Paul emphasizes the phrase " in Christ" as he repeatedly states: "He made us accepted in the Beloved" [Ephesians 1:7]; "in Him we have redemption....according to the riches of His grace" [Ephesians 1:7]; "according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself" [Ephesians 1:9]; "he might gather together in one all things in Christ"; and "that we who first trusted in Christ" [Ephesians 1:12] should lack nothing to become God's children.

The Bible says that God's saints are chosen according to His grace in Jesus Christ, even before this world was created. This indicates that God's purpose was made in His justice, His merciful love and the Gospel.

What merit could we have established before the world was even made? Could anyone have established anything of merit for God before the world came into existance? God says that He did not rely on the works of mankind, but He chose us in Jesus Christ.