Before the universe was a gleam in God's eye . . .

In Sunday's message, Lee challenged the idea that we are the sole decision-makers when we choose to follow God. He suggested that we must consider God's role in our salvation as well, citing Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight". I was fascinated by the idea that God chose each and every child of God before anything was ever made. This got me wondering what else the Bible tells us God had done before he set all of creation in motion. The following may not be an exhaustive list, so leave some feedback with any thoughts or additions!

1. The Father loved the Son
   "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
   - John 17:24
2. Jesus was chosen as the perfect lamb and Redeemer
   "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake."
   - 1 Peter 1:18-20
3. God chose those to be adopted as sons
   "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
   - Ephesians 1:4-6
4. God gave grace to those he called
   "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time."
   - 2 Timothy 1:8,9
5. Believers' names were written in the book of life
   "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world."
   - Revelation 13:8