Salvation

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace – Ephesians 1:5-6

The salvation that is in Jesus Christ is predestinated. It is not an accident or a backup plan on God’s part. It is the choice of God to adopt children, by Jesus Christ and his work on the cross, to himself.

What a precious description of God’s gracious and purposeful and individual outreach to his people — it is the adoption of children. Making us his own forever, by choice and out of love. Nothing could be sweeter than to hear that God has chosen us and that he has permanently welcomed us into his family!

What directed this love, this choice? Not our good works or right decisions or family heritage. It was according to the good pleasure of his will that he chose a people to be adopted into his family. Not because of anything in us, but because of the goodness within himself, directed by his perfect will.

To what does all this tend? Not to the glory of man, as being worthy or lovable, but to the praise of the glory of his grace, that he would choose unworthy and powerless children to be saved.

God's predestinating and sovereign design for salvation was, like everything else that he does, ultimately for the good of his people and to the praise of his name. This adoption gives comfort to us, and it gives all the glory to God.