In Ephesians 1:4, Paul says that God's people were chosen "in Christ" before the foundation of the world that they should be holy and blameless before Him. God's election of His people had to occur in Christ for it is in union with Him that His righteousness is accredited to His people. Because of Christ's federal headship, those who are "in Christ" are seen as holy and blameless in God's sight. It is also "in Christ" that His people are being conformed to His image.