When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Ephesus, he began by telling them that they were chosen by God even before He made the world! We are also chosen by God. (Ephesians 1:1-15.)
Believing we are chosen by God is an important and basic part of our faith; and also that God who has called us is mighty to do and finish the work He has begun in us.
God certainly does not call and choose someone ”by accident”. God chose us before He made the world. He forgave our sins (v.7), and we can grow up to Him through the grace that He has so richly given to us in all wisdom and understanding (v.8).
Chosen by God for a new and better hope
The sin that we have inherited from our forefathers has been the cause of so much pain and suffering in the world. But if we follow Jesus Christ, there is a new and better hope for us who were born in sin and were slaves of sin.
Now there is hope of coming out of sin and entering into a life where we overcome the sin which had bound us. We can come into a completely new life where we react in the way that Jesus would have reacted, instead of doing our own will which only leads to conflict. Instead of making demands, we can be thankful; instead of cursing, we can bless, etc.
There is no greater calling for us than to be called from heaven by God Himself! There is also no greater or better life to live than living a life for God. Think how wonderful that we can be a part of the work that God is doing in His people in this time of grace. Every person who senses God’s calling in his heart should wholeheartedly follow that calling and the election that God has given us in Christ.
Chosen to be Jesus’ disciples
God does not ask about our past, what our family background is, or what we can do on our own. He calls us to be Jesus’ disciples and become like Him. He can do a work in disciples, those who want to follow Jesus, and that work begins when we leave behind our old life and give our heart and life to God.
This work goes on throughout our life if we live like Paul writes in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This is a huge work of God that we come in when we are totally given over to God and no longer live for ourselves.
In this time of grace that we live in, God gives us everything we need to follow Him. (1 Peter 1:3-4.) God works with us and chastens us so that the fruits of the Spirit can become life in us. (Ephesians 1:5-11; Hebrews 12:11.)
Chosen for a deeper salvation
It takes time to be thoroughly saved from sin. It takes time to get a new nature full of the fruits of the Spirit. Therefore we must make use of the time and the opportunities that God gives us. Everything that God sends our way is to help us become more free from sin. We see our self-life when we come in difficult situations. Our self-life is the sin that lives in the human nature which we have inherited. (1 Peter 1:18-21.)
When we see our self-life, we must humble ourselves and admit it, not defend ourselves or explain it away. Only when we admit the truth about ourselves can we be completely saved from this sin, which is a great liberation, a great freedom. (Hebrews 7:25.) And this is the reason that we can be full of joy in all situations of life.
It is very hopeful and rewarding to serve God! And it is possible for everyone who believes in their heavenly calling and in God’s power to transform them. God can do a glorious work in such people who are faithful to their calling. Do not think of the past or where you come from, but believe in the power and the help that God has given us through the gospel. This is where all the spiritual blessings in Christ are for those who obey Him! (Hebrews 5:9.)