Verses 3 and 4 are linked together by the words "according as." Familiarity robs

many expressions of their native force, and the idea of perfect accord and harmony is

hardly felt in these words. Kathõs and kata, if translated "in harmony with," while not

being better as a translation, may be better in suggesting the perfect agreement and

accord which it is intended should be seen. The peculiar sphere of our blessings in the

heavenlies is in perfect harmony with the equally peculiar period of our election to them,

"before the foundation of the world."

The first word to consider in this detailed list of blessings, therefore, is the word

translated "chosen." The first occurrence of the word is in Mark 13: 20, where it is

linked with the word "elect"--"whom He hath chosen."  This relation is further

emphasized by noticing the parallel term in Eph. 1: 4, 5, "According as He hath chosen

us. . . . having predestinated us." The words of John 15: 16 are as true in relation to

Eph. 1: 4 as they were regarding the apostles, "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen

you." The noun ekloge and the adjective eklektos are respectively translated "election,"

and "elect" (Rom. 9: 11, 8: 33, and Titus 1: 1). Whatever difficulties may be in the

mind regarding this subject, it seems perfectly clear that the choice was the Lord's; He

chose us, we did not choose Him. This is still further emphasized by the words which

follow. As to the sphere of this choice, it is "in Him" as to time--"before the foundation

of the world." No proof is needed we trust that the words "in Him" preclude man's

efforts or choice, and the reference to the time of that choice removes the whole action

beyond the power of man at all.

A parallel passage which illuminates Eph. 1. 3, 4, and receives in return light from

these verses is Titus 1: 1, 2, "According to the faith of God's elect. . . . upon hope of

age-abiding life, which God that cannot lie promised before age-times." Here we have

the word elect, cognate with the verb to choose, here also we have the reference to a

period long before man appeared upon this scene, pro chronõn aiõniõn, parallel with the

expression "before the foundation of the world" of Eph. 1: 4.

The remoter context of II Tim. 1: 1 supplies us with one more parallel. Titus tells us

that a promise was made before the age-times, yet does not specify how or to whom.

II Tim. 1: completes the statement, "according to the promise of life, which is in Christ

Jesus." This gives us the required balance to the words "chosen in Him" of Eph. 1: 4. To

show that II Tim. 1: and Titus 1: are dealing with this blessing, II Tim. 1: 9 uses the words

Here one more item is added to our knowledge. Just as the "purpose and grace" could

be given us in Christ long before age-times, so also could the promise of life and the

election unto the peculiar blessings of the calling pertaining to the mystery. One more

expression in Eph. 1: 4 demands our attention, viz., that which has reference to the period

of the choice, "before the foundation of the world." Here the word translated world is

kosmos. In the passages cited above (II Tim. 1: 9 and Titus 1: 2) the A.V. reads, "before

the world began." This can hardly be called the translation, it is a paraphrase at best.