God's Eternal Plan: Blessings of Election, Adoption, and Redemption

 

Summary

Ephesians 1 is a profound passage that unveils the mystery of God's eternal plan, a plan that has been in place since before the foundation of the world. This plan is not a fleeting or uncertain thing but a definite and sure purpose that God has set forth. As believers, we are part of this grand design, chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless, adopted as sons, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. This passage is a theological symphony, much like the opening chords of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, pouring out the massive privileges that are ours in the gospel.

The first blessing we encounter is election. God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, a choice that is part of His sovereign and unhindered plan. This choice is not about human autonomy or free will but about God's will and purpose. We are dead in our trespasses and sins, unable to respond to God on our own. It is only through His sovereign grace that we are made alive in Christ.

The second blessing is adoption. Through Christ, we are adopted as sons, receiving an inheritance that only sons would receive in the first century. This adoption is a beautiful picture of our relationship with God, where we can call Him "Abba, Father," and know that we are loved and cherished by Him.

Redemption is the third blessing. Through the blood of Christ, we have been redeemed, set free from the bondage of sin. This redemption is a costly one, requiring the shedding of Christ's blood to satisfy divine justice. It is through this sacrifice that we are reconciled to God and made part of His family.

The fourth blessing is the illumination of Christ. We have been made privy to the mystery of God's will, a plan to unite all things in Christ. This plan is vast and encompasses the restoration of all creation, bringing unity and peace where there was once division and strife.

Finally, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, the guarantee of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is the down payment, assuring us that God's promises will be fulfilled. This seal is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the certainty of our salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- Election and Sovereignty: God's choice of us in Christ before the foundation of the world is a testament to His sovereign will and purpose. It is not about human autonomy but about God's grace and mercy, choosing us despite our inability to respond to Him on our own. This understanding should lead us to humility and gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is entirely due to God's initiative and love. [17:14]

- Adoption and Inheritance: Through Christ, we are adopted as sons, receiving an inheritance that is eternal and secure. This adoption is a profound expression of God's love, allowing us to call Him "Abba, Father," and to know that we are cherished and valued by Him. It is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the privileges that come with being part of God's family. [29:58]

- Redemption and Sacrifice: The redemption we have in Christ is a costly one, requiring the shedding of His blood to satisfy divine justice. This sacrifice is a powerful demonstration of God's love and commitment to us, setting us free from the bondage of sin and reconciling us to Himself. It calls us to live in gratitude and obedience, honoring the One who gave His life for us. [38:01]

- Illumination and Unity: We have been given insight into the mystery of God's will, a plan to unite all things in Christ. This plan is vast and encompasses the restoration of all creation, bringing unity and peace where there was once division and strife. It challenges us to be agents of reconciliation and unity, reflecting the heart of God in our relationships and communities. [41:15]

- Sealing and Assurance: The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee of our inheritance, assuring us of the certainty of God's promises. This seal is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the security of our salvation, encouraging us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [47:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to Ephesians 1
- [01:18] - Greeting and Blessings
- [02:08] - Chosen and Predestined
- [03:16] - Sealed with the Holy Spirit
- [04:13] - The Mystery Revealed
- [05:23] - God's Eternal Plan
- [06:21] - The Dance of the Trinity
- [07:22] - From Eternity to Eternity
- [08:28] - Theological Symphony
- [10:19] - The Need for Ephesians
- [12:20] - Blessings in Christ
- [14:43] - Uniting All Things
- [16:22] - Five Blessings Overview
- [17:14] - Election and Purpose
- [29:58] - Adoption as Sons
- [38:01] - Redemption Through Blood
- [41:15] - Illumination of Christ
- [47:54] - Sealed with the Holy Spirit
- [50:24] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ephesians 1

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:1-14

Observation Questions:
1. What are the spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1:3-14, and how are they described in the passage? [01:36]
2. How does Paul describe the concept of being "chosen in Christ" before the foundation of the world? [17:14]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of believers according to Ephesians 1:13-14? [03:16]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of adoption as sons through Jesus Christ? [29:58]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for believers to be "holy and blameless" before God, and how does this relate to being chosen in Christ? [01:53]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of being adopted as sons and receiving an inheritance in the context of first-century culture? [30:30]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding God's eternal plan should impact a believer's sense of identity and purpose? [05:00]
4. How does the concept of redemption through Christ's blood challenge or affirm your understanding of divine justice and grace? [38:01]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of being chosen by God before the foundation of the world. How does this truth affect your view of your own worth and purpose? [17:14]
2. The sermon describes adoption as a profound expression of God's love. How can you embrace and live out your identity as a child of God in your daily life? [29:58]
3. Redemption is described as a costly sacrifice. In what ways can you live a life of gratitude and obedience in response to Christ's sacrifice? [38:01]
4. The sermon speaks of the mystery of God's will to unite all things in Christ. How can you be an agent of reconciliation and unity in your relationships and community? [41:15]
5. The Holy Spirit is described as the seal and guarantee of our inheritance. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in your life? [47:54]
6. Consider the sermon’s emphasis on God’s eternal plan. How can this perspective help you navigate current challenges or uncertainties in your life? [05:23]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of seeing oneself as part of a larger plan. How can you contribute to the mission of the church and the broader body of Christ? [10:52]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereign Choice and Our Humble Response
God's choice of us in Christ before the foundation of the world is a profound testament to His sovereign will and purpose. This choice is not based on human autonomy or merit but solely on God's grace and mercy. As humans, we are inherently unable to respond to God due to our sinful nature. It is only through His sovereign grace that we are made alive in Christ. This understanding should lead us to a place of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is entirely due to God's initiative and love. We are called to respond to this grace with a heart full of thankfulness and a life that reflects His glory. [17:14]

Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude today for God's sovereign choice and grace in your life?


Day 2: Adoption into God's Family
Through Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters, receiving an inheritance that is eternal and secure. This adoption is a profound expression of God's love, allowing us to call Him "Abba, Father," and to know that we are cherished and valued by Him. It is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the privileges that come with being part of God's family. This new identity should transform how we view ourselves and others, encouraging us to live in a way that honors our heavenly Father and reflects His love to the world. [29:58]

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV): "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted into God's family change the way you view your identity and purpose today?


Day 3: The Cost of Redemption
The redemption we have in Christ is a costly one, requiring the shedding of His blood to satisfy divine justice. This sacrifice is a powerful demonstration of God's love and commitment to us, setting us free from the bondage of sin and reconciling us to Himself. It calls us to live in gratitude and obedience, honoring the One who gave His life for us. Understanding the depth of this sacrifice should inspire us to live lives that are worthy of the calling we have received, continually seeking to align our actions with His will. [38:01]

1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can honor Christ's sacrifice in your daily life today?


Day 4: Illuminated by God's Plan
We have been given insight into the mystery of God's will, a plan to unite all things in Christ. This plan is vast and encompasses the restoration of all creation, bringing unity and peace where there was once division and strife. As believers, we are called to be agents of reconciliation and unity, reflecting the heart of God in our relationships and communities. This understanding challenges us to actively participate in God's redemptive work, seeking to bring His peace and unity to a broken world. [41:15]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How can you be an agent of reconciliation and unity in your community today?


Day 5: Sealed with the Spirit's Assurance
The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee of our inheritance, assuring us of the certainty of God's promises. This seal is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the security of our salvation, encouraging us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a constant source of comfort and strength, empowering us to live out our faith boldly and with assurance. [47:54]

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the assurance and strength of the Holy Spirit today?

Quotes


We have been made privy to a secret from the dawn of time. When you and I become Christians, when you and I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, when we are quickened and regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit and we come to rest in Christ and in Christ alone for our Salvation, when the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within us as the Seal of God, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God and if children, heirs, Heirs of God and Joint heirs with Jesus Christ, we are shown part of a mystery. [00:04:28]

We are what we are today in Jesus Christ because God has a plan. It's not something uncertain, it's not something wistful, it's not some fleeting thing. It is a sure thing, a definite thing that goes back into eternity before Mount Rainier in all of its Splendor and Glory today, before there was a creation, when there was only God in three persons, in communion with himself within himself, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. [00:05:17]

There was a plan, there was a purpose, there was a will, there was a resolve, and the astonishing thing, a wonderful thing, is that this afternoon as we come apart from all of the things that concern us, all of the family things, work things, the things that concern CNN or Fox News or whatever, put all that behind you for these few days together and remind yourself you have been made privy to part of God's Eternal plan and purpose. [00:06:21]

When Paul talks about chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the world, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, what about Free Will and what about Justice? Those are two questions that arise whenever you think about the issue of election or predestination or God's choice chosen in him. What about free will? Whose Free Will are you talking about? [00:20:43]

Are you talking about the Free Will of somebody who's dead in trespasses and in sins? Are you talking about the Free Will of someone who has no ability, no ability to Breathe, No ability to think, no ability to move, no ability in respiration, no ability in terms of responding to any outside stimulus whatsoever? What are you talking about the Free Will of a sovereign omnipotent God who holds the world in the palms of his hands and none can say to him what are you doing? [00:21:57]

When I was converted and I wasn't raised in a Christian home and didn't possess a Bible, my prayer, 1971, 45 years ago now, was Lord, if you're there, if you exist, save me. It wasn't terribly theological, it was a cry of desperation, and the experience of overwhelming Sovereign omnipotent Grace, and light began to shine not literally, but in my mind and in my heart and in my affections. [00:28:07]

I began to see things and understand things and comprehend things and love things and respond to things and it was all of him. I was born from above, I was born by the omnipotent Sovereign power of God and I realized that that Sovereign omnipotent power of God was something that had been planned and purposed from all eternity, and that's the first blessing that Paul speaks of. [00:28:40]

Adoption is just a paragraph at the end of justification, and here it is in Paul in this incredible lengthy sentence of the Apostle Paul. It's one of the great blessings. The third one is in verse seven, Redemption. In him we have Redemption through his blood, one of the great biblical words for the atonement, what it is that Jesus has accomplished. [00:36:47]

In other words would be words like reconciliation, other words would be non-biblical words but drawn from ideas and concept in the Bible like substitution and satisfaction, satisfying Divine Justice, and here's this word Redemption from the marketplace, a word that conveys the idea that we have been purchased, that payment has been made to set us free. [00:37:54]

Making known to us the mystery of his will according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things in Earth, one of the great blessings of the Gospel. We've been made privy to a plan, to a purpose, and part of that purpose, the great central part of that purpose is that God is going to unite all things in Jesus Christ. [00:40:48]

We are sealed. In him also we are sealed, we've obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will so that we who are the first to Hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of Truth The Gospel of your salvation and believed in him, was sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. [00:47:54]

God has given us a seal, a guarantee that everything that's part of this plan and purpose will be done, and that seal is the Holy Spirit. What an extraordinary, what a wonderful thing it is to be a Christian, chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the world, and nothing and no one can separate us from his love. [00:49:58]

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Transcript
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