“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:11-12
Every verse of Paul’s magnificent epistle to the Ephesians is jammed-packed solid and overflowing with meaning. Because of its information-rich nature, we can easily skim over important details. In today’s short devotional passage we see several profoundly important truths for us to contemplate, marvel at, and rejoice over. Paul’s reference to our inheritance in Christ is a gentle but powerful reminder that our relationship with God is far more than that of a king and his subjects. In Christ, we are now family. We are members of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). As Christ is the Son of God and heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), through faith we become sons of God and joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:15-17). The mention of our predestination takes us back to verse five, where we are told that the saved are predestined for adoption, that is, the resurrection and glorification of our bodies (cf Romans 8:23, 29). All of this is of God who works all things according to the counsel of His will. This does not mean that God is the author of moral evil, but that He is able to cause even instances of evil and human suffering to work together for the purpose of greater goods (Romans 8:28). Finally, today’s passage contains a remarkable statement that mentions our very purpose for existing. Paul declared that our promised, future glorified condition was so that we “should be” to the praise of His glory. Somehow in God’s economy, our blessed, glorified existence brings Him praise and honour. Even now, when knees bend to Jesus and tongues confess Him as Lord, the Father Himself is glorified (Philippians 2:11). No wonder there is rejoicing in heaven among the angels when lost sinners repent (Luke 15:10). Though our future is truly magnificent, the pathway there isn’t always fun or easy. It is, however, necessary (Romans 8:17). Remember, dear saints that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Let us rejoice in our common salvation and walk strong in the very purpose for which we were created, that is, to the praise of God’s glory. May these words be an encouragement to you today.
God bless,
Pastor John
English