In the pillar epistles “in Christ” refers to the intensely individual relationship of the believer who by Baptism is made part of the body of Christ. While that sense may underlie the usage of Ephesians, much stronger is the instrumental use; that is, “in Christ” chiefly expresses how God acts. The activity of God in blessing is further detailed by chose and destined. The verb chose is literally the word “elect”; the word destined is the Greek word for “foresaw.” The electing activity of God is no