Big Words of the Faith – Predestination (Part 3 of 3)

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:4-6, NIV).

Picture a younger version of yourself on a school playground. One of the older kids is choosing participants for his team. You hear the names of your friends being called and you wonder if you will be chosen to play. Soon, your anxiety is relieved as you hear your name announced. You have been chosen, and to your surprise, so has everyone else. Now it’s up to you. Will you participate?

The above scenario is meant to get us thinking about this idea of predestination, that God has chosen us in Christ. So many people struggle with the notion that they could ever be good enough to be chosen by God. The simple fact is that we are not good enough, but that God has chosen us anyway. That is what grace is, that God looks at us, not based on our own goodness, but on the merits of Jesus and his demonstration of love for us on the cross.

Yes, you are chosen by God, just like the example from the playground. Still, it is up to you as to whether you want to participate in God’s goodness and grace. I can hardly imagine a scenario where anyone would choose to walk away from the forgiveness that God offers through Jesus, but it happens. May we desire to live lives worthy of our calling, for we are chosen.