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!
by keri payne 