Paul tells the Ephesians to bless God. Why? Because, through the Lord Jesus Christ, He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that exists in the heavenly places. Then he says “just as”. He then points us to three fundamental truths about our relationship with God. He chose us, He predestined us, and He accepted us . God did it all through the person of Jesus Christ. It was done for the praise of the glory of His grace.
Chose
First we see that He has chosen us in Christ. Then we are told when He did so. It was long before any of us entered this world. It was before the foundation of the world. And, He had a specific purpose in mind. God wanted a people who were holy and without blame before Him in love. Long before God created mankind, He knew the cost. Father God knew He would ultimately be responsible for their being set apart for His purposes. He would also be responsible for their righteousness before Him. It would only come through the death and resurrection of His son.
Predestined
Next we are told that God predestined us to be adopted as His children. It could only happen through Jesus Christ. It was however according to the good pleasure of His will. He planned it to be this way. I like how Paul writes to the Galatians.
“But when the fullness of the time, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
God had it set out in His planner long before time even began.
Accepted
Finally, He made us accepted. Mankind’s disobedience created a schism between God and man. He is a Holy God. Therefore, very different from us. As a result, the schism made it impossible for God to accept us. Therefore, He made a way for us to be accepted. He accepted us in the Beloved. Remember when John baptized Jesus. God identified Jesus as His “Beloved Son” We are accepted in the Beloved. He did it for the praise of the glory of His grace. God’s grace, that favour we don’t deserve, is a glorious thing. One of His goals is that grace to be praised. He made us accepted so He could demonstrate His great and glorious grace.
Therefore, as a believer, should a thought enter, disguised as one of your own, questioning your identity, declare to that voice. I am chosen in Christ Jesus, God predestined me to be His child by Jesus Christ and He has accepted me in the Beloved. Thanks be to Jesus the Christ!
