God's Predestined Adoption: Grace and Glory Revealed

In love, God predestined us for adoption, a profound truth that reveals the depth of His eternal plan. This adoption was not an afterthought or a response to human sinfulness; rather, it was part of God's predestined plan from before the foundation of the world. Before we existed, God chose us to be holy and blameless, looking upon us in our sin and upon His crucified and risen Son. Through Jesus, all believers are destined to be forgiven and adopted into God's family. This adoption is not based on our worth or actions, making it unshakable and as firm as God's eternal purposes.

Adoption is from God, through Jesus Christ, and unto His glory. It is through Jesus that we are welcomed into God's family, as His death satisfied God's justice and removed His wrath, allowing us to be dealt with mercifully. This means that not all people are children of God in the salvific sense; it is through faith in Jesus that we become part of His family. God did not choose us because we were lovable or deserving; He chose us despite our rebellion and sinfulness. This highlights the wonder of the gospel and the cross, where God's mercy and love are displayed.

The ultimate goal of our adoption is the praise of God's glorious grace. God did not choose us for our cuteness or worthiness but to showcase His grace. This God-centered adoption might seem self-exalting, but it is the most loving act because God's glory is the ultimate reality for us to see, enjoy, and be satisfied by. By exalting Himself, God provides us with the greatest joy, as our happiness is found in praising His grace. In this divine plan, God receives the glory, and we receive the joy, creating a perfect harmony of divine love and human fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Eternal Plan of Adoption: Our adoption into God's family was predestined before the foundation of the world, highlighting the eternal nature of God's plan. This adoption is not based on our actions or worth, making it firm and unshakable. [00:47]
• 2. Adoption Through Christ: It is through Jesus Christ that we are adopted, as His sacrifice satisfied God's justice and removed His wrath. This means that not all are children of God in the salvific sense; it is through faith in Jesus that we are welcomed into His family. [04:00]
• 3. God's Choice of the Unworthy: God did not choose us because we were lovable or deserving; He chose us despite our rebellion and sinfulness. This highlights the wonder of the gospel and the cross, where God's mercy and love are displayed. [06:19]
• 4. Purpose of Adoption: The ultimate goal of our adoption is the praise of God's glorious grace. God chose us to showcase His grace, not because of our worthiness, but to highlight His mercy and love. [08:10]
• 5. God-Centered Adoption: God's self-exaltation in adoption is the most loving act, as His glory is the ultimate reality for us to enjoy. By exalting Himself, God provides us with the greatest joy, as our happiness is found in praising His grace. [10:43]
  ** [10:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:23] - God's Predestined Plan
• [00:47] - Chosen Before Creation
• [01:18] - Forgiveness and Adoption
• [01:50] - Implications of Adoption
• [02:16] - Firmness of Adoption
• [03:04] - Adoption Through Christ
• [03:32] - Purpose of Jesus' Sacrifice
• [04:48] - Children of God
• [05:15] - Defining God's Children
• [06:19] - God's Choice of Enemies
• [07:01] - The Wonder of the Gospel
• [08:10] - Purpose of Adoption
• [09:32] - God's Self-Exaltation
• [10:43] - God-Centered Love

1. Ephesians 1:4-6 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
2. Romans 3:25 - "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished."

1. According to Ephesians 1:4-6, when did God choose us for adoption, and what was the purpose of this choice? [00:47]
2. How does the sermon describe the basis of our adoption into God's family? [02:16]
3. What role does Jesus Christ play in our adoption according to the sermon? [04:00]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of not all people being children of God in the salvific sense? [05:15]

1. What does it mean for our adoption to be "predestined" before the foundation of the world, and how does this impact our understanding of God's eternal plan? [00:47]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in relation to our adoption into God's family? [04:00]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's choice of us, despite our unworthiness, highlights the wonder of the gospel? [06:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the ultimate goal of our adoption, and why is it significant for our understanding of God's grace? [08:10]

1. Reflect on the idea that God chose you for adoption before the foundation of the world. How does this truth affect your sense of identity and purpose? [00:47]
2. The sermon emphasizes that our adoption is not based on our worth or actions. How can this understanding influence the way you view yourself and others in your daily life? [02:16]
3. Considering that our adoption is through Jesus Christ, how can you deepen your faith and reliance on Him in your spiritual journey? [04:00]
4. The sermon mentions that God chose us despite our rebellion and sinfulness. How can this perspective change the way you approach forgiveness and grace in your relationships? [06:19]
5. The ultimate goal of our adoption is to praise God's glorious grace. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this purpose into your worship and daily activities? [08:10]
6. How can you find joy in exalting God's glory, as described in the sermon, and what steps can you take to make this a more central part of your life? [10:43]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's self-exaltation is the most loving act. How can this understanding shape your view of God's actions and your response to His love? [10:43]