3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:3–5 (ESV)
For what reason has God the Father predestined, or chosen, some sinners unto salvation (Ephesians 1:4)? The Apostle Paul provides the answer to this question in the middle portion of Ephesians 1:5. “In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ.” God the Father chose certain sinners for adoption to himself as sons.
The word adoption (υἱοθεσία; huiothesia) means that God placed in a position and rights as one’s own child sinners like you and me. (cf. Romans 8:15, 23; 9:4; Galatians 4:1-5). This adoption was so that God would view sinners as His sons and daughters in Christ. He did this act not only to Himself alone, but for Himself alone. This Greek grammar in Ephesians 1:5 reveals that this adoption occurs solely through, or by, the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “We are adopted “sons” because we are united to the true Son, Jesus Christ. It is a vital union, for Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). It is also a representative union; Christ died and lives for us (Romans 6:5-11). To be clothed with Christ implies both that His righteousness is our covering and that we are a new creation in Christ (Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).”
God the Father chose to do this. Why? The answer is found in the latter portion of Ephesians 1:5; “…according to the purpose of his will.” God the Father was pleased to adopt sinners by His grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. It was His intended and purposeful pleasure. That is pretty amazing.
Since it pleased God to choose us unto salvation, may today we seek to please Him by choosing to live a holy and blameless life. Have a blessed day.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 