11” In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11–12 (ESV)
Why did God do all the things which the Apostle Paul chronicles in Ephesians 1:1-11? There must be some reason for Him choosing, predestinating, adopting, redeeming, gracing, forgiving, uniting and establishing an inheritance on behalf of sinners? If so, what was/is the reason?
The answer to that question is found Ephesians 1:12: “…so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
The words so that (εἰς; eis) is a preposition indicating a purpose clause. God’s purpose involves those who are delivered from the penalty, power and eventual presence of sin. This is indicated by the personal pronoun we.
God’s purpose in salvation is that those who were the first to hope, or have absolute confidence, in the person and work of Jesus Christ would eternally praise Him. This applies to believers today.
Believers are to praise God, not only for who He is, but also for what He has done. In other words, God alone is to be praised and honored because He not only delivered us from the ravages of sin, but also because He is personally worthy of such praise and honor.
Charles Hodge writes, “We (believers) should be the means of causing His divine majesty or excellence to be praised.”
Dr. John MacArthur writes, “God’s glory is the supreme purpose of redemption (cf. vv. 6, 14).”
Let us take every opportunity to praise the Lord today. Have a blessed one.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 