TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY
Ephesians 1:5-6
Introduction:
Theologians of great ability and unquestioned sincerity have argued the meaning of predestination for centuries. Since the question involves the eternal, inscrutable counsels of the infinite Creator, it is evidently impossible for finite humans to comprehend its full meaning. But we don’t have to understand it before we can rejoice in its truth.
I. TO THE PRAISE OF THE GLORY OF HIS GRACE
A. Who first trusted in Christ, v. 12, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.”
1. Chosen through belief of the truth, II Thessalonians 2:13, “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
2. In whom you trusted after hearing the truth, Ephesians 1:13, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
B. He has made us accepted in the beloved, v. 6.
1. To make known the riches of His grace, Romans 9:23-24, “And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24- Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?”
2. To show forth His praises, 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
C. We should live in such a manner that his rich grace might be magnified, and appear glorious to those about us, Ephesians 2:7, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
1. The design of His choice was that we should be holy, Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
2. It is God that MAKES us holy and not we ourselves, Ephesians 5:27, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
3. We are presented as BLAMELESS before the Lord by His grace, Philippians 2:15, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
D. By Faith in Christ God has chosen us to be His adopted sons, v. 5.
1. We have an inheritance as sons, v. 11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”
2. We are full-fledged sons, Galatians 4:4-7, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5- To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6- And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7- Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”