Tag: Ephesians 1:11

God says I am predestined…

bykeripayne

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: Ephesians 1:11

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:29

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:30

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Eph 1:5

There is a lot of debate and looming questions on what does it truly mean to be predestinated. Our first reaction is to ask the question, “Did God choose who was going to accept Him before the world, or do I truly have a free choice?” The question leaves our hearts open with so much doubt and unanswered certainty about the character of God. So, today lets make it very clear on what it means to be predestined.

To be predestined means to be chosen before hand. Yes, this part is true, but we we often miss is the context in how the word is uses. As you look at the verses above you will find the word predestined always follows with an explanation of what is predestined. Let’s see what those things are.

As we have been studying Ephesians, we know it is a love letter to us from the Lord. The whole theme of Ephesians is God telling us How He sees us and the status of our person before, and after we accept Him. What our lives will look like with Him, and gifts He has bestowed upon us to enhance our lives and His kingdom. It’s a whole context, a whole theme that gets overlooked, but is necessary when we are looking at these verses. These verses are not about a one time event. They are about a preplanned, life saving plan, the God of all creation put in place before we were created. Carefully thought out plan of love and care.

Ephesians 1:11 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: Before we were created God planned that whosoever chose Him, would have an inheritance. He preplanned an inheritance for those who believe in Him. That inheritance not only is bestowed upon us in Heaven, but also here on earth as well. Read the blog, “God says I am an heir” for more details.

Roman 8:29 He also predestinated us to be conformed to the image of His Son. So before God created us, he made a plan that once we accept Him of our own free will, we will be conformed to the image of His Son. Meaning we would be like Jesus. Free from sin, blameless, spotless, and free from the punishment of our sinful state we are born into. We are elevated to being equal with Jesus.

Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Before we were created, He also decided that He would place a calling within each of us. Not just a purpose for living, but this particular verse tells us that He would make a point to reach out to us no matter what. No matter who you are, what you were born into, what your circumstance, struggles, or desires. He was going to call out to you and give you the opportunity to accept Him for who He is. He predestined a 2-way plan. A plan for you to have free choice, and a plan for Him to reach out to you and give you the opportunity no matter your life circumstance. With that plan, he also implemented that if you chose Him, he would seal you with justification, which means to render you righteous. Righteous just by accepting and believing in Him. With righteousness comes glorification. Glorification meaning to cause the dignity and worth of some person or thing to become manifest and acknowledged.

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Along with the plan to have us become on the same level as Jesus, God also planned that we would be adopted into His family as a son or daughter to Him. He preplanned for those who choose him to be a part of His family and share in the inheritance of His legacy and Kingdom. Read the Blog, “God says I am Adopted” for more details.

But it doesn’t stop there! The one thing these amazing verses have in common is not that God preplanned for this to happen for those who believe in Him. He preplanned it all so there would be no bias, no favorites, no work, no servant hood, no strings attached. This plan is free and given to anyone who wants it! Free to choose, free to obtain, and free to experience. It is fair! A true character of God put in place from the beginning so that we could know that He is a fair God. So, we could put trust in Him and the character of who He is! A foundation and truth to stand on like a rock that will not waiver. So, as you go through your day today. Soak all these truths in, but most importantly soak in the character of who God is. He has an amazing plan put in place so you know that you are loved and chosen for who you are, and that He wants you no matter what!

God says I am an heir…

bykeripayne

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: 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, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11, 13, 17

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17


To inherit and be an heir. To allot and assign. A recipient, a successor, a beneficiary. These words hold the promise of something to come. Something that will be given.

As an earthly child it means to be given of earthly things, material objects. Given wealth of assets and money. Given of title and position in the family line. These things also hold the promise of something negative. Promises of not being acknowledged at ones passing, as one not worthy of love or acceptance. Left out and not deserving of another’s wealth that would help with financial burdens. Being disregarded like a servant and not counted as one of the family or someone respected and loved. Living under a love that has conditions in order to receive.

Yet, with God we have an inheritance that has no conditions. It is one that is less traditional and full of hope and promise. Promises that have no negative sides. Most exciting is the promise of 2 types of inheritance. Things we obtain when we finish our course and meet the Lord face to face; but also things we will inherit here on earth as believers in God. These things are not material, but spiritual that can affect our lives positively in emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical ways. What a great God we serve! So, what are these things you ask, and how does God see us when we inherit his valuable assets.

God sees us as joint heirs with His son. He sees us as the promised heir. Promises that he guarantees because of His love, fairness, and truth. An inheritance in heavenly places includes Promises of a mansion in heaven that Jesus is preparing for us (John 14:16-18). Promise of reunion with saved loved ones we have already lost from this world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Promise of a life in heaven with no more tears, suffering, or sorrow (Revelations 21:4). Promise of a life in heaven with Him. Promises of rewards for our growth in knowing him and acting it out (Matthew 6:19-20). An inheritance of protection from hell as an eternal resting place. Then he gives us an inheritance as believers on earth. Not that we deserve it, but because of His love for us! He Promises we will have Him, God, as our counselor (Hebrews 6:17). Promise that he will never leave us or forsake us. Promise we can find refuge and strength in Him (Psalm 91). He gave us the seal and promise of the comforter the Holy Spirit( John 14:16-18). He promised to listen to our prayers and do what it best for us (John 14:12-15). He promised an agape love, like we have never known from anyone or anything in this world (John 3:16). He gave us his word, the Bible, as an inheritance to get to know Him better and to have a relationship with him (Psalm 119:105)!

God sees us as the promised heirs of all that he has made, all that he has designed, all that he has to give. It is ours and He can’t wait to share it all with us!