Ephesians 1:9-14 (WEL) He made known to us the mystery of his will, which he resolved to do in himself, according to his good pleasure. 10 With the view towards the plan for the completeness of times to gather all in Christ, both the things in heaven and the things on earth in him. 11 In whom also we obtained an inheritance, since we were predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 [To the end] that we, who first hoped in Christ, should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In whom you also trusted, after you had heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel concerning your salvation. In whom, after you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 14 Who is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
V9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, which he, in himself, planned beforehand to do, according to his kindness.
Expanding the idea would be, “He made known to us the mystery of his will. He decided to do his plan beforehand according to his good will.” God decided to do this before creation that Jesus would be the savior and that faith (believing God) and trust would be the means of bringing salvation into effect. It is not an abstract idea but is something we believers know in ourselves.
A mystery is not a puzzle to solve or unexplainable. It is something hidden, not known about completely or at all. When the time was proper, it was revealed. Jesus is the revealer by His life, teachings, and ministry including His sacrificial death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
V10 The plan had in view the completeness of times to gather all in Christ, both the things in heaven and the things on earth in him.
God’s plan was to gather all those who believe His Son, Jesus Christ, whether they are in heaven or on earth. He promised (John 14:1-4) and will fulfill (1 Thessalonians 4:13—18).
(KJV Word Study Bible Notes) The word [plan/dispensation] means “household management.” In ancient times, the word was often used to describe the work of a person who took care of all the financial affairs of a large household or business (Luke 16:1, 2). Paul was entrusted with the stewardship of God’s economy, to dispense the riches of Christ to God’s household and to preach the Good News (Ephesians 3:2–11). Paul uses this same word to describe God’s own administration or government of time (Ephesians 1:10).”
Guzik notes: “The idea behind the word dispensation also reflects a plan or a strategy. “The plan which the master of a family, or his steward, has established for the management of the family… it signifies, also, a plan for the management of any sort of business.” (Clarke)”
V11 In whom also we obtained an inheritance, since we were predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
I placed a relative clause “since we were predestined” for readability. Literally, it is “as we were predestined” or “having been predestined.”
God decided upon a plan, approved it, thus guaranteed that it would be done. Part of His plan is for Jews and Gentiles to be saved and receive an inheritance.
It was predestined for believers to receive an inheritance. He is also the source of our inheritance. We do not deserve any, but God is gracious and wants this to happen. Jesus is the heir; we are co-heirs (Hebrews 1:2 and Galatians 4:6-7).
The decision and plan for believers to have an inheritance was done before creation.
It was the work of God alone to have this wonderful plan.
Every plan, decision, rule, deed, etc., is according to God’s plan.
The counsel of His will refers to the Godhead, the Trinity, conferring together for this plan.
V12 [To the end] that we, who first hoped in Christ, should be to the praise of His glory.
When sinners believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it gives God great glory. Compare Luke 15:10).
V13 In whom you also trusted, after you had heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel concerning your salvation. In whom, after you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Trust is after they heard the Gospel, not before.
The Gospel is called the Word of Truth. It is the word of truth because Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), taught it.
After they believed and were regenerated, then they received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration is after hearing the Gospel and believing it.
The Holy Spirit is described as the Holy Spirit of promise, meaning the promised Holy Spirit (John 14:17, Galatians 4:6, and 1 John 4:4).
V14 Who is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
We do not have our inheritance now but will have it later. It is promised, and the down payment is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The redemption is complete after our resurrection body is received and our presence in heaven.
All of which God is to be praised, thanked, and spoken of.
We learn:
- About the term mystery and what it is in this passage.
- About the Gospel.
Questions:
- Have you believed the Word of Truth, the Gospel?
- Are you looking forward to your inheritance?