. The speaker highlights the expectations, considerations, and revelations found within this paragraph. The expectations include being prayerful and guarding the mind against the devil's influence. The considerations revolve around the Father, emphasizing the need to be sober and hopeful for the grace that will be revealed through Jesus Christ. The speaker also references Paul's letter to the Philippians, emphasizing the importance of not being anxious and guarding the mind against negative thoughts.
(John) the Lord's Prayer for His Followers at That Time
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:07:58The Lord's PrayerMAT 6:33JHN 6:37JHN 17:6ROM 8:30EPH 1:42TH 2:131PE 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving and embracing the message of the Lord. He mentions his responsibility to bring the message to the congregation in two meetings on the Lord's day morning. The speaker also discusses the concept of being lost again and warns against doubting the trustworthiness of Jesus. He then focuses on John chapter six, specifically verse 37, where Jesus states that all those given to him by the Father will come to him. The speaker highlights the simplicity of this statement, emphasizing that while election and predestination exist, individuals still have the responsibility to come to Christ for salvation.
Jesus the Servant and Leader
By David Guzik1.3K44:10ISA 42:1MAT 20:26JHN 13:5ACT 3:6EPH 1:4This sermon delves into Isaiah chapter 42, highlighting the portrayal of Jesus as the servant of the Lord, emphasizing his gentle and compassionate nature. It explores the significance of beholding Jesus as the ultimate example of servanthood and allowing Him to serve us first before we serve others. The practical application includes focusing on Jesus, receiving His ministry, and embracing His service before extending that same love and service to others.
God's Special Treasure
By Chuck Smith1.3K28:40NUM 6:24PSA 36:1MAL 3:17MAT 13:44ROM 1:18ROM 3:13ROM 8:172CO 4:17EPH 1:4EPH 1:7This sermon emphasizes the concept of believers being treasured by God, likened to jewels in His sight. It explores the idea of God valuing His children so much that He considers them His treasure, as seen in Ephesians 1 and Malachi 3. The message highlights the importance of fearing God with reverential awe, engaging in conversations about Him, and understanding the depth of His love and grace towards us through Jesus Christ. It concludes with an invitation to surrender to God and become part of His glorious treasure.
Abide in Me
By Anton Bosch1.2K50:40JHN 15:1JHN 15:16ROM 1:18ROM 6:6EPH 1:4This sermon delves into the importance of abiding in Christ and bearing fruit as highlighted in John 15. It emphasizes the need for believers to remain connected to Jesus, allowing His word to guide their lives and produce lasting fruit that glorifies God. The message challenges individuals to assess where they stand in terms of bearing fruit and encourages a deeper commitment to abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality and impact.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
According as he hath chosen us in him - As he has decreed from the beginning of the world, and has kept in view from the commencement of the religious system of the Jews, (which the phrase sometimes means), to bring us Gentiles to the knowledge of this glorious state of salvation by Christ Jesus. The Jews considered themselves an elect or chosen people, and wished to monopolize the whole of the Divine love and beneficence. The apostle here shows that God had the Gentiles as much in the contemplation of his mercy and goodness as he had the Jews; and the blessings of the Gospel, now so freely dispensed to them, were the proof that God had thus chosen them, and that his end in giving them the Gospel was the same which he had in view by giving the law to the Jews, viz. that they might be holy and without blame before him. And as his object was the same in respect to them both, they should consider that, as he loved them, so they should love one another: God having provided for each the same blessings, they should therefore be ἁγιους, holy - fully separated from earth and sin, and consecrated to God and αμωμους, without blame - having no spot nor imperfection, their inward holiness agreeing with their outward consecration. The words are a metaphor taken from the perfect and immaculate sacrifices which the law required the people to bring to the altar of God. But as love is the fulfilling of the law, and love the fountain whence their salvation flowed, therefore love must fill their hearts towards God and each other, and love must be the motive and end of all their words and works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hath chosen us--Greek, "chose us out for Himself" (namely, out of the world, Gal 1:4): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past. in him--The repetition of the idea, "in Christ" (Eph 1:3), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings (Eph 3:11). before the foundation of the world--This assumes the eternity of the Son of God (Joh 17:5, Joh 17:24), as of the election of believers in Him (Ti2 1:9; Th2 2:13). that we should be holy--positively (Deu 14:2). without blame--negatively (Eph 5:27; Th1 3:13). before him--It is to Him the believer looks, walking as in His presence, before whom he looks to be accepted in the judgment (Col 1:22; compare Rev 7:15). in love--joined by BENGEL and others with Eph 1:5, "in love having predestinated us," &c. But English Version is better. The words qualify the whole clause, "that we should be holy . . . before Him." Love, lost to man by the fall, but restored by redemption, is the root and fruit and sum of all holiness (Eph 5:2; Th1 3:12-13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
According as he hath chosen us in him,.... This choice cannot be understood of a national one, as Israel of old were chosen by the Lord; for the persons the apostle writes to were not a nation; nor does he address all the inhabitants of Ephesus, only the saints and faithful in Christ that resided there; nor are they all intended here, if any of them. However, not they only, since the apostle includes himself, and perhaps some others, who did not belong to that place, nor were of that country: nor does this choice regard them as a church; for though the saints at Ephesus were in a church state, yet the apostle does not write to them under that formal consideration, but as saints and faithful; nor are these persons said to be chosen to church privileges, but to grace and glory, to be holy and blameless: besides, from Eph 1:3, the apostle seems to speak of himself, and some others, who first trusted in Christ, as distinct from the believers at Ephesus, Eph 1:13, nor is this choice of persons to an office, for all that are here intended were not apostles, or pastors, or deacons: nor can it design the effectual calling, or the call of persons in time by efficacious grace; because this was before the foundation of the world, as follows: but it intends an eternal election of particular persons to everlasting life and salvation; and which is the first blessing of grace, and the foundation one, upon which all the rest proceed, and according to which they are dispensed; for according to predestination are calling, justification, and glorification. The author of this choice is God, God the Father, who is distinguished from Christ, in whom this act is made; and it is according to his foreknowledge, and is an act of his grace, and is entirely sovereign: the objects of it, us, are not angels, but men, considered as unfallen with respect to the end, and as fallen with respect to the means; and these not all mankind: to choose, implies the contrary; and they that are chosen are distinguished from others, and are represented as few; nor do all men partake either of the means or end appointed in the decree of election; and yet some of all nations, Jews and Gentiles, are included in it; though none for any previous qualifications in them, as not for their good works, faith, holiness, or perseverance therein; for these are fruits and effects of election, and therefore cannot be causes or conditions of it: and this choice is made in Christ; and the persons chosen are chosen in him, and by being chosen they come to be in him; for this refers not to their openly being in him at conversion, as believers, but to their secretly being in him before time. Christ, as Mediator, is the object of election himself; and all the elect were chosen in him as their head, in whose hands their persons, grace, and glory are, and so are safe and secure in him: the Arabic version renders it, "by him"; not as the meritorious cause, for Christ's merits are not the cause of election, though they are of redemption and salvation; but as the means, in order to the end: the Ethiopic version renders it, "to him"; to salvation by him, and to the obtaining of his glory; as if he and his benefits, being the end of this choice, were intended; which was made before the foundation of the world: and that it was so early, is certain, from the love of God to his people, which this is the effect of, and which is an everlasting love; and from the covenant which was made with Christ from everlasting, on account of these chosen ones, when Christ was set up as the head and representative of them; and from the provision of all spiritual blessings for them in it, which proceeds according to this choice; and from the preparation of a kingdom for them from the foundation of the world; and from the nature of God's decrees, which are eternal; for no new will, or act of will, can arise in God, or any decree be made by him, which was not from eternity: God's foreknowledge is eternal, and so is his decree, and is no other than himself decreeing. The end of this choice follows, that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love; the objects of it are not chosen because they were holy, but that they might partake of the sanctification of the Spirit; that they might be sanctified by him here, and be perfectly holy hereafter; and be without fault and blame, both in this life, as instilled by the righteousness of Christ, and as washed in his blood; and in the life to come, being entirely freed from all sin, and without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; and appear so in the sight of Christ, who will present them to himself, and in the sight of his Father, to whom they will also be presented by him, even in the sight of divine justice: and this will be all "in love", or "through love", as the Syriac version renders it; or "through his love", as the Arabic version; for the love of God is the source and spring of election itself, and of holiness and happiness, the end of it; and which is shed abroad in the hearts of God's people now, and will be more fully comprehended and enjoyed in the other world; and which causes love again in them to him. A phrase somewhat like this is used by the Targumist on Ecc 11:6 where, speaking of a man's children, he says; "it is not known unto thee which of them , "is chosen to be good", this, or that, or both of them, to be alike good.'' Some copies put the stop at before him; and read the phrase, "in love"; in connection with the words following, thus, "in love", or "by love hath predestinated us"; so the Syriac version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 God’s people are holy and without fault in his eyes because they trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice for their sins (see 1:7; 5:25-27; Col 1:22; Titus 3:5-7; Jude 1:24).