What a staggering and humbling truth that God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has chosen a people for Himself, not because of anything they’ve done, but purely by His grace. It’s a concept that can feel overwhelming, even mysterious, yet it’s woven throughout Scripture, offering assurance and pointing us straight to the glory of God in Christ. We have previously seen the unconditional nature of divine election, today we will look at two verses among many that shine bright light on this truth and invite us to marvel at God’s sovereign love.
First, we read in Ephesians 1:4: “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Before the first star flickered into existence, before the earth was given shape, God had a plan. He chose us—His people—in Christ. This isn’t some afterthought or backup plan. It’s eternal, purposeful, and rooted in His unchanging will. The phrase “in him” is key; our election isn’t based on our own merit but on our union with Jesus. As we have previously said: God didn’t look down the corridors of time, see how great we’d be, and pick us accordingly. No, He set His love on us because of Christ, to make us holy and blameless through His Son’s perfect life, death, and resurrection. It’s all grace, from start to finish. The great Puritan John Owen captured this beautifully when he wrote:
“The whole work of our salvation, from first to last, is of grace; nothing is ours but sin. Election is the fountain of grace, and from it flow all the streams of mercy that bring us to glory.”
Then we see more of it in 2 Timothy 1:9, which echoes this beautifully: “Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” Here again, election crashes through any notion of human deserving. Paul tells Timothy—and us—that our salvation, our calling, isn’t a reward for good behavior. It’s not because we prayed the right prayer or attended enough church hours. It’s “because of his own purpose and grace.” That purpose stretches back “before the ages began,” tying us once more to God’s eternal decree. And where do we find this grace? In Christ Jesus, the one through whom God’s plan unfolds. What a staggering truth!
So, what does this mean for us? First, it strips away pride. If I’m elect by grace, I can’t boast—I didn’t earn it. It’s a gift, lavish and undeserved. Second, it anchors us in hope. If God chose me before time, He’s not going to abandon me now; His grip is eternal. Third, it reorients our lives. Being elect isn’t a free pass to coast; it’s a call to holiness, as both verses emphasize. God’s choice comes with a purpose—that we reflect His glory and live for Him. Thomas Watson, another Puritan voice, nails this when he says:
“God did not choose us because we were worthy, but by choosing us He makes us worthy.”
That’s the wonder of it: election doesn’t just save us—it transforms us, all by His doing. Some of us debate this doctrine for hours in large audiences mostly for the sake of being correct, for being theologically right, while we neglect the holy purpose of it; and some on the other hand ignore this doctrine altogether.
Divine election isn’t just theology for debate or dusty bookshelves. It’s personal. It’s the heartbeat of the gospel: God loved us when we were unlovable, chose us when we were lost, and secured us in Christ before we even existed. Ephesians 1:4 and 2 Timothy 1:9 don’t just teach us doctrine—they sing of a God whose grace is bigger than time itself. To be elect by grace in Christ is to be caught up in a story that’s all about Him. And that’s a truth worth resting in, rejoicing over, and living out every single day.
