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Ephesians 1:3-6, Blessing of God's Will
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved”.
This passage is about the bible doctrine of election. Please note that it is not a deep academic exercise concerning the chosen that is beyond a common person’s grasp. It was written to the church members in Ephesus. Neither is it a critical analysis from God’s view that is beyond our understanding. The passage is to initiate the “praise of the glory of his grace”. Here are riches of undisputed spiritual worth. The text simply declares that salvation is not the gamble of men but the grace of God; it is not man’s chance but God’s choice. This should transport us into thanksgiving and praise.
Seven aspects of election can be noted in these verses. Notice first the basis of the choice, “in him” (Eph 1:4a). To be chosen in Christ presupposes man in sin. Election is God’s choice of a portion of the human family out of sin. This choice was not according to forseen obedience for it was “not of works” (Ro 9:11). God’s choice of only some of the human family to be saved is not unfair for “Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid” (Ro 9:14). God simply left those not chosen where they were, in their sin. God’s choice was not based upon man’s will for “it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Ro 9:16). Let us humbly accept these truths. Unconditional election should not be a matter of disputation for “who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Ro 9:20).
Next we see the time of the choice, “before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4a). Before creation the Lord chose his people and wrote their names in the Lamb’s book of life. Those who are not the Lord’s “were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world” (Rev 13:8, 17:8). In that last day Jesus Christ shall say “unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt 25:34). God has loved his people from all eternity (Jer 31:3).
Thirdly, we note the result of the choice “that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Eph 1:4b). Unworthy sinners incapable of changing their status before a holy God are made pure. They also stand before him in love. Praise to God in the Highest. Jesus loved the church and gave himself for it “that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:25, 27).
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“Having predestinated us” tells of the guarantee of God’s choice (Eph 1:5a). Predestination is not a grim determinism or fate. It simply teaches that the Lord foreordained the destination of his people. Pre . . . destination. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified” (Ro 8:29-30). Salvation is secure and guaranteed. It is predestinated for all of the elect.
We see fifthly, the embrace of the choice, “unto the adoption of children” (Eph 1:5a). Has the stress of life ever about gotten the best of you? Have you thought it might just be nice to be a child again? Election embraces the chosen as little children. God sent his Son into the world that we would be adopted. Because we are adopted he sends forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts and we cry “Abba Father” (please read Gal 4:4-6). “Abba” is a father directed intimate “Da Da” of an adoring child. God’s little adopted children need not fear for they are joint-heirs with Christ (Ro 8:15-17).
All of this was “according to the good pleasure of his will” which expresses the wonder of the choice (Eph 1:5b). Why did the Lord choose sinners out of a fallen race knowing it would take the death of his only Son to save them? It was his good pleasure. It was his will. I am overwhelmed by the text “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief (Isa 53:10). Because of the Lord’s covenant love for his people he was pleased to sacrifice his Son. Do you understand such love?
It is beyond us isn’t it? God does not owe anyone heaven. No one deserves it. God is not obligated to have purchased it. God’s will to elect sinners is phenomenal mercy and grace.
Lastly we see the worship of the choice “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved”. Rapturous praise! Electing grace through Christ has made sinners accepted. The hymn writer captured the wonder,
Jesus is our great salvation, Worthy of our best esteem;
He has saved His fav’rite nation, Christ alone could us redeem.
When involved in sin and ruin, And no helper there was found;
Jesus our distress was viewing; Grace did more than sin abound.
Free election, know by calling, Is a privilege divine;
Saints are kept from final falling; All the glory, Lord, is thine.
Let us never, Lord, forget Thee; Make us walk as children here;
We will give Thee all the glory, And rejoice with holy fear.
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