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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/1-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/49_Eph_01_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 1:4 - Spiritual Blessings" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. 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In love <a href="/nlt/ephesians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. <a href="/esv/ephesians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love <a href="/bsb/ephesians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love <a href="/blb/ephesians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love <a href="/kjv/ephesians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love <a href="/nasb/ephesians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love <a href="/lsb/ephesians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love, <a href="/amp/ephesians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love <a href="/csb/ephesians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love <a href="/asv/ephesians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: <a href="/cev/ephesians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. <a href="/erv/ephesians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: <a href="/gwt/ephesians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love <a href="/isv/ephesians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> just as he chose us in the Messiah before the creation of the universe to be holy and blameless in his presence. In love <a href="/net/ephesians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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: <a href="/wey/ephesians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> even as, in His love, He chose us as His own in Christ before the creation of the world, that we might be holy and without blemish in His presence.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ephesians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love <a href="/web/ephesians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> according as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, for our being holy and unblemished before Him, in love, <a href="/blb/ephesians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love <a href="/ylt/ephesians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> according as He did choose us in him before the foundation of the world, for our being holy and unblemished before Him, in love, <a href="/slt/ephesians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and blameless before him in love:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and immaculate in his sight, in charity. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Just as from the beginning he has chosen us through him, before the foundation of the world, that we may become holy and without blemish before him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Just as he chose us beforehand in him from before the foundation of the universe, that we shall be holy and without spot before him, and he ordained us beforehand in love for himself.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> according as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love, <a href="/godbey/ephesians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> as he elected us in himself before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless in his presence. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> as he hath elected us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love: <a href="/mace/ephesians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> according as he had chosen us in himself before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, free from vice, and devoted to virtue. <a href="/wey/ephesians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> even as, in His love, He chose us as His own in Christ before the creation of the world, that we might be holy and without blemish in His presence. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> according as He chose us in Him before the founding of a world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love; <a href="/worsley/ephesians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> according as he hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unblameable before Him in love: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/1-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=26" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/1.htm">Spiritual Blessings</a> 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. 4<a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1586.htm" title="1586: exelexato (V-AIM-3S) -- To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select.">He chose</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">before</a> <a href="/greek/2602.htm" title="2602: katabolēs (N-GFS) -- From kataballo; a deposition, i.e. Founding; figuratively, conception.">the foundation</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmou (N-GMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">of the world</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagious (Adj-AMP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">holy</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/299.htm" title="299: amōmous (Adj-AMP) -- Blameless, without blemish, unblemished, faultless. Unblemished.">blameless</a> <a href="/greek/2714.htm" title="2714: katenōpion (Prep) -- Before the face of, over against. From kata and enopion; directly in front of.">in His presence.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">In</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> 5He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a> For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. <a href="/1_peter/1-2.htm">1 Peter 1:2</a> according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. <a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a> He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a> But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7</a> For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-13.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:13</a> But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. <a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a> You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1-3</a> Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. / Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. / And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Titus 2:14</a> He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a> To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">1 Corinthians 6:11</a> And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34</a> Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. <a href="/revelation/13-8.htm">Revelation 13:8</a> And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:as.<a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6,7</a> For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth… <a href="/psalms/135-4.htm">Psalm 135:4</a> For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.<a href="/isaiah/41-8.htm">Isaiah 41:8,9</a> But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend… before.<a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34</a> Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:<a href="/john/17-24.htm">John 17:24</a> Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.<a href="/acts/15-18.htm">Acts 15:18</a> Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.that.<a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a> For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.<a href="/luke/1-74.htm">Luke 1:74,75</a> That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, … <a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a> Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.without.<a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Ephesians 5:27</a> That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">1 Corinthians 1:8</a> Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.<a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;love.<a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17</a> That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,<a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Ephesians 4:2,15,16</a> With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; … <a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a> And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-18.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Creation</a> <a href="/galatians/5-24.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Free</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-3.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/galatians/3-11.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">World</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">World's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Creation</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">First</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-8.htm">Free</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Love</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">World</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">World's</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 1</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">After Paul's salutation,</a> 3. <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">and thanksgiving for the Ephesians,</a> 4. <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">he treats of our election,</a> 6. <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">and adoption by grace;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation.</a> 13. <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/1-16.htm">he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The concept of being "in Him" refers to the believer's union with Christ, a central theme in Pauline theology. This union is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign will. The idea of being chosen is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a>, where Jesus tells His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose you." This reflects the biblical theme of God initiating a relationship with His people.before the foundation of the world This phrase indicates the eternal nature of God's plan, suggesting that His purposes transcend time and human history. It implies that God's decision to choose believers was made before creation itself, highlighting His omniscience and sovereignty. This pre-temporal choice is also mentioned in <a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a>, which speaks of God's grace given "before the beginning of time." It underscores the idea that salvation is part of God's eternal purpose.to be holy and blameless in His presence The purpose of God's choosing is for believers to be "holy and blameless," reflecting God's own character. Holiness involves being set apart for God's purposes, while blamelessness suggests moral integrity. This echoes Old Testament themes, such as in <a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a>, where God commands His people to be holy because He is holy. The phrase "in His presence" implies living a life that is pleasing to God, aligning with the call to live righteously as seen in passages like <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>.In love This phrase can be seen as the motivation behind God's choosing and the believer's call to holiness. Love is a fundamental attribute of God's character, as seen in 1 <a href="/john/4-8.htm">John 4:8</a>, which states, "God is love." This love is not only the basis for God's actions but also the expected response from believers, as they are called to love God and others. The concept of love as a driving force is central to the Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of the gospel message.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god_the_father.htm">God the Father</a> The one who chose believers in Christ before the foundation of the world, emphasizing His sovereignty and eternal purpose. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The "Him" in whom believers are chosen, highlighting the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan. 3. <a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers</a> Those who are chosen to be holy and blameless, indicating their identity and calling in Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_foundation_of_the_world.htm">The Foundation of the World</a> Refers to the creation of the world, underscoring the eternal nature of God's plan. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, writing to encourage and instruct the early church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a> Understand that God's choice of believers is rooted in His sovereign will and eternal purpose, not based on human merit. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Embrace your identity as chosen in Christ, which provides assurance and purpose in your Christian walk. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_holiness.htm">Call to Holiness</a> Recognize that being chosen involves a call to live a holy and blameless life, reflecting God's character. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Adopt an eternal perspective, knowing that God's plan for you was established before the foundation of the world. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_motivation.htm">Love as Motivation</a> Let love be the motivation for living out your calling, as God's choice is rooted in His love for us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 1</a> <a href="/q/can_one_be_saved_without_predestination.htm">Can one be saved without being predestined?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_eph._1_4_align_with_evolution.htm">How does Ephesians 1:4 align with evolutionary science when it speaks of believers being chosen “before the foundation of the world”? </a> <a href="/q/is_reality_predestined_or_free_will.htm">Is reality governed by predestination or free will?</a> <a href="/q/key_outcomes_of_the_synod_of_dort.htm">What were the key outcomes of the Synod of Dort?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) According as (i.e., inasmuch as) he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.--Again it should be, He chose us for Himself. The eternal election of God is inseparably connected with the blessing of the Spirit. This passage stands alone in St. Paul's Epistles in its use of this word "chosen" in connection with God's eternal purpose, "before the foundation of the world"--a phrase only applied elsewhere to the eternal communion of the Son with the Father (<a href="/john/17-24.htm" title="Father, I will that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which you have given me: for you loved me before the foundation of the world.">John 17:24</a>), and to the foreordaining of His sacrifice in the divine counsels (<a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm" title="Who truly was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,">1Peter 1:20</a>). The word "chosen" itself is used by our Lord of His choice of the Apostles (<a href="/john/6-70.htm" title="Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?">John 6:70</a>; <a href="/john/13-18.htm" title="I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.">John 13:18</a>; <a href="/context/john/15-16.htm" title="You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.">John 15:16-19</a>); but in one case with the significant addition, "one of you is a devil," showing that the election was not final. It is similarly used in the Acts (<a href="/acts/1-2.htm" title="Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen:">Acts 1:2</a>; <a href="/acts/1-24.htm" title="And they prayed, and said, You, Lord, which know the hearts of all men, show whether of these two you have chosen,">Acts 1:24</a>; <a href="/acts/6-5.htm" title="And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:">Acts 6:5</a>; <a href="/acts/15-7.htm" title="And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brothers, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.">Acts 15:7</a>; <a href="/acts/15-22.htm" title="Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brothers:">Acts 15:22</a>; <a href="/acts/15-25.htm" title="It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,">Acts 15:25</a>) of His choice or the choice of the Apostles; and once (<a href="/acts/13-7.htm" title="Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.">Acts 13:7</a>) of the national election of Israel. In <a href="/context/1_corinthians/1-27.htm" title="But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;">1Corinthians 1:27-28</a> (the only other place where it is used by St. Paul), and in <a href="/james/2-5.htm" title="Listen, my beloved brothers, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?">James 2:5</a> it refers to choice of men by God's calling in this world. Clearly in all these cases it is applied to the election of men to privilege by an act of God's mercy here. In this passage, on the contrary, the whole reference is to the election "in Christ," by the foreknowledge of God, of those who should hereafter be made His members. From this examination of Scriptural usage it is clear that the visible election to privilege is constantly and invariably urged upon men; the election in God's eternal counsels only dwelt upon in passages which (like this or Romans 9, 11) have to ascend in thought to the fountain-head of all being in God's mysterious will. It will be observed that even here it clearly refers to all members of the Church, without distinction. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world; literally, he chose us out, or selected us (ἐξελέξατο) for himself (middle voice). The Father chose the heirs of salvation, selected those who were to be quickened from the dead (<a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1</a>) and saved, they chose them in Christ - in connection with his work and office as Mediator, giving them to him to be re-decreed (<a href="/john/17-11.htm">John 17:11, 12</a>); not after man was created, nor after man had fallen, but "before the foundation of the world." We are here face to face with a profound mystery. Before even the world was founded, mankind presented themselves to God as lost; the work of redemption was planned and its details arranged from all eternity. Before such a mystery it becomes us to put the shoes from off our feet, and bow reverently before him whose "judgments are unsearchable and his ways past finding out." That we should be holy and without blame before him in love. This is obviously the design of God's electing act; ε1FC0;ναι ἡμᾶς cannot denote the ground, but the purpose, of the choice. God did not choose some because he foresaw their holiness, but in order that they might become "holy and without blame." These two terms denote the positive and negative sides of purity: holy - possessed of all the fruits of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22, 23</a>); without blame, or blemish - marked by no stain or imperfection (see <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Ephesians 5:27</a>). The terms do not denote justification, but a condition of sanctification which implies justification already bestowed, but goes beyond it; our justification is a step towards our complete final sanctification. This renewal being "before him," must be such as to bear the scrutiny of his eye; therefore not external or superficial merely, but reaching to the very heart and center of our nature (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). The expression further denotes how it is of the very nature and glory of the new life to be spent in God's presence, our souls flourishing in the precious sunshine which ever beams out there from. For, when thus renewed, we do not fly from his presence like Adam (<a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8</a>), but delight in it (<a href="/psalms/42-1.htm">Psalm 42:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/63-1.htm">Psalm 63:1</a>). Fear is changed to love (<a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18</a>); the loving relation between us and God is restored. It has been much disputed whether the words ἐν ἀγάπῃ ought to be construed with the fourth verse or with προορίσας in the fifth. The weight of authority seems in favor of the latter; but we prefer the construction which is given both in the Authorized and the Revised Version, first, because if ἐν ἐγάπῃ qualified προορίσας, it would come more naturally after it; and second, because the scope of the passage, the train of the apostle's thought, seems to require us to keep ἐν ἀγάπῃ in ver. 4. We never could come to be holy and without blemish before God unless the loving relations between us were restored (comp. <a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17</a>, "Rooted and grounded in love"). The spirit of love, trust, admiration, directed to God helps our complete sanctification - changes us into the same image (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">2 Corinthians 3:18</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/1-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. He chose ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1586.htm">Strong's 1586: </a> To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select. us ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. before πρὸ (pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. [the] foundation καταβολῆς (katabolēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2602.htm">Strong's 2602: </a> From kataballo; a deposition, i.e. Founding; figuratively, conception. of [the] world κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). to be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. holy ἁγίους (hagious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. blameless ἀμώμους (amōmous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_299.htm">Strong's 299: </a> Blameless, without blemish, unblemished, faultless. Unblemished. in His presence. κατενώπιον (katenōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2714.htm">Strong's 2714: </a> Before the face of, over against. From kata and enopion; directly in front of. In ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. love ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 1:4 Even as he chose us in him (Ephes. Eph. 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