We Are Predestined

Ephesians 1:4–6 (NASB95)

In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

The second spiritual blessing I want each of us to be acquainted with, is the fact that “We Are Predestined”.

GOD Predestined Us

First, better understand the meaning and scope of predestined. The basic meaning is to “mark off the boundary ahead of time”. Another way to put it is to determine the time, course and outcome beforehand. It is more than just knowing, it’s determining what’s going to happen.

Common question: If GOD predetermines or predestines, doesn’t that take away our free will as humans? Absolutely not. Whatever you decide to do, is certainly your decision. But it occurs with or in accordance with God’s predetermined plan.

Example 1: Acts 4:28 - Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and peoples from Israel in their personal decision to crucify Jesus, was playing out what GOD had predetermined to occur.

Example 2: Gen 50:20 - Joseph’s brothers committed evil, from their jealousy, not God’s. After seeing how all turned out, Joseph recognized his brothers planned evil, but GOD intended it for good!!

GOD Predestined Us to be Adopted

What was/is the purpose of God’s predestination or predetermination in our lives? To be adopted as his children.

Application: If you are in Christ, GOD determined that you would be his adopted child. Not, you nor I am his child just because we say it. This is a divine act. Just as in human relations, the parent has to accept a child. This is based on God’s determination.

Benefits of an adopted Child

Enjoy the rights of a child, although we aren’t biological. 1 John 3:1, look at how much God loved us that we should even be called the children of GOD. Ro 8:14-16 “14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,” - Abba signifies a close relationship of a child.

Example: Talking to my father or grandfather, it’s a general “what’s up pops, or what up pop?” But I can remember going hunting about 12 or 13, and my grandfather was teaching me how to navigate the woods alone, and he put some distance between us where I couldn’t see him. I was trying to be courageous, but fear overwhelmed me, and I started yelling out “Paw paw!!!”

GOD Wanted Us

Some might wonder, why would GOD determine beforehand to adopt a bunch of heathens out of the world? The Spirit answers, because he wanted to, and what he wants to do is a joyful thing.

Application: I’m glad that in my adoption, GOD actually wants me. It’s a sad case for adopted kids to be with an adopted parent that acts like they don’t want them.

GOD Predestined Us to Praise His Grace

What’s also sad is for an adopted child to act like they don’t recognize the blessing of being adopted! Also part of God’s purpose in predetermining we would be his children, is to motion and move us toward praising how magnificent his grace is!

Application: It is amazing that all through these series, we keep seeing praise come up. That’s because to live a truly blessed life, praise is always in the vicinity!! Why? Because I can’t go a day or hour not thinking about that level of favor he has blessed us with in Christ.

GOD says the same about Israel in Is 43