CHOSEN IN CHRIST

CHOSEN IN CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 1:4

Key Verse: “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.” — Ephesians 1:4 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 1:3-6; John 15:16; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 8:28-30

Description: This message teaches believers that their identity, purpose, holiness, and confidence are rooted in God's gracious choice of them in Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Ephesians 1:4 reveals one of the profound truths of the Christian faith: believers have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Paul is not presenting human beings as people who accidentally found their way into God's family; he is revealing the eternal purpose and grace of God in bringing sinners into relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ.

The phrase “chosen us in him” is important because God's choice is centred in Christ. The believer's security is not based on personal superiority, human achievement, or religious status. God has graciously brought us into Christ so that we might belong to Him, reflect His character, fulfil His purpose, and live for His glory.

Being chosen is therefore not a reason for pride, but a call to holiness, obedience, service, and gratitude. God did not choose us merely to make us comfortable; He chose us to become holy and without blame before Him in love. The knowledge that God has chosen us should transform the way we see ourselves, the way we live, and the way we respond to His divine calling.

1. GOD'S CHOICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN HIS ETERNAL PURPOSE

The choice spoken of by Paul reaches back before the foundation of the world. This demonstrates that God's redemptive purpose was not an emergency plan developed after humanity fell into sin. God knew humanity's need and purposed redemption through Christ according to His eternal wisdom.

This truth should produce deep confidence in the believer. Your relationship with God is not an accident. Your salvation is connected to God's eternal purpose, and your life has significance in His divine plan.

a) CHOSEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD (Ephesians 1:4) – Paul declares that God chose us before the foundation of the world. This points to the eternal wisdom of God and reminds us that His purpose for redemption existed before human history unfolded.

b) CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE (Romans 8:28) – God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Your circumstances may change, but God's purpose remains steadfast.

c) KNOWN BY GOD BEFOREHAND (Jeremiah 1:5) – God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.” This reveals the depth of God's knowledge and purpose concerning those He calls for His work.

d) PURPOSED FOR HIS GLORY (Isaiah 43:7) – God says that He created His people for His glory. The ultimate purpose of divine choice is not human self-exaltation but the manifestation of God's glory through our lives.

Biblical Example: Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-10) – Jeremiah was called by God before his birth and appointed as a prophet to the nations. His calling demonstrates that God's purpose can precede our awareness of it.

2. GOD CHOSE US IN CHRIST

The believer is not chosen independently of Jesus Christ. Paul deliberately says that God “hath chosen us in him.” Christ is the foundation, centre, and security of our spiritual identity. Everything we have from God comes through our union with Christ.

Therefore, we should never separate the blessing of being chosen from the responsibility of remaining in Christ. Our confidence is not in ourselves but in the One in whom God has placed us.

a) CHOSEN IN HIM (Ephesians 1:4) – The words “in him” establish Christ as the sphere of God's saving purpose. Our spiritual identity is found in Jesus, not in our background, achievements, failures, or social status.

b) CALLED BY CHRIST (John 15:16) – Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.” Divine choice carries divine assignment.

c) ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED (Ephesians 1:6) – Believers have been accepted in Christ. We do not need to seek ultimate validation from people because our deepest acceptance comes from God through Christ.

d) COMPLETE IN CHRIST (Colossians 2:10) – The believer's spiritual standing is found in Christ. In Him we have the foundation necessary for spiritual maturity, victory, and fruitful Christian living.

Biblical Example: The Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-16) – Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing the twelve apostles. Their selection demonstrates that divine calling is purposeful and connected to a specific assignment.

3. BEING CHOSEN CALLS US TO HOLINESS

Ephesians 1:4 does not stop at “chosen us.” It continues with the purpose: “that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” God's choice must therefore produce a transformed lifestyle.

Holiness is not an optional extra for those who want to become exceptionally spiritual. It is part of God's purpose for everyone who belongs to Christ. We have been chosen to reflect the character of the God who chose us.

a) CALLED TO BE HOLY (1 Peter 1:15-16) – Peter commands believers to be holy in all manner of conversation because God is holy. Our conduct should correspond with our identity as God's people.

b) CALLED TO PURITY (2 Corinthians 7:1) – Believers are instructed to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Spiritual growth requires deliberate separation from sinful practices.

c) CALLED TO WALK IN THE LIGHT (1 John 1:7) – When believers walk in the light, they experience fellowship with God and with one another. A chosen life must be an open life, free from deliberate darkness.

d) CALLED TO BE WITHOUT BLAME (Philippians 2:15) – Believers are called to shine as lights in the world. Our conduct should make the gospel attractive and demonstrate that Christ has genuinely transformed us.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12) – Joseph refused the temptation presented by Potiphar's wife because he recognised that sin would be an offence against God. His choice to remain pure demonstrated the holiness expected from someone walking in God's purpose.

4. BEING CHOSEN GIVES US A NEW IDENTITY

Many people allow their past, rejection, failures, family background, or opinions of others to define them. But when a person comes into Christ, a new identity is established. The believer is no longer merely what circumstances say; the believer is who God says he or she is.

Understanding this identity is essential for spiritual stability. If you know that you are chosen by God, you will not constantly seek your value from people. You will live from acceptance rather than desperately living for acceptance.

a) A CHOSEN GENERATION (1 Peter 2:9) – Peter declares that believers are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. This describes a people separated unto God for His purpose.

b) A NEW CREATION (2 Corinthians 5:17) – Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. Your past no longer has authority to define your spiritual future.

c) A CHILD OF GOD (John 1:12) – Those who receive Christ and believe on His name are given power to become the sons of God. Divine choice brings us into a family relationship with God.

d) AN HEIR OF GOD (Romans 8:16-17) – The Spirit bears witness that we are God's children, and if children, then heirs. Our identity in Christ carries an inheritance that extends beyond this present life.

Biblical Example: Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13) – Mephibosheth lived in obscurity and considered himself unworthy, yet David brought him to the royal table because of his relationship with Jonathan. His story illustrates how a person's position can be radically changed through a covenant relationship.

5. THE CHOSEN MUST LIVE FOR GOD'S PURPOSE

Divine choice is inseparable from divine assignment. God has not chosen us merely to receive blessings; He has chosen us to fulfil His purpose on earth. Every believer has a responsibility to discover and pursue the work God has prepared for him or her.

The question is therefore not only, “Am I chosen?” but also, “What have I been chosen to do?” A genuine understanding of divine choice should produce commitment, service, evangelism, prayer, discipleship, and faithful stewardship.

a) ORDAINED TO BEAR FRUIT (John 15:16) – Jesus said He chose and ordained His disciples to go and bring forth fruit. The chosen life must be fruitful.

b) CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS (Ephesians 2:10) – We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. God has prepared meaningful works for us to accomplish.

c) CALLED TO PROCLAIM HIS PRAISE (1 Peter 2:9) – God has called us out of darkness so that we may show forth His praises. Our testimony should point people towards Him.

d) COMMITTED TO THE GREAT COMMISSION (Matthew 28:19-20) – Every believer has a responsibility to participate in making disciples of all nations. Being chosen should make us more passionate about winning souls and advancing God's Kingdom.

Biblical Example: Paul (Acts 9:15-20) – After Paul's encounter with Christ, God revealed that he was a chosen vessel to carry His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Paul immediately began to proclaim Christ. His life demonstrates that divine choice demands divine commitment.

CONCLUSION

To be chosen in Christ is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life. Before the foundation of the world, God purposed to bring us into Christ, and in Christ we have received a new identity, a new relationship, a new purpose, and a glorious spiritual inheritance. We must never treat this privilege casually. We have been chosen by grace and brought into God's family for His glory.

Therefore, live as one who has been chosen. Reject the lifestyle of sin, refuse to allow rejection or past failure to define you, and embrace the identity God has given you in Christ. Pursue holiness, serve faithfully, bear fruit, proclaim Christ, and fulfil your divine assignment. Let your life demonstrate that you belong to the One who chose you.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for choosing me in Christ before the foundation of the world, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to understand my identity and position in Christ, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let Your eternal purpose for my life be fulfilled completely, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from every lifestyle and habit that is contrary to the holiness You require from me, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to live blamelessly and faithfully before You, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let me never lose sight of the purpose for which You called and chose me, in Jesus name.

7. Father, make my life fruitful and productive for Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen me to fulfil every divine assignment committed into my hands, in Jesus name.

9. Father, use my life to bring many people out of darkness into the light of Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life continually bring glory, honour, and praise to Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are chosen in Christ, and you shall walk confidently in the identity and purpose God has established for your life.

2. You shall not be rejected by the purposes of God; you shall fulfil the assignment for which Heaven has ordained you.

3. You shall grow in holiness, and your life shall increasingly reflect the character, nature, and beauty of Christ.

4. Every voice of condemnation and rejection speaking against your destiny shall be silenced by the truth of God's Word.

5. You shall not live as an ordinary person; the grace of divine choice shall distinguish you and cause your life to fulfil God's purpose.

6. You shall bear lasting fruit, and the work of your hands shall contribute meaningfully to the advancement of God's Kingdom.

7. You shall walk in divine favour and experience doors of opportunity that are consistent with God's purpose for your life.

8. You shall overcome every distraction, temptation, and opposition designed to derail your divine assignment.

9. Your life shall become a testimony of God's grace, and many people shall encounter Christ through your words, character, service, and testimony.

10. You shall finish your course with joy, fulfil your divine assignment, and stand before God as a faithful servant, to the glory of His name.