Continuing to look at what we are in Christ we come to Ephesians 1:4, “…He (God) chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world…” What security, what satisfaction, what a relationship, to be a chosen part of the family, no longer an outsider just looking in; rather to enjoy the fellowship, provisions, and intimacies of the family! 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says “… God from the beginning chose you…” and 1 Peter 2:9 says, “…you are a chosen generation… His own special people…” But why does it appear to the natural eye that God chooses some and refuses others? Appear is the key word in that question; the fact is that God desires “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” 1 Timothy 2:4. Then when we come to Titus 2:11 we see that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” I see the difference between God’s “chosen generation” and those that are not among that generation being because of their heart difference. In His foreknowledge God knew whose heart would be tender and responsive toward Him, and those who would be hard and resistant toward Him, and thus declared the former to be His chosen children. 1 Samuel 16:7 says “…man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We see this demonstrated in John 2:23-25 where Jesus did not commit Himself to the crowd even though they appeared to be His followers, because “He knew what was in man”. And finally, get this from 1 Timothy 4:10 “…God who is the Savior of all men, especially (or particularly) of those who, believe”. Salvation is for all, but only some believe. It appears that God’s choice is based on our choice; if your heart has not been fully after God, His advice to you is to “Break up your fallow (untallied) ground…” Hosea 10:12; Jeremiah 4:3. I am chosen.
The choice
By Rose Hill
When we choose to follow Him,
And turn from each and every sin.
Then He will choose to give us a place,
In His wonderful kingdom of grace.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission