Chosen by God

[Billy the Dove]

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

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There is no greater peace, no greater comfort, than the knowledge a Christian has, knowing that their Salvation is not based on their works, or deeds, but rather it is based on God's Selection. Based on the Scripture that says, "the good pleasure of his will" How great it is to know that God soo loved us, that He chose us to be part of theBeloved. To know that our sinscould not keep us seperated from Him, and that our good deeds, can never bring us close to Him.

Beloved, Salvation is of the Lord. It is based upon His Will, His Faith, and His Grace. He chose us to be objects of Mercy, before we were ever born. He foreknew us, and purposed us in Him. No power on earth can hold such sway, as the Desire of the Lord.

May His Will be the agent that causes much Salvation throughout this world!

[The Rev]

Rarely do I get into confrontation with anyone, it is against my nature and I don"™t want to egg you on, you certainly do not need any encouragement from anyone. Your scriptural quote is great, one of my favorites in the Bible. Let us look at it again, this time through the way I see it, and have been taught"¦ Yes by the Holy Spirit..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1:3 SPRITIUAL BLESSING refers to divine privileges and resources available now, that is, chosen, adopted, forgiven, referring to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, evidencing that they are among the "œBlessings"� included.
1:5 PREDESTINED"¦. And read this good, I feel you"™ve been led astray by someone pretending to know the truth!"¦. PREDESTINED Does not suggest a fatalism that excludes some while including others, but assures an appointed plan and guaranteed destiny for all the redeemed.
1:6 ACCEPTED is literally "œgraced with grace."� "œIn Christ: is recurring term designating the sphere in which all salvation is realized and the realm in which God"™s kingdom purposes are fulfilled- in the circle of the King"™s (Christ) reign.
1:7 This letter repeated insists that the ground of all grace is the reconciling death of Jesus Christ on the Cross (2: 16), at the expense of His redeeming blood (2:13). Through this alone God offers forgiveness ( 4: 32). Forgiveness is possible because Christ loved the church and gave Himself to provide it (5: 25-27).
1:9 MYSTERY was formerly a divine secret, but in the New Testament is now a fully disclosed truth for understanding and application.
1: 10 DISPENSATION is not a restricted period of time. The Greek word refers to the administration or management of a house hold. Paul is speaking of God"™s arrangement or "œdispensing"� the affairs of history.
1:11 COUNSEL OF HIS WILL signified God"™s eternal and unchangeable plan. Repeated reference to God"™s will (1,5,9,11) establishes the confidence of strong purpose and solid ground for living.
1:13 YOU WERE SEALED is seen by some as referring to justification, but that term is not used here an d the emphasis is different. Justification brings acceptance, sealing brings authority ( John 3:33, 34) This verse, therefore, may refer to Acts 19: 1-6, where the Ephesians, who had already believed, received the fullness of the Holy Spirit after Paul taught and ministered to them.
Bob <><

[dabowhunter]

Excellent post Billy and welcome to the forum. No confrontation here and certainly no need for anyone to tell me what those verses mean. The doctine of Election is the Gospel........dabow

[Leafrivermac]

PREDESTINED Does not suggest a fatalism that excludes some while including others, but assures an appointed plan and guaranteed destiny for all the redeemed.

Thanks Rev

[Rebel Hog]

1:7 This letter repeated insists that the ground of all grace is the reconciling death of Jesus Christ on the Cross (2: 16), at the expense of His redeeming blood (2:13). Through this alone God offers forgiveness ( 4: 32). Forgiveness is possible because Christ loved the church and gave Himself to provide it (5: 25-27).

Amen Rev!