Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, I. THE BENEFIT ITSELF. "Having predestinated." 1. God first loves us to life before the means bringing us to life are decreed. 2. God has not only chosen some, but ordained effectual means to bring them to the end to which they are chosen. II. THE PERSONS WHO ARE PREDESTINATED. Those who have believed and are sanctified — of them we may say that they have been predestinated, and shall be glorified. A chain of four links, two of which are kept with God in heaven, and two let down to earth; this chain is so coupled, that whoever are within these mid]inks are within the two others also. How precious then is this faith which purifies the heart, and enables us even to read our names in God's register of life. III. THE THING TO WHICH GOD HAS PREDESTINATED US. "Unto the adoption of children." 1. The dignity of being sons of God. 2. The inheritance of light, or a Divine nature. 3. All the glory we look for in heaven is included. IV. THE CAUSE. "Through Jesus Christ." V. THE MANNER. "To Himself," i.e., "according to the good pleasure of His will." 1. Sending His Word. 2. Working by it with His Spirit. VI. THE END. "To the praise of the glory of His grace." (Paul Bayne.) Parallel Verses KJV: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, |
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