SERIES: CHOSEN

God’s purpose in Election

Outline:

I. Introduction

A. Paul’s Greetings (vv.1-2)

II. Chosen by God

A. God’s Work of Salvation (1:3-14)

God’s purpose in Election

B. Jesus Rule Over All Things (1:15-23)

Ephesians 1:4 NASB95

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

To be Holy - ἅγιος (hagios). adj. holy, set apart, consecrated, dedicated, saints. Refers to the quality of God who is transcendently distinctive, unique, majestic, perfect, and pure.

To be Blameless - ἄμωμος (amōmos). adj. unblemished, blameless. Refers to being without defect, either physically or morally.

NT passages portray Christ as an unblemished (amōmos) sacrifice (e.g., Heb 9:14). Other passages describe the Church or Christians as being made or kept amōmos (“unblemished, blameless”) through the work of Christ

Ephesians 5:27 NASB95

27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

Colossians 1:22 NASB95

22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—

Again, it may be that 1:4 describes the future of believers, as ones holy and blameless.

DIVINE ELECTION: Adoption to God’s family

Ephesians 1:5–6 NASB95

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.

Adoption is a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; with the adopted child being entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child (including the right to inherit).

Your Adoption to family is predetermined by God

Predestined - to determine something ahead of time or before it’s occurrence.

to choose or decide beforehand.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1

Paul wants believers to understand that salvation is the result of God’s purposes, which is independent of time, hostile forces, and personal achievement. Believers should not worry about spiritual powers and authorities, nor should they take credit for being chosen by God; rather, they should recognize God’s mercy and give Him praise.

example:

God determines who will be saved, and when that person be saved.

God determines which family you will belong to...

God determines which church you will belong to at certain period of time.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1

Adoption was a well-known legal procedure in the Roman Empire. It also is a common concept in the OT: God adopted Israel as His children when He delivered them from slavery in Egypt (Exod 4:22–23; Hos 11:1).

Your Adoption is for the glory of God grounded on love

Ephesians 1:5–6 NASB95

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.