Q. Is there any direct reference to the Church in the opening verses of Ephesians 1? We sing —
“Abba chose the Church in Jesus
Long before the world began,”
which seems to be the thought in these verses.
A. There is no reference to the Church, as such, in Ephesians 1 until you come to verses 21, 22; still those only who compose it are before the mind of the Apostle. Individuals were the objects of God’s choice before the foundation of the world. Election has to do with persons. Here it is the intentions of God — His purposes, which are the subject (vs. 4). I would alter the word “church” in the hymn quoted, to “saints.” It would then be more like the truth, though it is rather too broad a term.