Connect Acts 13:48 with Ephesians 1:4-5 on predestination and election. Key Passages • Acts 13:48: “When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” • Ephesians 1:4-5: “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Observations from Acts 13:48 • The verb “appointed” (Greek: tasso) is passive—God is the One doing the appointing. • The appointment is “for eternal life,” showing God’s prior determination of the outcome. • Belief follows the appointment; the text does not say appointment followed belief. • The immediate fruit is joyful praise, illustrating that election fuels worship, not lethargy. Observations from Ephesians 1:4-5 • Timing: “before the foundation of the world”—God’s choice predates creation. • Goal: “to be holy and blameless”—election includes both salvation and sanctification. • Motive: “In love” and “according to the good pleasure of His will”—divine affection and sovereignty, not human merit, drive predestination. • Result: “adoption as His sons”—election secures a family relationship with God. Shared Themes • Divine Initiative: God acts first (Acts 13:48, Ephesians 1:4-5; cf. John 6:37, 44). • Certainty of Outcome: God’s decree guarantees belief and adoption (Romans 8:29-30). • Purposeful Love: Predestination is rooted in love, not cold fatalism (2 Thessalonians 2:13). • Transformation: Election aims at holiness, not mere rescue from judgment (1 Peter 1:1-2). God’s Initiative, Human Response 1. God appoints (Acts 13:48). 2. People believe (same verse). 3. God’s eternal plan (Ephesians 1:4-5) ensures both steps occur in history. 4. The believer’s faith, therefore, is evidence of having been chosen (1 John 4:19). Harmony with the Broader Canon • Romans 9:11-16—God’s purpose stands “not by works but by Him who calls.” • Revelation 13:8—names written “from the foundation of the world.” • 2 Timothy 1:9—grace “given us in Christ Jesus before time began.” All reinforce that election is God-centered, eternal, and grace-driven. Implications for Believers Today • Assurance: Salvation rests on God’s unchangeable will, not fluctuating feelings. • Humility: No room for boasting (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). • Evangelism: The appointed will believe through the proclaimed word (Acts 18:10), so sharing the gospel is essential. • Holiness: Chosen “to be holy,” we actively pursue Christlike character (Philippians 2:12-13). • Worship: Like the Gentiles in Acts 13:48, election should ignite joyful praise. Living in Light of Election • Rest in the Father’s love that began before creation. • Rejoice that faith itself is a gift flowing from His sovereign appointment. • Respond by walking “worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1), confident that the One who chose you will also conform you to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). |
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