“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
(Ephesians 1:5)
The entire work and plan for our redemption… from beginning to end… is the result of an outpouring of God’s grace. Paul tells the Ephesian believers that they were “predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ,” and that this was according to the good pleasure of God’s will. This means that the work of salvation began in the will of God before time began and was carried out in time by Jesus Christ.
The recovery of sinners from sin and death to righteousness and life is entirely of grace. The redemption Christ purchased for us—salvation through His blood—is of grace. Forgiveness of sins is according to the riches of His grace. God did not redeem sinners because we were honorable or worthy but because He was gracious.
Conviction of sin is also of grace. A person does not naturally see his sin as he should. God must open his eyes to his misery and his need of Christ, which means conversion is of grace. Whether it is called regeneration, repentance, or calling, it is the work of God. God gives repentance. God gives a new heart. God calls a person out of darkness into light.[1]
The adoption Paul speaks of in this passage is of grace. God did not have to make sinners His children, but He chose to do so through Jesus Christ. Our justification is also of grace… as is our sanctification. God is actively at work in His people to change them and make them more holy. And finally, glorification is of grace. Eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ.
So from beginning to end, redemption is all of grace. It was planned by grace, purchased by grace, applied by grace, and completed by grace. Even the faith by which a person believes is the gift of God.
This is why no one can boast. No one can say that he had a part in his own salvation, that he changed himself or made himself worthy. Salvation is of the Lord so all the glory should go to God. “He that glories, let him glory in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17).
God chose us, He redeemed us, He called us, He justified us, He sanctified us, and He will glorify us. Every step of salvation shows the riches of His grace. And adoption especially shows the love of God, because He did not only forgive sinners, He made them His children.
To be adopted by God means that God becomes our Father, that we become His children, that we are brought into His family, that we have a right to His promises, and that we will live with Him forever. And all of this is according to the good pleasure of His will.
Therefore, let us worship and adore our God for His work of salvation, an expression of His grace from beginning to end, so that all the glory might belong to Him alone.
Contemplations:
- Grace Planned My Salvation. Lord, when I consider that my salvation began in Your will before the world began, my heart is humbled. You chose Your people in Christ before the foundation of the world. My salvation was not an accident, nor a last-minute decision, but an eternal purpose that rests in Your unchanging will. Let me draw comfort in this truth and give You the glory for such overwhelming grace.
- Grace Purchased My Salvation. Father, when I consider redemption through the blood of Christ, I see the greatness of Your grace. Salvation was purchased by the suffering and death of Your Son. My sins were many, yet He paid for them. My guilt was great, yet His blood was sufficient. Let me never think lightly of redemption, but rather see in the cross the riches of Your grace and the greatness of Christ’s love.
- Grace Works in My Life Now. Lord, I realize that grace is not only something that began my salvation, but that continues in my life. It is by grace that I am convicted of my sin, by grace that I repent, by grace that I believe, and by grace that I grow. Every good desire, every good work, and every step of obedience comes from Your grace working in me. Let me never forget that my sufficiency is from You.
- Grace Will Bring Me Home. Father, I am comforted to know that the same grace that planned my salvation and began my salvation will also complete my salvation. You will not abandon the work of Your hands. You will sanctify Your people and bring them to glory. Eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let me live in hope and gratitude, knowing that Your grace will bring me safely home.
Prayer (Adoration)
Gracious Father, when I consider Your work of salvation, I see that it is all of grace. You purposed salvation before the world began, You sent Your Son to redeem sinners, You send Your Spirit to call and renew, and You will bring Your people to glory. From beginning to end, salvation is Your work.
You show mercy to those who are guilty, give life to those who are dead in sin, and extend adoption to those who are strangers. You bring sinners into Your family, call them Your children, and give them eternal life through Christ and an inheritance in Your kingdom. And all because You are exceedingly gracious and merciful.
You not only provide redemption; You also apply it. You open blind eyes, soften hard hearts, and lead sinners to Christ. You continue to work in Your people, correcting them, teaching them, and sanctifying them. Even when they are weak, Your grace is sufficient for them.
You also promised that You will finish what You have begun. Those whom You called, You will glorify. Those whom You adopted, You will bring home. Your purpose will stand, Your promises will not fail, and Your grace will not be withdrawn from Your people.
Therefore all glory belongs to You. No man can boast, because salvation is not of works, but of grace. Let my heart honor You, let my life serve You, and let my mouth praise You, because You are the God of all grace who has saved sinners through Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References for Eph. 1:5:
Rom. 8:29-30; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:11; Gal. 3:26
[1] Francis Roberts, Mysterium & Medulla Bibliorum the Mystery and Marrow of the Bible, (London: R.W. for George Calvert, 1657), 107-108.
