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QUESTION 111
In Ephesians 1:3, a person is said to be chosen before the foundation of the world. How can a person be saved if they are not chosen?

ANSWER:
Ephesians 1:3 does not say we are chosen to be saved before time began.

It does say we are chosen "IN HIM," not to be "PUT IN HIM." In other words, all that trust in Christ as their Saviour and Lord are "in Christ," (2 Corinthians 5:17), and because they are "In Him," God has determined before time that His purpose for them is that they might be before Him in holiness and without blame; and to be adopted (placed) as children in His purposed kingdom to come.

The word "chosen" in Scripture always has to do with the "purposes of God," and not the destiny of a man. With these purposes, He works out in His sovereignty and no man can hinder.  Jesus was "chosen of God." (1 Peter 2:4). It had nothing to do with Him being saved. Judas was "chosen" and yet was unsaved. (John 6:70).

"The will of God," is not the same as His purposes. His purposes will be accomplished and without any of man's help. His will, which is what He desires, will not be accomplished. "...that all men be saved." 1 Timothy 2:4. This will not ever be.

Dear Reader, don't let the devil deceive you into believing that God selects some to be saved and others to be lost. You are a responsible person in God's sight. It is YOUR responsibility to "Repent of your sins and trust Christ as your Saviour." (Acts 20:21). You are accountable to God if you do not do these things. Why not do them today?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen