Responding to Ephesians 1:4-5, (Predestined by God) Part Two

Paul says, “In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will” (Ephesians 1:5). The apostle Paul continues to discuss the theme of predestination, connecting it to the themes of love and adoption. Because of His love, God chose in advance for believers to become His children. But he didn’t predestine certain individuals — as opposed to other unfortunate individuals — to be in Christ. This is left up to our choice. Now that you’ve chosen to be in Christ, what was predestined for the group becomes predestined for you. When you choose to be in Christ, the biblical concept of predestination means God's pre-ordained plan for believers—to be adopted into His family, made holy, and conformed to Jesus' image—now applies to you personally, as you become part of that chosen group, receiving the promised spiritual blessings and ultimate glory. It's not about God choosing some to be saved and others to be lost, but that He determined to glorify everyone who believes in Jesus. It emphasizes that this blessing comes not from human merit but from God's sovereign, gracious choice, establishing a permanent, family-like relationship for believers, highlighted by the cost of Christ's blood for their adoption. Be encouraged!  

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., spiritually gifted Bible teacher & expositor