Ephesians 1:11-12 11In him we have been given an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Paul returns to the earlier theme of predestined to adoption from v. 5 with the use of the word appointed. This word is variously translated as chosen, selected by lot, or obtain a portion. In this passage, some translations take it as “inheritance,” which is what we receive as sons and daughter of God the Father. This inheritance is assumed in all the descriptions of the benefits of being “in Christ”: spiritual blessings, holiness, love, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, unity of all things, to God’s praise and glory, salvation, and Holy Spirit. Basically, what receive from God is salvation that we begin to experience in this life through the Holy Spirit who is the downpayment and guarantee of what is to come in resurrection eternity.
We were predestined for this salvation. As Paul already stated in v. 4, this plan was predetermined before the foundation of the world. God had the plan for how humanity would be saved before he ever spoke the words of creative power. All who believe become part of this plan. Those who reject Christ reject the plan and will not receive the inheritance. There is no basis in this verse for a doctrine of predestination of individuals. Paul is being inclusive here of all who believe. This is a matter of grace. The plan was predestined. God is gracious to offer salvation to the whole world.
The last clause in v. 11 proclaims God’s sovereignty. He will work all things out according to his will. This is a difficult statement to understand because it is so broad and inclusive. Nothing is left out with the word “all things.” When read in the whole context of the Bible, these verses cannot support a form of universalism. God gives people the opportunity to choose their destinies in faith and love. Love is always a free choice, otherwise it is not love. What this clause does show is that God is ultimately in control and his wisdom in this plan is beyond our understanding. We can never reach the depth of the grace of being “in Christ.” This statement also should give confidence and hope to believers, especially those going through trials. If we trust in Jesus and we have given our lives totally over to him, then we can be assured that God will work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). If we follow God’s will, particularly walk in the love of the Holy Spirit, we have a sure and immovable foundation for hope.
Verse 12 expresses the purpose and reason for our predestination for adoption in the form of an infinitive of purpose clause. The purpose and outcome of our adoption as children of God is to give praise for God’s glory. The challenging word in this verse is the substantival perfect active participle meaning “we who have hoped beforehand.” It expresses the longing Paul had that was fulfilled when he came to believe in Jesus Christ. Paul once had hope in the law and self-righteousness, but this was replaced by the experience of God’s grace when Paul puts his faith in Christ. The perfect tense implies that this hope has continued. He implies the Ephesians and all who believe share in this hope. We who believe can step back and see the wisdom and logic of God’s plan which reveals his glory. We should be full of praise and thankfulness for what God in Christ has done for us.
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