When was God's purpose for our salvation generated?
God’s purpose for salvation was generated before the world began. It was already in the mind of God, according to His own purpose and grace, not according to our works. Scripture says it was given to us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world.
Les explains that this purpose was originally generated in the Godhead’s counsel, before the world began. He points back to Acts chapter 2, where the Godhead came together and precipitated everything according to their counsel, and he says this was already in the mind of God. That counsel predetermined everything, and Paul could write in Ephesians that He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world. It was not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace given to us in Christ Jesus. Les says it is mind-boggling and can only be taken by faith.