Ephesians 1:5 (WEL) Having predestined [literally “decided beforehand”] us for adoption through Jesus Christ to Himself according to the kind pleasure of His will.
V5 Having predestined [literally “decided beforehand”] us for adoption through Jesus Christ to Himself according to the kind pleasure of His will
The Greek word predestined is G4309 προορίζω proorizō, which means (Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) “Proorizō describes the act of determining something in advance. In NT usage proorizō is attributed only to God, who aligns individuals and events with His purpose and His plan. Objects of the verb include the crucifixion, wisdom, and believers.”
How does God determine something in advance? He truly knows the future. He explains His foreknowledge as humans understand it; it is foresight, prescience, etc. It does not mean meticulous determinism. God has a blueprint from before creation.
What is His blueprint regarding this verse? It is for believers to be adopted into God’s family. God created people for fellowship. The Creator, Jesus, is seen coming to Adam and Eve as He was accustomed to do (Genesis 3:8), with Enoch (Genesis 5:22), Noah (Genesis 6:9), and many others. We see this fellowship in 1 John 1:3 as well.
God predestined believers (us) for adoption. The adoption is through Jesus Christ who has justified us. This is God’s will. He is pleased, happy to do this.
Adam Clarke:
Here the word is used to point out God’s fixed purpose or predetermination to bestow on the Gentiles the blessing of the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ, which adoption had been before granted to the Jewish people; and without circumcision, or any other Mosaic rite, to admit the Gentiles to all the privileges of his Church and people.
Warren W. Wiersbe:
Here we meet that misunderstood word predestination. This word, as it is used in the Bible, refers primarily to what God does for saved people. Nowhere in the Bible are we taught that people are predestined to hell, because this word refers only to God’s people. The word simply means “to ordain beforehand, to predetermine.” Election seems to refer to people, while predestination refers to purposes. The events connected with the crucifixion of Christ were predestined (Acts 4:25-28). God has predestined our adoption (Ephesians 1:5), and our conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29-30), as well as our future inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).
We learn:
- God predestinates to adoption. It is His plan for believers decided on before creation.
- These promises and actions are through the Lord Jesus, not through our efforts.
Questions:
- How to feel about being adopted by God?
- How does adoption affect you?