Ephesians 1:4

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:

Ver. 4. He hath chosen us in him] Christ was mediator therefore from eternity, viz. by virtue of that human nature which he should assume.

That we should be holy] God elected us as well to the means as to the end. Note this against libertines. For as they Act 27:31 could not come safe to land that left the ship; so neither can men come to heaven but by holiness. Cyrus was moved to restore the captivity by finding himself before appointed to this glorious service 170 years before he was born, Isaiah 44:28. Should not we likewise be excited to good works by this that we were elected to them?

Without blame] Or blot, Ephesians 5:27. Absque querela,Luke 1:6 .

Before him] i.e. In purity of heart, 2 Kings 20:3 .

In love] In sanctity of life.