“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)
The believer’s inheritance is not a future hope resting on uncertain conditions, but a present possession grounded in the eternal purpose of God, for it is obtained in Christ alone. Outside of Him there is no portion, no claim, and no expectation of glory. All that the believer has, and all that the believer shall have, is secured in union with the Son.
This inheritance is not gained by effort, nor secured by merit, but granted according to divine predestination. Before time began, God determined the end of His people—their salvation, their conformity to Christ, and their everlasting glory. This purpose was not determined in response to anything in them, but arose from His own will. It does not depend on the creature, therefore, but rests wholly on the Creator.[1]
For if our inheritance depended on human strength, it would be lost. If it rested on human constancy, it would fail. But because it is rooted in the eternal counsel of God, it is fixed, secure, and unchanging. What God has purposed cannot be undone, and what He has promised cannot be revoked.
The apostle adds that God “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” This extends beyond salvation to every event in providence. There is nothing outside His ordering hand. Every circumstance, every trial, every mercy, every delay, every deliverance—all are governed by the same counsel that ordained the believer’s inheritance.
Thus we are not carried forward by accident, but guided by design. What appears confusing is ordered. What often feels uncertain is directed. What seems delayed is timed. Because all things are working together according to the counsel of His will.
Even our ability to believe the truth, receive and trust in Christ, are works of grace. They flow from the same divine purpose that secures our inheritance. Therefore, we give thanks not only for the end, but for the means, not only for the inheritance, but for the faith by which it is received, and not only for future glory, but for present grace.
The whole of salvation, from beginning to end, is ordered, accomplished, and applied by God. Our inheritance is therefore sure because the God who ordained it will complete it.
Contemplations:
- Thankful for an Inheritance Secured in Christ. Lord, I give thanks that my inheritance is not uncertain or distant, but secured in Christ. It does not rest on my strength, nor depend upon my worthiness, but is granted through union with Him. This gives stability to my hope and quietness to my heart. What You have laid up for Your people cannot be lost, diminished, or revoked. Let this truth deepen my gratitude and cause me to value more highly the portion I have in Christ.
- Thankful for God’s Eternal Purpose in Salvation. Father, I give thanks that my salvation is rooted in Your eternal purpose. Before I knew You, You had already set Your love upon me. Before I sought You, You had already determined my end. This removes all uncertainty and humbles all pride. It teaches me that grace is not an afterthought, but an eternal design. Let my heart continually bless You for a purpose that cannot change and a love that does not fade.
- Thankful That God Orders All Things for His People. Lord, I give thanks that You work all things after the counsel of Your will. Nothing in my life is outside Your design. What I understand and what I do not, what I welcome and what I resist, all fall under Your wise ordering. This gives meaning to every circumstance and comfort in every trial. Let me not murmur at what I do not comprehend, but give thanks that all things are governed by Your hand.
- Thankful for the Gift of True Faith in Its Fullness. Father, I give thanks that You have not only revealed truth to me, but enabled me to receive it. You have given me the faith to believe, the heart to embrace Christ, and the trust to rest on Him. These are not natural abilities, but Your gracious gifts. Left to myself, I would have remained in unbelief. Let me never take lightly what You have worked within me, but give thanks for every act of faith that joins me to Christ.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
Gracious and eternal God, thank You for granting me an inheritance in Christ, not according to my works but according to Your purpose. What You have prepared for Your people is sure and unchanging, grounded in Your will and secured by Your Son.
Thank You that this inheritance does not depend on my strength. If it did, it would be lost. If it relied on my constancy, it would fail. But because it is rooted in Your eternal counsel, it stands firm. You have purposed it, and You will bring it to pass.
Thank You for working all things according to Your will. Nothing in my life is outside Your control. Every event, both joyful and difficult, is ordered by Your wisdom. You guide, direct, and govern all things for the accomplishment of Your purpose.
I am grateful to You for the grace You have given in bringing me to believe. You opened my eyes to the truth of the gospel, inclined my heart to receive Christ, and taught me to rest on Him. Let me never take these gifts for granted, but continually bless You for them.
Forgive me for the times I have doubted, feared, or murmured. Forgive me for overlooking Your hand in my life and failing to give You thanks as I ought. Teach me to live in continual gratitude, recognizing Your work in all things.
As You have purposed my inheritance, so let my heart be set upon it. As You have given me Christ, so let me rest in Him more fully. As You have worked in me, so let me give thanks to You in all things.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Eph. 1:11:
Eph. 1:5; Heb. 6:17; Eph. 3:11; Rom. 8:29
[1] Thomas Manton, The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, vol. 21 (London: James Nisbet & Co., 1874), 213-214.
