The Bible talks about people being chosen by God “before the foundation of the world.” It makes a strong declaration that He made a choice that affects the saved of all generations. It does not refer to the Calvinistic doctrine of God choosing who would be saved and who would not.

Before He ever created the world, God decided that those who are going to be saved will be “holy and without blame” in His eyes through His love. He starts the process by putting us into His family (adopting those who believe).

In salvation, because of Christ’s payment for sin, God takes the filthy sinner and forgives them of their sin, makes that person His child, and then makes them holy. Holiness occurs in a two-fold way. First, there is the way God sees us because we are “in Christ” – spotless and without blame. Secondly, God wants us to choose to live holy by being separate from the world and choosing to live pleasing to Him in all we do. It is a lifelong process.

God’s plan of working this way in the believer’s life is “according to the good pleasure of his will.” It is the best way. God never chooses any way less than the best way. It leaves us with a free choice to love Him – or forsake Him – as some have done.

Thank God that all who sincerely come to Christ for salvation are instantly and forever saved. Whether you get saved to not is a choice you must make. Once saved, though, He will work on you to help you fulfill His unchanging plan of making you “holy and without blame before him in love.”

Christian, are you helping Him fulfill His plan for your life? Remember that He came to give you an “abundant life,” and it is a joyful life. The old song says: “Let Him have His way with thee.”

The leaders of Jesus’ day knew that He had not been given Scripture training in one of the formal schools. They were surprised that He could even read the Scriptures, which is evident in the previous verse.

Many people make a similar mistake today – they think that Jesus was just another Teacher or a good man. What needs to be realized is where Jesus learned what He openly taught. He did not invent it, nor did He hear it from some other teacher of the day. No, He was taught it from His Father – Who is God in Heaven.

The fact that God told Him what to say means that His message carries a much heavier weight to those who hear it. The Bible is God’s words, and you can be sure that God does not speak in vain – He expects obedience to His words.

Jesus also gave those who heard Him at that time a way to test His words. He said that if you will do what He said, you can be sure that His words are the truth from God. The proof of their Source is that His words will be confirmed as the truth in your heart as you obey them in faith.

Obedience is also necessary to understand the Bible correctly. The Holy Spirit reveals truth (illuminates) in the Bible as we obey Him. There are many blessings in the Word of God not received by those who only half-heartedly follow the Lord.