Chosen by God: A Deeper Look at God’s Sovereign Choosing

The Foundation of Your Identity in Christ

Peter opens his letter by establishing something crucial: if you belong to Christ, you are chosen by God. Before time began, before the earth took shape, before your first breath—God knew you, selected you, and set His love upon you (Ephesians 1:4-5). These opening verses contain rich theology that should anchor every believer’s understanding of salvation and shape how we live each day.

Peter addresses his readers as “pilgrims of the Dispersion,” reminding them—and us—that earth is not our permanent home. We are citizens of Heaven, passing through this world on our journey to our eternal dwelling place (Philippians 3:20). This pilgrim identity profoundly affects how we view trials, temptations, and the temporary nature of earthly circumstances. Everything here is transient; everything there is eternal.

Chosen by God Before Time Began

The phrase “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” reveals the stunning truth that we are chosen by God through His sovereign determination. “Elect” means “selected” or “picked out”—the same language used when God chose Israel as His unique people (Deuteronomy 7:6). In the same intentional manner, God has chosen people from every generation to call to Himself, forming a new covenant people through Christ.

But Peter goes deeper, explaining that this election flows from God’s “foreknowledge”—His predetermined plan ordained before time existed. Before the foundation of the world, God predestined Christ to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:20). In that same eternal counsel, He predetermined each Christian’s salvation (Romans 8:29-30). This isn’t salvation by human merit or accidental grace—it’s the outworking of God’s sovereign, loving plan established before earthly time began.

Sanctified by the Spirit for Obedience

Being chosen by God isn’t merely a positional truth; it results in transformation. The Holy Spirit sanctifies believers—sets them apart from sin—making them justified by assigning Christ’s righteousness to them (2 Corinthians 5:21). This sanctifying work doesn’t stop at justification; the Spirit continues His purifying effect throughout the believer’s life until we are finally glorified in Heaven (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

But notice Peter’s purpose statement: believers are set apart “for obedience.” True salvation always results in obedience to Jesus and His teachings. We aren’t saved by our obedience, but genuine salvation produces obedience. If someone claims to be chosen by God yet shows no desire to follow Christ, no fruit of transformation, no progressive sanctification—Scripture would question whether that person truly knows Him (1 John 2:3-4). If you want to dig deeper into what true spiritual fruit looks like, you may appreciate my Fruits of the Spirit series.

The Blood Covenant of the Chosen

Peter uses a specific phrase—”sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ”—that would immediately connect with his Jewish readers. This references back to Exodus 24, when Moses sprinkled blood on the Israelites to seal their covenant with God, signifying their commitment to obey and follow Him. In the New Covenant under Christ, faith in the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross accomplishes multiple realities simultaneously (Hebrews 9:11-14).

First, it leads to salvation and atonement for our sins. Second, it brings us into covenant relationship with God. Third, it establishes our promise of obedience to Jesus and commitment to following Him and His Word for all our days. We who are chosen by God through Christ’s blood enter a covenant that’s both graciously given and faithfully kept—not by our strength, but by His sustaining power.

Living as God’s Chosen People

Understanding that you are chosen by God should radically transform how you live. It brings assurance when doubts assail your mind—your salvation doesn’t depend on your feelings but on God’s eternal purpose. It brings humility when pride tempts your heart—you were chosen not because of your merit but because of His mercy (Titus 3:5). Finally, it brings motivation when spiritual lethargy threatens your walk—you are called to live worthy of the calling you’ve received (Ephesians 4:1).

Peter’s greeting closes with a blessing: “Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” For those who grasp that they are chosen by God, elected by His foreknowledge, sanctified by His Spirit, brought into covenant by Christ’s blood—grace and peace multiply exponentially. The more deeply we understand these truths, the more grace we experience in daily living and the more peace we possess regardless of circumstances.

Reflection Questions

1. How does knowing you are chosen by God before the foundation of the world affect your sense of identity and security in Christ?
2. In what ways does viewing yourself as a “pilgrim on earth” rather than a permanent resident change your perspective on current trials and temporal pleasures?
3. Peter connects being chosen by God with obedience to Christ. What areas of your life demonstrate this obedient response to salvation? Where do you need the Spirit’s sanctifying work to produce greater obedience?
4. The “sprinkling of the blood” signifies entering covenant with God. How seriously do you take your covenant commitment to obey Jesus and follow His Word? What specific steps can you take to live more faithfully in this covenant relationship?

Prayer

Consider how God’s sovereign choice of you before time began should affect your daily walk with Him. Thank Him for choosing you, sanctifying you, and bringing you into covenant relationship through Christ’s blood.