According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Hath chosen us, х exelexato (G1586)] - 'chose us out for Himself' (namely, out of the world, Galatians 1:4): His original choice, spoken of as past.
In him. The repetition of "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings (Ephesians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Before the foundation of the world - in contrast with the temporal election of the Jews. This assumes the eternity of the Son of God (John 17:5; John 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20); as of the election of believers in Him (2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
That we should be holy. Positively (Deuteronomy 14:2).
Without blame. Negatively (Ephesians 5:27).
Before him. It is to Him the believer looks, walking as in His presence, before whom he looks to be accepted in the judgment (Colossians 1:22: cf. Revelation 7:15).
In love. Joined by Bengel, Ellicott, etc., with Ephesians 1:5, 'in love, having predestinated us,' etc. But the words qualify the whole clause, "that we should be holy ... before Him." Love, lost to man by the fall, but restored by redemption, is the root, fruit, and sum of all holiness (Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).