Ephesians 1:4-5 states, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…”
Did God know who we were before we were born? According to Paul, the answer is YES. God was aware of our arrival on earth, and He knew His plans for our lives would come about—through grace, we would return to Him via His son, Jesus Christ. He foresaw that we would put our faith in Jesus Christ rather than ourselves. Scripture also tells us that God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
God’s intention wasn’t for this life to be our final existence. Even so, we have a life to live—a life chosen to be holy and blameless. The New Testament shows us that holiness isn’t achieved by simply following rules; it’s Jesus who makes us holy and blameless through the Gospel. As we journey through life with Christ, He shapes us to reflect His character. Our holiness comes from Christ.
We no longer need to feel pressured to match God’s standards. Through Christ’s grace, our lives are transformed. When we fall short, we are convicted by God’s law but then drawn to His grace. It’s God’s grace that empowers us, allowing us to live without the stress of trying to perform. We are chosen for a life where all of God’s requirements are fulfilled in Christ, based on what we have received through Him.
