Ephesians 1:3-4: An Explanation of the Corporate and Christocentric Nature of Election

Controversy and debate have raged over the nature of election, and perhaps the weightiest passage on the subject is found in Ephesians 1. This thesis will provide an extensive exegesis of Ephesians 1:3-4 in particular while looking at its broader context within the epistle in general. With Ephesians 1:3-4 as its central focus, this thesis will demonstrate the following: Election is unconditional and it is corporate in Christ. Although an individual’s salvation was certainly known by God in eternity past, individuals were not chosen by God to this salvation. The unconditionally elect One is Jesus Christ, and individuals are elected to salvation upon belief in Christ as they become a part of the corporate body of Christ